Need expert help in the restoration of my J model from the Nth Qld area,Rocky,Mackay,Bowen,T/Ville,Cairns area's would be ideal,not far for me to travel to and from by road.I've owned the bike and collected original bits,including the original glass, dual bullet h/lights!!!! over the last 30+ years. MY FIRST HARLEY. so, whoose out there?
Philhty
I am restoring a 1929 D series which uses the same lights
I have just brought replicas from Germany which has cost US $ 500 , which I am still wiatinng to turn up
Here is some links
harborvintage.com/
www.antiquecyclesupply.com/
www.motorcyclerescue.nl/
www.geloman.de/
www.fabercycle.com/
www.rduda.com/
www.milestonemotorcyclerestoration.com/
www.harley-memories.com/
Should give you a start
Thanks blokes, every lead is worth a try. I saw an add in Just Cars years ago,I bought the mag at a servo to take bush with me to start me fire. I thought, might just read a bit of the add section before I burn it, and there it was, a complete, WHOLE, 1929 front end for sale @ $250:00.!!!!!!!!!! Rang up when I got back near a phone days later,he said that I was about the 50th phone call. After I got out of Hospital and rehab from a nervous breakdown from missing out on the front end I kept looking for at least another 10 years,maybe more and I got them from Nowra. (Babbling on a bit but it's a funny story) Every Harley shop I go to getting stuff,I'd say "And I'd also like a set of dual bullet h/lights for a 1929 J thanks" just as if their a usual stock item kept behind their counter. The usual expletives get thrown my way, then we all have a laugh and I wander off. Another shop down Nowra,I said the same thing to the bloke, he scratched his chin looking blankly into space and said "Might have em,at home in me old wardrobe under the house" My knees were shaking,I felt dizzy,nauseus,nearly spewing,and I said in a shakily voice hiding my excitement " Oh, okay,do ya reckon you can have another look for us?" Bought em next day.I offered him $400, then he said $800 then I said "ok" I would have paid a shitload more. I got the bracket for $180 from Perth a coupla years later. I must've asked a 100 bike shops, in jest, over the years. It paid off.
Redfern M/Cycles down Wollongong's cool,too far though. I want a place I can visit within about 1000 k radius from The Whitsundays, driving to and from, with the bike in the truck for various stages of the restoration,if ya get my drift. Flying's a bit hard with a Harley as carry on luggage. EVERY bit of info I get is a bonus thanks guys,I'll plod along and suss out all avenues up this way. Since connecting up with H.D.Forum,it has given me a good kick in the date. "GET OFF YA ARSE" Incidently,I bought the '29 for $800 in the late '70's. Looks like it's been buried for 100 years. The original h/light mount,part of the top yoke,is still on the bike,complete with the top part hacksawed off years before I had her I'll get off me arse and post pics as soon as I learn how.
Thanks wozza, come to think of it,there is a small bunch of car restorers in town here, I'll "get off me arse" a try a bit harder,duh!
I've heard about the Bendigo swap meet,definitely have to get to that one. I've heard it's the biggest one in Oz?
Top looking '25,beautiful. The Corbin speedo on it are worth shitloads to buy. As far as I've found out so far, the speedo is an optional extra?as with various other bits on em.
Thanks 29D, I didn't realize it's so easy on computer,(duh again). I checked the sites out you posted,top stuff. How amazing is the 1941 OHV 45 cu in experimental model,one of three and it's the only one left, and it's for sale!!! Lots of $'s for sure. The h/lights your waiting on,do they come with the bracket?
Hi Philthy
No the lights don't have a brakect , I already had it from ebay a while ago
Original lights have gone for over US $1500 of late, but the brakect turns up every now and then at good prices
here is a link for head light search
motors.shop.ebay.com/items/Motorcycle-Parts__harley-headlight
The link for Habour Vintage would be the next bet, they have a lot of J and VL stuff
they often put the brakects and dash assemblies on ebay
G’day philthy, great project you’ve taken on. Regarding the Corbin speedometer, I’ve posted a 1929 order blank from The Legend Begins, an official publication available through H-D, and you’ll see the speedo listed as an accessory:
As mentioned above, Antique Cycle Supply (ACS) is a good source for info. I’ve bought several publications from there and I’m currently waiting on one which is out of stock. Two that may interest you are The Harley-Davidson Enthusiast for August 1928 which introduces the 1929 models and the 1926–1939 parts catalog (although it's shown as 1927–39 on the ACS list). If you’re chasing either or both of those and they are out of stock let me know because I can scan info from mine if you need anything.
Another good book is Inside Harley-Davidson, An Engineering History of the Motor Company from F-Heads to Knuckleheads 1903–1945 by Jerry Hatfield. I don’t know if ACS has it but I do so I can scan info from mine if necessary. Before I got my copy I used to borrow one from the local library so you may find a copy at yours. Eric
Hey Philthy
Here is a 29-30 horn/headlight bracket on ebay right now, has 6 days to go
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-1929-1930-Lamp-Horn-Bracket-NOS_W0QQitemZ230354927778QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories
should grab it
hi, it wouldn't hurt to have the con-rods crack tested radiused & shot peened i used to do a few early sets & found a lot were cracked than not esp the female , in the corners of the webing , it dosn't hurt for the late models either when building a fat engine as 1982/3 up are drop forged con rods, they come out very better than stock + they are lighter than S&S etc + cheaper i used to do the service for $50 cheap insurance
Ta mate, what a grab for someone,no bids as of now!!! I've already got a headlight bracket #2653-29,which is for 61 (which mine is,1000cc) & 74 ci. The ebay one is #4965-29 45" & 21" twins/singles. I feel like buying it just for the hell of it! A hard to come by part. I've got an original Dealers Spare Parts cattledog, 1929-1935 inclusive. If ya need part #'s and stuff give us a yell.
