The Harley-Davidson WLA Restoration Thread

[BenM]

I know that there's already a thread under this section dedicated to my WLA, but I though it'd be useful to create a thread to hold all posts relating to its restoration. Here's a quick progress report as of 07/10/10.

Most of the work so far has been in cleaning the parts received and sorting out exactly what's needed to rebuild and overhaul each part group. Here are a few shots of the project as it stands at the moment:



1943 build date on the crank case.



Frame



Barrels and cylinder heads



Pistons, Conn. Rods, Tappets + Guides



Flywheel assembly (some parts missing)



Rebuilt crankcase and cleaned cam gears.



Clutch hub, bearing retaining ring and springs.



Oil Feed Pump stripped down and cleaned. Body needs repair.



Oil Scavenger Pump parts cleaned.



Air Cleaner Oil Bath currently in restoration.

There are numerous other ancillaries and extras in the large wooden crate just visible in the shot of the Frame. As you can see, it's quite some project!

Cheers,
Ben.

[murph]

Thanks Ben, I have a friend at work who is on the Police Bikes, he also re-builds vintage bikes in his spare time. I'll mention your project to him as I know he has a lot of contacts in the bike world as well as practical experience. You never know he might be able to help some.

[BenM]

Sounds like a very handy bloke to know Murph! Will drop you a line if I need any help!

Thanks,
Ben.

[murph]

I spoke to him yesterday, he knows a lot of workshops people for powder coating, spraying and so forth who actually live up your way. He is a real bike nut and would be happy to help you where he can. I will pm you the guys details, suggest you send him some pics.

[BenM]

Quick update on the bike chaps!



Complete Oil Scavenger Pump (stripped and cleaned).



Air Cleaner elements removed, stripped, cleaned and ready for refit.

Cheers,
Ben.

[Guest]

Pity you couldnt have got Discovery Channel, or some other satellite tv station involved mate, do a weekly half hour programme from start to finish, or record yourself on you tube, LOL

[Johnny_Costino]

Whens the big day when it hits the road again!??

[murph]

Pity you couldnt have got Discovery Channel, or some other satellite tv station involved mate, do a weekly half hour programme from start to finish, or record yourself on you tube, LOL

'A bike is re-born'

[BenM]

Now where did I put the phone number for the Discovery Channel?

As for when she's going to be on the road, I think realistically we're looking at another couple of years. Lots of ancillaries still needed, not to mention actually rebuilding the engine and securing a carb and gearbox!

Cheers,
Ben.

[Max]

Hello,
I have just sold my Model 42WLA and the buyer has asked for the crankcase belly numbers. I can only see the one on the left side and it begins with the numbers 43 like the one at the beginning of this thread. My understanding is that only Canadian WLC's had 43, 44 or 45 at the beginning of their engine numbers, and that WLA's continued to carry 42 at the beginning of their engine numbers 'til war's end. Does this mean I have a 1943 manufactured Canadian belly on my WLA?
Any help appreciated.
David

[BenM]

Hi David,

The number which is stamped on the bottom of the crank case and cam gear housing is not the same as the engine number! The engine number can be found on the bossing on the right side of the crank case (as you're sat on the bike) just underneath the cylinder mounting studs. Indeed, this is where you can find the actual VIN number for the engine, and this is the number that on true WLAs should begin with 42XXXX. See the photograph below showing a true WLA VIN boss:



The belly numbering is only an indication as to when the castings were made, and the first two digits represents the year. As such, a 43, 44 or 45 casting date does not mean that it's Canadian WLC. Engine numbers were assigned to the various models as follows:

Type I - 42WLA1000-42WLA7000 (September 1st 1941-December 10th 1941)
Type II - 42WLA7001-42WLA13650 (December 10th 1941-February 15th 1942)
Type III - 42WLA16001-42WLA39229 (May 8th 1942-April 1943)
Type IV - 42WLA39230-42WLA50829 (April 1943-August 1943)
Type V - 42WLA50830-42WLA60000 (September 1943-May 1944)
Type VI - 42WLA60001-42WLA62480 (June 1944-August 1944)
Type VII - 42WLA62481-42WLA70681 (September 1944-August 1945)

In short, I guess the true identification date of a Harley should be based on the list above, using the VIN number rather than the crankcase and camcase belly markings.

Hope that helps!
Ben.

[BenM]

Not updated the thread in a while, so here are a few updates:



Reconditioned carburettor, NOS intake manifold and air cleaner elbow.



NOS Pistons. (1942 dated)



Timer / Circuit Breaker.

Cheers,
Ben.

[kitoufou]

Hi,
this is a great job you've done restoring your WLA. I am trying to restore a WLC and wandering how to remove the scavenge pump. Can you help me on this one?
Regards
JC

[BenM]

Hi JC,

Unfortunately, to remove your Scavenger Pump, you need to first take off the gear cover (this should be removed fairly easily by unscrewing the countersunk screws and lifting off). Once completed, remove the four nuts holding the pump to the crank case (this will allow it to be removed as an assembly). Now, either push it out by hand or, if a tight fit, drive it out with a hammer using a wood or brass drift. Next, remove the Scavenger Pump screen from the back side of the pump's crankcase hole. You might need to use a hooked tool to pull it free. Finally, remove the pinion shaft seal ring and spring.

Hope that helps - good luck!
Ben.

[Johnny_Costino]

Got any more piccies?