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Could I have some comments and thoughts on this Engine Case Vin # stamp? I'm gathering that it is not original but the bike is clearly registered as a 1938 EL. Have not found any frame #'s.
Thanks again for the input eighteight. The info on the frame #'s is very helpful.
I am becoming aware that the numbers on the subject engine [above] do not resemble an oem stamping. The numerical sequence does fall within what was available in 1938. Could the subject engine case above be an aftermarket engine case? Could it be a warranty replacement or factory service replacement? Any ideas?
I have attached an example pic [below] of an unmodified[?] oem stamping of a 1938 EL that I lifted off of the 'net for comparison.
Thanks for any thoughts.
I cant see any sign that the number boss was altered.
The 3, 8 and E look like characters H-D used in the 70s. The next character also looks like a type H-D used in the 70s but I dont think it is L. Instead I think it is 7 upside down.
We know of a few people who gave their damaged, wrecked or blown up cases, or at least the section containing the serial number (SN), to a Harley dealer. The owners sometimes received later model replacements and on occasion the replacement cases werent even the same style as the damaged cases but it was okay to stamp the original SN on them. The damaged cases, or at least the section containing the SN, were sent to the factory to avoid the possibility of two engines with the same SN being out in public.
Maybe thats what happened on this occasion? And maybe someone, even a dealer, used an upside down 7 as an L.
As for the stars, they may suggest that in this instance the case is a replacement and weve seen it happen before. Also those stars are very similar to the types seen at the ends of SNs for some 1960s Harley Sprints.
Do the cases have crankcase production numbers or any other markings anywhere? Photos?
Or the cases could be AM? Can you post photos showing more of the left case please and a photo of the R-H case as well. Thanks.
Originally Posted by 00 fxd
The numerical sequence does fall within what was available in 1938.
What was available in 1938? I doubt that anyone knows exactly what was available in 38. Even The Legend Begins, an official H-D publication, says its own production figures are not to be regarded as totally accurate. What range is the SN in?
Eric
I can’t see any sign that the number boss was altered.
The 3, 8 and E look like characters H-D used in the 70s. The next character also looks like a type H-D used in the 70s but I don’t think it is L. Instead I think it is 7 upside down.
We know of a few people who gave their damaged, wrecked or blown up cases, or at least the section containing the serial number (SN), to a Harley dealer. The owners sometimes received later model replacements and on occasion the replacement cases weren’t even the same style as the damaged cases but it was okay to stamp the original SN on them. The damaged cases, or at least the section containing the SN, were sent to the factory to avoid the possibility of two engines with the same SN being out in public.
Maybe that’s what happened on this occasion? And maybe someone, even a dealer, used an upside down 7 as an L.
As for the stars, they may suggest that in this instance the case is a replacement and we’ve seen it happen before. This is my question.
Do the cases have crankcase production numbers or any other markings anywhere? Photos? Have no other photos at this time, the seller is away.
Or the cases could be AM? What is AM?
Can you post photos showing more of the left case please and a photo of the R-H case as well. Thanks.
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1938 EL Vin Question
