How do I determine if my 1977 FXE is an early or late model for that year?

 

Starting in 1975 Harley Davidson changed their numbering procedure on the lower crancase (belly) numbers. The new procedure utilizes the Julian date. (The Julian date uses all 365 days of the year, 366 in Leap Year).

For example, a 1975 FL model which was produced on January 1, 1975 would appear as follows: 1 75 - 001 001

1 = Model

75 = Year

001 = Julian date

001= production number


You can see it on the left case




however, you will need to pull your tappet front block in order to see the numbers on the right case







Another way to get a ballpark figure is to look at the VIN#

For 1977 Starting/Ending Vin Numbers

1A 10011 H7 1A 51123 H7

2A 10001 H7 1A 53887 H7

2C 10114 H7 2C 65487 H7

2F 00277 H7 2F 15631 H7

2G 19844 H7 2G 51061 H7

3A 10000 H7 3A 53775 H7

4A 10006 H7 4A 51552 H7

7E 00142 H7 7E 52036 H7

7F 00001 H7 7F 41896 H7

9D 10230 H7 9D 67556 H7

 

Just curious, but is there any differences between Early & Late 1977 FXE models. I know one of the differences between Early & Late 1978 FXE models was change from points to electronic ignition but I've never heard of changes in the 1977 model.

 

I know of none. Wasn't just electronic ignition system. Another change was from the oval air cleaner with the Pig Snout backing plate to the Ham Can air cleaner in order to compley with the CARB standards.

1977 to E-78 Pig Snout backing plate (also used on Sportster models for same time frame)...





Mid 1978 change to the Ham Can cleaner...





And to the OP, sorry, I do not mean to jack your post.

If you get the chance, how about a pic (or two) of your bike?

 

The reason i asked about 1977 is that I'm considering installing an Andrews J grind cam. In the ad, they want you to specify if the bike is an early or late '77.

 

okay - so the early cam will not have a groove around the perimeter of the gear - also - the pinion gear is different - later pinion gears have a relief - the early ones have teeth the full length of the gear - I usually press on my original gear anyway - I can do that for you if you want to use you original gear

the early cam will have a gear face like this
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/w...pscwurq1ni.jpg

here is the later gear face - see the ring groove - breather gear also has a ring groove - pinion gear is shouldered
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/0degreesf/81_flh/IMGA0271_zpsw4tg6e8h.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/0degreesf/delkron/IMGA0288_zpsrmpe363o.jpg

 

Thanks, Fergerburger--very helpful! My cam face looks like the later style.

 

Fergerberger--here is a pic of my gears. Does it look to you like these are properly matched up gears--re: early / late? My cam gear looks to be late'77 but I don't see a groove in the breather gear.

 

Those appear to be correct for the late style. Can't see the pinion gear well, but it should only be about as wide as the cam gear. Early pinion gears went all the way the length of the gear, while late ones have the gear about half way, and the rest is a round shaft. google pinion gears and you'll see the difference.

In any case, if the bike ran without excessive clatter, or gear whine, it might be worth pressing the old cam gear onto the new camshaft.