Saw this outfit via online auction.
Trying to educate myself. Is this possible to have this many numbers in the factory issued VIN War production run? Otherwise looks right to me. Any thoughts?
64duo
Post by Panhead on Nov 7, 2006, 8:18am
Yes, even higher numbers exist.
Post by VPHD on Nov 7, 2006, 4:20pm
The funding for WLA was drawn from fiscal year 1942. All such models would have a 1942 serial number, regardless of the year in which they were produced. This is why all WWII WLA models are 42WLA*****. It is perfectly normal to find WLA models with 44 or 45 confi numbers on the bottom of the cases. Another example is the fiscal designator on the tail of AAC and USAF aircraft.
VPHD
Post by kurt on Nov 7, 2006, 6:42pm
VPHD, I'd be real interested to know where you found proof of that statement. There are a lot of other reasons out there, but this is a new one on me. Please share your find.
Kurt
Post by mbskeam on Nov 8, 2006, 1:41am
The funding for WLA was drawn from fiscal year 1942. All such models would have a 1942 serial number, regardless of the year in which they were produced. This is why all WWII WLA models are 42WLA*****. It is perfectly normal to find WLA models with 44 or 45 confi numbers on the bottom of the cases. Another example is the fiscal designator on the tail of AAC and USAF aircraft.
VPHD
this is correct....
this is why when you hear the term 42WLA, this means all the war year bikes. and probably just after till the contract was fulfilled
and the belly numbers will be for the year it was really made in.
got a buddy I work with and his 42WLA was made in 44.
I think its also says this in the Palmer book .........
mbskeam
Post by VPHD on Nov 8, 2006, 5:38pm
At the time of World War II, all military funding was approved by Congress. [This may still be true, today.??] Funding to purchase something for the Army or Navy was approved, then the funds were drawn from money available for the fiscal year.
Funding for the B and RB models of Boeing's B-52 were drawn from fiscal year 1952. The data plate riveted onto crew entry hatch states the USAF serial number is say, 52-005. This is the aircraft serial number. That is how aircraft were marked as to serial number. This particular aircraft was delivered in 1955. I think Jeeps and small trucks were marked the same way, I only know about aircraft.
I believe this is why all WWII WLA models are stamped 42WLA****, regardless of when they were delivered. WLA models are the only example of the lower confi numbers being later than the engine's serial number. The cases were a component necessary to make a complete motorcycle.
VPH-D
Post by kurt on Nov 8, 2006, 8:15pm
So then, this is only an assumption of what you feel happened? How......if they used fiscal year 1942 for payment would they know how many to pay for through the entire war? I'm not being an ass here, but would honestly want factual information based on written documentation. The reason I find this statement wrong is the fact that for every year, there was a different order put in for WLA models. This point is shown in Palmer's book.
Quote Palmer's book page 60, 1942-1945 Model 42WLA: The 42WLA was built under five consecutive contracts and two contract supplements.
In this same section in his book, he listed the most commonly known explanation as the "Rule of 42" and the normal meaning being if an enemy captured a motorcycle they wouldn't know how many were being produced if they all had 42WLA as a serial number. He also goes on to list why there may be doubt as to the "Rule of 42", then writes what he feels is the plausible answer. It's a good book to have, if you can find one.
Kurt
Post by VPHD on Nov 9, 2006, 5:03pm
Kurt,
I have no written documentation to back up my claim about the 42WLA serials. However, I think the claim makes sense, because this is how the military procured items at the time of WWII.
As I have stated, military funding came from a Fiscal Year. I believe WLA funding was appropriated from fiscal 1942. I am only familiar with WWII aircraft, and this is how they were bought. The product was delivered in batches, and accepted by a representative of the procuring branch. I don't know how many times the factory invoiced the gov. for the WLAs, but the practice is called progress billing. The money spent for fiscal 42 had to be set aside to pay for the progress billings of the manufacturers.
At any rate, this is is my thought on the serials. BTW, I do have both of Palmer's books, which are tremendous works. At one time, I knew several of the people Palmer credits.
VPH-D
Post by 64duo on Nov 10, 2006, 12:17am
Where does one find the Palmer Military Harley book?
64duo
Post by Panhead on Nov 10, 2006, 12:34am
here:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0760304297/panheadhomepage
Post by 64duo on Nov 10, 2006, 6:01pm
Wow-wow! must be a really good read. Why would a book so valuable not be considered for additional printing or editions by the publisher? Unfortunately it not on my reading list at this time at that price, too bad, because "education is priceless", but even that has limits.
64duo
