Front Pressed Steel Hub, I'm confused!

[Paul Slootheer]

Allright I see! As my frame number starts with 16XXX, it also could be an early 1941 bike! 16XXX comes at the end of the frame number sequence who where depatched from november 1940 untill march 1941...
Do you have pictures of a sheet metal Hub?

[Steven.Carter]

The hubs at Alan's, I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

[paul.jameson]

Gents,
There is overwhelming evidence that W/NG machines were refurbished by the War Department prior to sale for civilian use. This is why a W/NG which has seen active service rarely has its original engine. If engines were exchanged so readily, then other components would also have been - such as front wheels. So if you go back to the "correct" wheel type you may be removing some of the history of the bike. Just a thought.

[Steven.Carter]

You are right Paul, I can't imagine anyone repairing these bikes during the war worrying about originality.

[nevhunter]

Originality wouldn't be a consideration with repaired W/D bikes, and paint was repaired with a 4'' brush slopped on out of a big drum with the lid left off all day. I worked on a lot of army "Ducks" Based on a GMC 6x6. that were still in army use for years after the war, and there were still army workshops all over the place. Nothing was "concourse" unless for parades. I bought a 1942 Chev staff car which was the worst quality thing I ever worked on, but we couldn't get American cars new. Not that I could have afforded one. Most of the Harleys and Indians here were nearly new and many were actually in crates. A lot of the engine etc was painted silver and Khaki. They were so sought after they got the full treatment often with studded leather.saddlebags and tassles etc and a great paint job and chrome. Great chick magnet, but I wouldn't have known what that meant back then. Nev

[Steven.Carter]

Cheers Nev, Our old bikes are still chick magnets. Trouble is, we're not!

[Steven.Carter]

Here's my hub Paul

[Paul Slootheer]

Yes I see, especially the brake side looks quite different than the cast iron ones. The rest looks the same.
Cheers Steven!

[nevhunter]

The cylindrical part housing the bearings presses into the brake drum section on all hubs I think. Not sure about pre 27. That steel drum looks like one I have. The backing plate is different from the one used with the cast iron type, the main thing I can see is the threaded part to take the speedo drive is a different distance out from the axle, as the drive gear on the hub is smaller and pressed on instead of being threaded. Nev