Sportster Taillight

[billpedalino]

I'm restoring the first bike I owned; my 1964 XLCH. I gave the taillight assembly away when I was a kid and I'm now unsure about the differences between the early and late assemblies.

I have several taillight bodies in my inventory, but I'm not sure if any of them are correct. From what I've read, certain bodies. where the frosted white lookout lens mounts, have square corners and others have rounded corners. Also, I'm told that the markings on the bodies and lenses changed over the years.

Also, concerning the lenses, I need both. Which glass lenses (red and white) are correct for 1964? What markings should I be looking for? Currently I have Ted's (V-Twin) glass lenses mounted until I find OEM and I must say, they look pretty good for a temporary fix.

Please advise. Thanks!

[murph]

It should look like this, housing should say guide 55 along with a red plastic lens with guide 55 at the bottom. Outlook lens should be smooth like this one.

[Robert Luland]

The lens on a 64 will have SAE64 on it. This much harder to come by than the 55. I will post a picture when I get in to the shop in the morning. Bob L

[murph]

Sorry if I gave bad info on the lens, shows you what I know. I thought they were the same up to 67. Every day is an education.

[Robert Luland]

So did I until I fell on this one day. I have looked at Pans and Sporsters all over the place 64 and up and never seen another one. I come to think this is one rare puppy. Its not like Harley could get away with not using it. It was DOT mandated. Bob

[Chris Haynes]

Here it is.

[upsrod]

Isn't it SAE-ST on the left side?...Rod

[billpedalino]

Thanks to you all for the information. Looks like the glass lens will stay on for now until I find the correct p;astic lens with the '64' marking. Is there anything special about the lookout lens? Are the corners (squared or radiusd) the same on all bodies?

Bob - I missed you at Oley this year. Your info in the 64 marking was great, but disappointing.

Chris - you're alays the one with corect answers and God, how I wish I had your library of literature !! Phenominal....

[Chris Haynes]

Chris - you're alays the one with corect answers and God, how I wish I had your library of literature !! Phenominal....

All ya gotta do is spend lotsa money for paper. I'm just glad it isn't on German paper. Everybody knows how cheap I am.

[murph]

Old dude sells a nice guide 55 repro at a resonable cost, which looks spot on until you find a dot 64. It will look more stock then the glass lens.

[Robert Luland]

Well murph, the 55 stands. The 64 I have is after market. The numbers on the bottom are identical to the 55 but at the top in small letters it says SER-DO. When I’m looking for the after market one, I’m always looking for GB at the bottom. I didn’t even know there was another manufacture of these lenses. Like ya said, every days a learning experience. Bob L

[junkyarddog]

I don't remember what the numbers are, but there is also a 50"s GM lens that was on trucks I believe.
Jim

[murph]

So am I correct on the lens up to 67. I always assumed I was but we all know the words ass u me are in there. I'd like to know, I ran out to look at a 65 which has the guide 55 but that don't make it right.

[Chris Haynes]

Well murph, the 55 stands. The 64 I have is after market. The numbers on the bottom are identical to the 55 but at the top in small letters it says SER-DO. When I’m looking for the after market one, I’m always looking for GB at the bottom. I didn’t even know there was another manufacture of these lenses. Like ya said, every days a learning experience. Bob L

Both SED-DO and GB are aftermarket replacements.