WLDD Surfaces

[speedking1949]

Hey Guys:

Can anyone tell me anything about the '39 WLDD? A shop near me has one for sale. The Palmer book does not even mention it. Online sources tell me that that production of this model was 267 in 1939 only. Specifically, can anyone tell me if the WLDD had cylinders with larger cooling fins and a four-bolt intake manifold with Linkert M-41? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has information on these.

R.M.

[1950Panhead]

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[RUBONE]

The WLDD stamping was the new WLD special for mid '39. It does not use a 4 bolt manifold, it uses the 3 bolt similar to the UL/ULH version. The biggest difference between it and the WLD was the Aluminum heads and the mid size ports. Note that no factory porting was done on this engine. They also used standard valves and cams.

[speedking1949]

Thanks for both replies.

Am I correct in thinking that the "deep fin cylinders" on the DD model were, like the aluminum cylinder heads, standard issue on later 45's?

Any ideas on what carburetor was fitted to the DD?

[RUBONE]

Am I correct in thinking that the "deep fin cylinders" on the DD model were, like the aluminum cylinder heads, standard issue on later 45's?

No, the "deep fin" cylinders were only used on the WLD models in the '40s, WLs used the small fin cylinders. WLD cylinders are rare and very expensive!
Robbie

[kitabel]

All 1936-73 "normal" cylinders, including commercial and military, solo and trike variants with both 3/8" and 7/16" bolts have casting numbers:
Front 120-36
Rear 120-361

All 1939-* "special" cylinders including WLD, WLDD, WLDR and WR variants have casting numbers:
Front 120-39
Rear 120-391

[cdndewey]

I posted a 1939 factory brochure here on the sight. Go to Documentation and then factory brochures and have a look to see if there's anything in it of use to you.

[speedking1949]

Thanks!

The '39 brochure does not mention the DD.

So the DD was a standard 45 except for the WLD cylinders and aluminum heads?

Being one of a production run of 269, is it worth a significant premium over over a WL now? R.M.

[RUBONE]

As far as I know the picture I posted (back cover of the Enthusiast in April '39) is the first public acknowledgement it exists. It is a WLD with added aluminum heads, the first time they appear on a 45 street bike. The cylinders are special in that the deep fins first appeared. The next season aluminum heads became standard on the WLD and the cylinders as well so the second D in the serial number was dropped as it no longer had special meaning. As far as value, it is only special if someone really likes having an odd number and then only if it is correct as far as the equipment goes.
Robbie

[kitabel]

1939 is also the first use of the larger (UL-sized) 3 bolt manifold, front-drive magneto, and hotter roller tappet cam - whether they reached the WLDD on line, or just sold OTC, qien sabe?

[Cooniecat]

More interested things about WLD, WLDR and WR´s :

http://www.beautyofspeed.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Joe