Need help with restoration on a 47
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Charlotte, NC
Need help with restoration on a 47
Hey, guys, I'm new here and just got a 1947 FL Knucklehead....I am new at restoring old harleys, so bare with me. \\;\\\\\\; I was wondering if there was an AIM (assembly instruction manual), parts catalog to buy repo parts, and looking for any advice, suggestions, etc. \\;\\\\\\; Thanks. \\;\\\\\\;
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Joined: Jan 2007
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RE: Need help with restoration on a 47
Lee383, Hello and congrats on the score of the 47. First let me say that bike is sweet as it sits, I personally would not do much to it and would be proud to ride it as is.. That being said there are some things I would do(again IMHO) green was not a stock color so obviously not original paint Possibly paint a stock color (Black, Flight Red, or Blue( I think Azure blue) Silver for police issue. rear fender trim and get it mechanically sound and that is one sweet ride. For references Bruce Palmer III book "How to restore your Harley Davidson" The Harley spare parts manual for 1947 I think its maybe 36-48. and the Harley service manual for 47 all three available online or from v-twin. V-twin catalog has alot of vintage repro parts or ebay and swap meets for the original stuff. You might want to hook up with a local INDEPENDENT Harley shop they could be a valuable resource. Good luck and post pics when your done.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 13
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From: Charlotte, NC
RE: Need help with restoration on a 47
Thanks for the help. \\; \\; I wouldn't mind keeping the old look of the way it is now and just throw on some new paint..but i am OCD..i can't stand to have things that aren't clean and new...know what i mean? \\; Plus, I love to take things apart and put it back together..i love to do restos...thats the best part of owning an old car or bike. \\; \\; Thanks. \\;
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 3,717
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
RE: Need help with restoration on a 47
Lee, nice looking bike. What is the history behind her.. How did you come by her? Longpig got it right on it not being stock color of paint. The blue tho for that year was Skyway blue. Wondering if it might have been a Congo green (49 color) or maybe even a Metallic green (50 color) that has long since faded out.
That being said, I am still not sure if I would do anything other than clean her up and ride her. Looks pretty damn near original. Remeber, it can only be original once. With what you have I would stay away from J&\\;P for parts. Not that they are bad (I use them on scoots that are projects) but they are aftermarket stuff.
Definitely invest in Palmers book. The service manual you need covers 1940-1947 Knucklehead 61/76 OHV and Flathead 74/80 Sidevalve. The parts manual covers 61, 74, 80, 45 Big twins and 45 Solo models from 1941-1954. The service manual from J&\\;P is #160-035. the parts manual is #902-017. Another decent manual for you is Kirk Perrys book that cover41-59 OHV.
A couple of decent places for parts: www.nosparts.com and Kick-Start M/C
That being said, I am still not sure if I would do anything other than clean her up and ride her. Looks pretty damn near original. Remeber, it can only be original once. With what you have I would stay away from J&\\;P for parts. Not that they are bad (I use them on scoots that are projects) but they are aftermarket stuff.
Definitely invest in Palmers book. The service manual you need covers 1940-1947 Knucklehead 61/76 OHV and Flathead 74/80 Sidevalve. The parts manual covers 61, 74, 80, 45 Big twins and 45 Solo models from 1941-1954. The service manual from J&\\;P is #160-035. the parts manual is #902-017. Another decent manual for you is Kirk Perrys book that cover41-59 OHV.
A couple of decent places for parts: www.nosparts.com and Kick-Start M/C
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Charlotte, NC
RE: Need help with restoration on a 47
ORIGINAL: panz4ever
Lee, nice looking bike. What is the history behind her.. How did you come by her? Longpig got it right on it not being stock color of paint. The blue tho for that year was Skyway blue. Wondering if it might have been a Congo green (49 color) or maybe even a Metallic green (50 color) that has long since faded out.
That being said, I am still not sure if I would do anything other than clean her up and ride her. Looks pretty damn near original. Remeber, it can only be original once. With what you have I would stay away from J&\\;\\\\\\;P for parts. Not that they are bad (I use them on scoots that are projects) but they are aftermarket stuff.
Definitely invest in Palmers book. The service manual you need covers 1940-1947 Knucklehead 61/76 OHV and Flathead 74/80 Sidevalve. The parts manual covers 61, 74, 80, 45 Big twins and 45 Solo models from 1941-1954. The service manual from J&\\;\\\\\\;P is #160-035. the parts manual is #902-017. Another decent manual for you is Kirk Perrys book that cover41-59 OHV.
A couple of decent places for parts: www.nosparts.com and Kick-Start M/C
Lee, nice looking bike. What is the history behind her.. How did you come by her? Longpig got it right on it not being stock color of paint. The blue tho for that year was Skyway blue. Wondering if it might have been a Congo green (49 color) or maybe even a Metallic green (50 color) that has long since faded out.
That being said, I am still not sure if I would do anything other than clean her up and ride her. Looks pretty damn near original. Remeber, it can only be original once. With what you have I would stay away from J&\\;\\\\\\;P for parts. Not that they are bad (I use them on scoots that are projects) but they are aftermarket stuff.
Definitely invest in Palmers book. The service manual you need covers 1940-1947 Knucklehead 61/76 OHV and Flathead 74/80 Sidevalve. The parts manual covers 61, 74, 80, 45 Big twins and 45 Solo models from 1941-1954. The service manual from J&\\;\\\\\\;P is #160-035. the parts manual is #902-017. Another decent manual for you is Kirk Perrys book that cover41-59 OHV.
A couple of decent places for parts: www.nosparts.com and Kick-Start M/C
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 3,717
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
RE: Need help with restoration on a 47
Lee before you take it apart take lots of pictures, detailed and close ups. Will help when you put it back together. Mark everything as you separate the pieces. Do it in sections (front end, rear end, tranny, motor). Palmers list what should be chrome, cad plated and parkerized as well as options. Antiques M/C Supply will provide you paint ships so that you can get an idea of the color.
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BTW, very cool history. Got an pics of him and you. Keep us posted of the progress.
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BTW, very cool history. Got an pics of him and you. Keep us posted of the progress.
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