1969FLH numbers
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 605
Likes: 441
From: BRIGHTON, ENGLAND
fram number posted is NOT a Harley VIN number, however the motor number looks correct for a 69, and a 69 would NOT havea frame number
also where it is stamped looks to be on th neck stem tube itself, IF harley stamped a vin number it would be on the right side of the neck casting on a flat boss that was present on pre 70 frames but simply not used,,..
your 'J' number might be a harley security code, a better picture of it and where it is, (as in, not so close) could help
also where it is stamped looks to be on th neck stem tube itself, IF harley stamped a vin number it would be on the right side of the neck casting on a flat boss that was present on pre 70 frames but simply not used,,..
your 'J' number might be a harley security code, a better picture of it and where it is, (as in, not so close) could help
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 965
From: Eastern NC
fram number posted is NOT a Harley VIN number, however the motor number looks correct for a 69, and a 69 would NOT havea frame number
also where it is stamped looks to be on th neck stem tube itself, IF harley stamped a vin number it would be on the right side of the neck casting on a flat boss that was present on pre 70 frames but simply not used,,..
your 'J' number might be a harley security code, a better picture of it and where it is, (as in, not so close) could help
also where it is stamped looks to be on th neck stem tube itself, IF harley stamped a vin number it would be on the right side of the neck casting on a flat boss that was present on pre 70 frames but simply not used,,..
your 'J' number might be a harley security code, a better picture of it and where it is, (as in, not so close) could help
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,356
From: Cental, MI
I concur...the Numbers shown on Frame are Certainly Not anything to do with VIN...Nor, most Probably Harley!!!
Matters Not Belly Numbers IMO... but...some folks Just Gotta!!! The good Numbers on the Engine Cases...matching title, registration... all ya Need!!!
If curious about Frame???? Just look at the numbers on top motor mount...Done Deal!!!
If Mine...I would Likely Remove those damn Numbers from Frame... but...I cannot tell if that is an O.E. "Pad" or Not... Damn Grey right there... I would be looking for a Proper Frame certainly...But...get yer Wallet Out!!! 1965 to 1969 is a Small Window....
Matters Not Belly Numbers IMO... but...some folks Just Gotta!!! The good Numbers on the Engine Cases...matching title, registration... all ya Need!!!
If curious about Frame???? Just look at the numbers on top motor mount...Done Deal!!!
If Mine...I would Likely Remove those damn Numbers from Frame... but...I cannot tell if that is an O.E. "Pad" or Not... Damn Grey right there... I would be looking for a Proper Frame certainly...But...get yer Wallet Out!!! 1965 to 1969 is a Small Window....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
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From: la la land jerzey
I actually have a 1970 FLH that is #73 off the assembly line and it has a left side number pad that is blank and the frame number and the right side number in front of the lifter block - match
someone forgot to tell the guy making the engine blocks in 1969 they changed things my guess
someone forgot to tell the guy making the engine blocks in 1969 they changed things my guess
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 695
Likes: 394
From: Western Australia
I cant see anything wrong with the SN. It complies with the 6069 E-O code and all characters appear consistent with factory stamping for a 69 Shovel. Heres an example for comparison of most of them.
Its a good idea to check the BNs.
Also look on top of both cases near the rear mounting bolts. There you may find a certain type of sans serif H.
Earliest Harley frame numbers Im aware of are for some (all?) 1916/171927 models. For 16/1724 it was stamped on a metal strip that was attached to the top frame tube but for 2527 it was stamped on the top tube itself. The frame SN followed the same format as the engine SN but was not required to match it completely.
Regarding the 69 frame ID, Id expect it to be on the left side and if it is then I agree it may be a Harley security code, aka additional original component identifying number, aka supplemental number, aka anti-theft number. Its generally accepted the additional ID numbers on Big Twin frames began with 62 models but its possible that some 61 model frames had it first. On frames, J was used for 6869 and heres an example for comparison of that letter.
Also notice the 6 is a certain round-back style and the 3s have a round top. Those characters are consistent with the few other examples I have.
Similar, not identical, ID may be on top of the padlock plate? If nothing there look outside the left fork stop. (The padlock plate was introduced with 69 models but its unclear if the additional ID moved there straight away from its former position.) The letter may be J, K or L but these letters were also used on the lower tree for some other years.
Another ID number may be on the front of the trans case on the R-H side just below where the lid attaches. The letter may be E or F but again the letters were used there for some other years.
Eric
Its a good idea to check the BNs.
Also look on top of both cases near the rear mounting bolts. There you may find a certain type of sans serif H.
Earliest Harley frame numbers Im aware of are for some (all?) 1916/171927 models. For 16/1724 it was stamped on a metal strip that was attached to the top frame tube but for 2527 it was stamped on the top tube itself. The frame SN followed the same format as the engine SN but was not required to match it completely.
Regarding the 69 frame ID, Id expect it to be on the left side and if it is then I agree it may be a Harley security code, aka additional original component identifying number, aka supplemental number, aka anti-theft number. Its generally accepted the additional ID numbers on Big Twin frames began with 62 models but its possible that some 61 model frames had it first. On frames, J was used for 6869 and heres an example for comparison of that letter.
Also notice the 6 is a certain round-back style and the 3s have a round top. Those characters are consistent with the few other examples I have.
Similar, not identical, ID may be on top of the padlock plate? If nothing there look outside the left fork stop. (The padlock plate was introduced with 69 models but its unclear if the additional ID moved there straight away from its former position.) The letter may be J, K or L but these letters were also used on the lower tree for some other years.
Another ID number may be on the front of the trans case on the R-H side just below where the lid attaches. The letter may be E or F but again the letters were used there for some other years.
Eric
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 695
Likes: 394
From: Western Australia
I actually have a 1970 FLH that is #73 off the assembly line and it has a left side number pad that is blank and the frame number and the right side number in front of the lifter block - match
someone forgot to tell the guy making the engine blocks in 1969 they changed things my guess
someone forgot to tell the guy making the engine blocks in 1969 they changed things my guess
Eric
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,356
From: Cental, MI
Again....I would be More than Good with that Engine...with Title... That obvious grinding on Frame...with "complimentary", Useless Numbers???? Not so Much.
I ran my '66 engine, in a '58 - '64 Frame...One, because original was Chopped (butchered).. and two, because I really Like the original Duo-Glide Frame!!! Stock!!
Also....It don't matter if you choose to Put yer Phone Number or yer Girlfriends Measurements on yer Frame...Not Illegal...Only obliterating, altering, removing, forging, of a Legal VIN is against the law..
I ran my '66 engine, in a '58 - '64 Frame...One, because original was Chopped (butchered).. and two, because I really Like the original Duo-Glide Frame!!! Stock!!
Also....It don't matter if you choose to Put yer Phone Number or yer Girlfriends Measurements on yer Frame...Not Illegal...Only obliterating, altering, removing, forging, of a Legal VIN is against the law..
Last edited by Racepres; Dec 18, 2023 at 07:07 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 965
From: Eastern NC
Thanks for all the responses. This is prop not "the one" since the asking is stupid high for a repaint 69. I will use all the info you all provided so when the right one comes along I'll be ready.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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Likes: 11,439
No I do remember talk about it back then. Basically 1969 that were sold as 70's. The number of them was small.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 695
Likes: 394
From: Western Australia
It is not a useless number. In fact it served a good purpose and a lot of people are interested in them. And the same goes for the additional ID number on the lower tree and trans case.
Eric
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