Frame ID?

[Bobber59]

Hello all,

Having a discussion related to the LEFT AXLE number/lettering on the early HD Wishbone frames. A 1948 BT frame has XE 7 followed by a hallmark and the number 8 at the LEFT AXLE PLATE. The 8 may be that frames DATE CODE (?)....

I was informed by an "old timer" (in the most respectable of moniker's!) that you can "date" a wishbone frame from these markings.

Can anybody add to this? Is this true? It would be most appreciated if anyone can contribute to this understanding. ANY INFO ON THIS?

Thank you in advance.

Jim

[Chris Haynes]

Hello all,

Having a discussion related to the LEFT AXLE number/lettering on the early HD Wishbone frames. A 1948 BT frame has XE 7 followed by a hallmark and the number 8 at the LEFT AXLE PLATE.

I was informed by an "old timer" (in the most respectable of moniker's!) that you can "date" a wishbone frame from these markings.

Can anybody add to this? Is this true? It would be most appreciated if anyone can contribute to this understanding.

Thank you in advance.

Jim

There are several different versions of the Wishbone frame. They are easy to decypher. Casting codes change often.
The '48 has perfectly round down tubes with no flats spots for horn mounts. Has "J" shaped, rather that the later "Wedge" shaped top motor mount and skinny front motor mount. Does not have hole drilled in the neck casting for Glide steering damper.

[Bobber59]

Thank you, Chris. A few years ago, I had 2 Wishbone frames. Other than the distinct frame identifications you speak of, an old timer I spoke to over the phone informed me that the axle codes also were identifying dating codes.

Like I said, I had 2 wishbone's at the time, BOTH with slighjtly different axle codes. He was able to pinpoint the date of my frame from those axle identification markings.

So, my question is: Can you ID a wishbones frame year from these axle codes alone? I appreciated your response Chris, and I'm looking for a specific answer to this question.

Jim

[Chris Haynes]

Thank you, Chris. A few years ago, I had 2 Wishbone frames. Other than the distinct frame identifications you speak of, an old timer I spoke to over the phone informed me that the axle codes also were identifying dating codes.

Like I said, I had 2 wishbone's at the time, BOTH with slighjtly different axle codes. He was able to pinpoint the date of my frame from those axle identification markings.

So, my question is: Can you ID a wishbones frame year from these axle codes alone? I appreciated your response Chris, and I'm looking for a specific answer to this question.

Jim

Specific answer is no. Those codes are tooling codes. Each set of tooling has its own mark. Parts from more that one set of tooling or dies were used in a years production. Same thing with Cycleray headlamp lens'. The number at the top of the lens is the number of the mold that lens was made in.