1949 FL Fork

[sswaney]

Is it known when, in the 1949 Model year the Fork Sliders changed from black painted to polished?
Searched around a bit but could find any information. I have a high number VIN 49 in the shop and it has the polished sliders fitted but is apparently an original low mile (32000K) machine.
Thanks

[duffeycycles]

According to Palmers,fork sliders were all black in '49.32K miles means nothing towards what is original

[1950Panhead]

Lots of 49's had the legs polished over the years per owner desire.
49 legs are sand cast, examine leg for sand cast marks in hidden areas.

[Rubone]

Do the legs have the original casting code numbers on them? They could be later legs swapped by the dealer or owner when polished type came out. They were a new feature for '50 and there is no proof of a late '49 year transition.

[duffeycycles]

'49 also had casting numbers...hidden under the cowbells

[Rubone]

'49 also had casting numbers...hidden under the cowbells

Those are the ones I was asking about, he says he has a '49. But if they aren't there they are '50 or later legs. And some are not under the cowbells but on the inside of the leg itself.

[T. Cotten]

I need a set myself, Folks!

....Cotten

[sswaney]

The bike in question is a very late production 49. Less than 200 units prior to the 13XXX number last 49 quoted in Palmer's.
It's got the cast numbers on the sliders but I believe that carried on at least into 1950 though by then they were polished. Very high up though and you can't see them when assembled.
I just assumed it was a running production change when the polished sliders came into use. They ran out of black painted at some point.
Interestinly it has the sand cast backing plate on it so I think that rules out a later dealer change out.
Sorry Tom, I can't help you on your need.