Rear fender question - Classic American Iron Magazine & Harley Forum

Chris Haynes · #1 05-13-2009, 10:50 AM

Somewhere between 50FL10980 and 51FL5000 the rear fender had a design change made on the deperssion for chain clearance. It went from being very wide as the pic on the right to narrow as shown on the left. Anybody with original 1950/1951 bikes want to look and see which one is on yours so we can narrow down the time frame.

46wl · #2 05-14-2009, 10:16 AM

Our '50 has the one on the right...I'll check the motor number, though..

cck1953 · #3 05-14-2009, 02:47 PM

51fl5251 three rib wide. I have never seen a real 51 with the 52-later 1 rib rear fender.
cck

Chris Haynes · #4 05-14-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cck1953

51fl5251 three rib wide. I have never seen a real 51 with the 52-later 1 rib rear fender.
cck

I have factory photo of 51FL3XXX or possibly 51FL5XXX with the one rib fender.

cck1953 · #5 05-14-2009, 04:08 PM

not doubting ya, just never saw one. My understanding is 52 and later. I have seen higher numbers than mine with the same fender, but not all may have been correct. I hope someone comes forward with a vin to clear it up.
cck

dommi7 · #6 05-15-2009, 12:31 PM

I have 51EL56xx with single rib. Can't promise that it is original to the bike. Been on it since '66 for certain. Prior to that, fenders and tank were repainted. Has an incorrect speedo (56-61 style). Also has foot shift - the gate mounts on the tank are filled in. Otherwise original. (Doubt if this helped the discussion much...)

Gerard · #7 05-15-2009, 03:38 PM

As it was with the gearboxes, frames, tanks, it`s also with fenders and even the fender tips: ,,Ehh, Mr. Harley, we`re now building the latest model 1949 Pan, but we still have some fenders left over of 1947 and 1948, and some brackets and tanks too, what to do with them?" Mr. Harley: ,,Do they fit, John?". John: ,,Yes, they do, Mr. Harley!" ,,Alrite, John, put `m on!" And so it happened 60 years later the youngsters are scratching their heads about the real parts for the real year, in 2009.....