2nd World War Harley-Davidson Equipment - Gun Scabards

Hi

I have been researching the type of equipment that were used on the Harley-Davidsons during WW2 and have come across some interesting information.

Each WLA was equipped with a Gun Carrier Rack on the right side of the front forks. Generally the rider carried a Thompson Sub Machine Gun in the M1940 leather scabbard. However all types of weapons could be fitted to the rack.

These scabbards were fitted in the unit's motorpool from Quartermaster Department stocks and were not issued with the bike upon delivery from the Harley-Davidson factory. Vehicles and weapons were supplied by the Ordnance Corps.

I have come across a photo of SA UDF members on their motorcycles that shows that the motorcycles were fitted with a leather gun scabbard for their .303 rifles (standard issue for the SADF early in WW2).  The photo was taken in Kenya during the East Africa Campaign.

Pottering Around on a Sunday Morning

Hi

I have just fitted the cat eye's to the dashboard.

Original Front Fork Rockers

Hi

As I have already mentioned, I am trying to keep as much of the original manufacturer's parts as is possible in the restoration. 

The front fork rockers on my WLhave a forging number that says SC-3T. 

On page 107 of the latest edition of Bruce Palmer's book 'How to Restore Your Harley - Davidson', Bruce states that the front fork rockers on the 45's have a forging number that varies from SC-3 to SC-3A,or SC-4 to SC-4A, depending on the age of the rockers and on which side the rocker sits. 

Bruce says that the SC-3 and SC-4 forging numbers were used from 1931 to 1948, after which the A was added to the forging number. And that the rocker with the forging number SC-3 sits on the left hand side of the front fork and the rocker with the forging number SC-4 sits on the right hand side of the fork. 

What this means is that my H-D WL still has the original factory fitted front fork rockers installed on the bike! 

Finally, a Delco - Remy 16, 6 Volt Horn.

Hi

The horn (like the speedometer) on my Harley was not an original horn and I have been looking high and low for a Delco - Remy 16 6 Volt horn.   This week a battered old horn came up on auction on eBay. I managed to win the auction and the horn has been shipped to me. 

Restoration of the Front Springs

Hi

I have just cleaned all of the rust off the springs and rockers with my Dremel (using a small sanding stone). 

I then sandblasted the parts. 

And spray painted the parts with a matt black epoxy paint (Celemix). 

I then re-inserted the bushes and installed new zerk fittings (grease nipples). 

NOS Wiring have Arrived

Hi

The wiring harnass has arrived.  I am really happy about this purchase, as I want to restore the bike to as close as possible to it's original condition when it left the factory. So far virtually all of the parts are original. When I started out, the horn, the wiring and the speedometer was not original. I have managed to get my hands on an original speedometer. And have managed to get a NOS wiring loom. 

 

 

H-D 45 Instruction Manual has Arrived!

Hi

The Harley - Davidson 45 Instruction Manual has arrived. 

More Parts Ordered.

Hi

I am nearing the completion of the bike and have bought what I hope will be the last parts that I need.

Re-assembling the Rear Brake

Hi

I have spray painted the rear brake assembly and have started assembling it.

Step 1 was to install a new zerk fitting (grease nipple).

Next, I installed the operating cam with the thn copper washer.

I then installed the pivot stud.

Lastly, I fitted the brake shoes.

Exhaust Fitted

Hi

I have managed to get the exhaust system fitted. It took me a while. Here are some photos. 

An Overview

Hi

Here are some photos of the Harley. 

Front Springer Springs

Hi

I am busy with the restoration of the springs of the front suspension. On the left are the springs that I still have to sandblast. And on the right are the springs that I have finished sandblasting. 

 

I managed to sandblast and paint five of the springs and have cleaned all of the rust off the other three springs.