I recently picked up a 1948 Indian Chief basket case that had been in storage for over 40 years. It is a matching number bike, CDH 6xxx/348-6xxx. The stampings are old, factory correct. The frame has the flat, curved support behind the seat post for the rear fender. The top down-tube that is sandwiched by the gas tanks is a 1946/47 style, i.e. it does not have the large hole for the front wheel speedo cable. It also has the 1946/47 style dash components. I inspected the frame closely and it appears untouched. I have heard that some early bikes for a new year might use left-over parts from the previous year until they were exhausted. With this serial number, I don't believe this is a early 1948. Anybody have any idea(s)?
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Correction on the serial number in my question above. The numbers are CDH 5xxx/348-5xxx. -
It is likely that you have a frame bike ordered for a Police Dept. The Stewart Warner front drive was not as accurate and did not have the Max Hand that the Corbin Speedometer had. The bike probably had a rear drive Corbin with a Max Hand Speedo. YellowChief53 will be able to give you more information I am sure.Comment
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Thank you for the info. I have looked over the bike and found the following items:
1. The rear fender has 2 factory slots, one for the rear wheel drive speedo cable and one for a siren rod I believe.
2. The battery box area has a heavier looking base plate with an extra bracket coming out from under it and up around the frame.
3. There is an extra two-position switch on the right side of the handlebar with wires running thru an extra hole into the handlebars like the horn button and headlight switch.
4. Mounted to the frame, above the battery is a chum-me seat bracket with a 2-fuse junction block. It appears the junction block has been there a long time.Comment
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Would like to see some photos of what you have there, sounds like a police bike to me.Comment
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Yes, like this1. The rear fender has 2 factory slots, one for the rear wheel drive speedo cable and one for a siren rod I believe.
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