Judging manual

[DANPATCH]

Are there judging manuals available .That would tell what was correct on these old bikes

[Chris Haynes]

The judging handbook won't tell you what is correct for any bike.

[DANPATCH]

thanks for the reply

[redfred84]

The judging handbook won't tell you what is correct for any bike.

Spoken like a true Club promoter, and Senior Judge who is willing to lend a helping hand! C'mon Chris, it's obvious this guy is looking for a good reference source for his bike. I don't know my HDs, but I do know that there are many books out there on the subject, and one that is just about restoring HDs in this era.
True, the Judging Handbook is a general guide that is non-specific of any brands, as you so delicately stated; but Dan here needs some info on his Knuck. So, does anyone know of any good reference books, or specific copies of the Enthusiast, or any other literature that may help him learn what parts get parkerized, and which ones get painted black? If not, I'll have to convert him over to Indians, and show him the light!
RF.

[Chris Haynes]

Fred,
With a question dealing with "Old Bikes" am I supposed to be clairvoyant and know what bike he is dealing with? If he asks a specific question about a year, make, and model I would gladly share what information I have.
Don't lead him down the road to Indians. Anyway 99% of the Indians built are still on the road. Only 1% actually made it home.

[redfred84]

Well, it was under the Knucklehead Heading, and he did mention a series of years. But I do realize that things changed every 6 months in Milwalkee, just to keep up with the Chiefs.
Anyway, it turns out he is after the finish of what I think are the rocker tins; paint or Parkerizing? Hopefully we'll find out the year, and exactly which tins. Tins, OHV,: that stuff will never catch on.
Flat is where it's at, RF.

[DANPATCH]

any year from 1940-1947 . Thanks for the replies .Dan

[DANPATCH]

A lot of the Classic Car clubs have judging manuals that tell how things were done when the vehicle left the factory.I understand why nobody would want to write one because everybody would complain and criticize the manual instead of banding together and write the book. So many people criticize Palmers book but is by far the best and most complete book ever written on Harleys .Just imagine if we did not have it .Hats off to Bruce and all the people who helped him.Thanks Chris for your input on the book.

[Chris Haynes]

In this photo from 3/15/44 we can see that the lowers are painted black. The upper, the screw plate and the screws are all Parkerized.

[DANPATCH]

Thanks Chris . I have asked A lot of people and got mixed answers

[tomcat1]

Chris,

It also looks like in the picture that the oil lines are painted black. Is this correct? And if so, what years would it be correct for? I've got an early 47 EL.

[Chris Haynes]

Being as the oil lines are part of the bottom tin they would also be painted black.

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Dan, like Red Fred I think there is too much complexity in these newfangled overhead valve motors, and can't believe they'll ever catch on. However, if you should be foolish enough to become interested in such machines, then Bruce Palmer's book is extremely hard to beat. Once you've achieved a basic understanding, attend any AMCA meet where judging takes place and sign up as an Apprentice Judge. This costs nothing, and immediately puts you in touch with say the hundred top restorers/collectors/judges on the planet. You'll find most of these superheros are actually just obsessive and cranky old guys who are even prepared to share their knowledge with newbies such as yourself. For me, putting my accumulated knowledge back into the Club and helping younger enthusiasts is about as good as it gets.

[billpedalino]

VERY Well said, Steve....