2-Light Dash??

[wideglide38]

Morning all,
Are there any distinctive indicators/marks/etc. used to determine the difference between an OEM 2-Light dash vs. an aftermarket 2-light dash? Specifically for years '48-'58 (excluding the footshift models, '59-'61, with neutral indicator lamp)? I've read through Palmer's book and he provides great detail for all the various speedos; but, I must have missed the section on dashes (I saw the several photos with captions).
Thanks,
William

[Chris Haynes]

There is much more information and pictures in the new Palmer book that is due out next week. I took lots of dash pictures for the new issue.

[exeric]

The turquoise cover is genuine H-D, and the other is reproduction. The differences are very slight as the repro is not too bad. The quality of die work on all H-D stampings is top drawer American tool and die work and you can see the sharper, more defined quality when you have two covers side by side.

[wideglide38]

Thanks Chris. I already have my new book request in with Debbie Palmer now. She has advised me today another slight delay from the printer. Do you have any photos you can share. . . . I am looking for one on flea-bay now and prefer not scoring an aftermarket one. Thanks

[wideglide38]

The turquoise cover is genuine H-D, and the other is reproduction. The differences are very slight as the repro is not too bad. The quality of die work on all H-D stampings is top drawer American tool and die work and you can see the sharper, more defined quality when you have two covers side by side.

Thanks Eric! I assume the turquoise cover (in pics 1 & 2) is below the aftermarket cover and in the 3rd photo on the left - correct? The colors look pretty close on my screen. Thanks for your help.

[wideglide38]

Eric, I see the differences in the 1st two photos.; however, wanted to trouble you for another photo. I'd really appreciate it. Can you show both covers whole, side by side. I was looking at the notches/cutouts and I see the right side of the left cover and the left side of the right cover. Thanks again, William

[exeric]

I hope I've captured what you're looking for William. I took a better picture of the back end details.

[wideglide38]

Thank you Eric! That was a big help. I can see the difference now on the undersides. William

[vph-d]

Looking at the dash installed on a bike, it's easy to spot a fake. The fakes are more squat, flatter, and the edges of the cover have the wrong radius. However, there could be more than one maker of these covers, I don't know.
VPH-D