|
 For
those of you looking to acquire an old Military Indian, here are some
things you might want to consider before jumping in with both feet......
During WWII Harley supplied around 88,000 WLA models to the Military
forces, and Indian built probably less than a third of that amount,
which was spread over 4 basic platforms.
The majority were supplied to Allied forces, so the supply was spread
out around the world, more than Harley. Military Indians came in four
basic models. The smallest and least expensive, is the 741B, which is a
30.50 cubic inch (500 cc) twin based on the Jr. Scout, which is usually
the model you will see for sale, due to the higher production numbers.
The next model is the 640B, which is the 45 cubic inch (750 cc) Scout
based model.
This one starts to get a little tougher, because of
the lower production numbers. Next step is the Chief, model 340B. This
one, is basically a civilian model, 74 cubic inch engine (1200 cc), with
some Military changes. Again, not a real high production model, but most
items are accessible. I've seen figures estimating around 5000 units
built. Last but not least, is the 841, which is the toughest to find
parts for, since these were a limited model, of an all new design. They
sported a transverse 45 cubic inch (750 cc) V twin engine (Moto
Guzzi Style) and a shaft final drive. Many of the parts for this bike,
are extremely difficult to find, as the total production was around 1000
units, and it is the only model of the four which was not an adapted
civilian production bike.
The first thing people usually tell me about the Military bikes, is that
they must be easy to paint. Yes, and No....... The application is fairly
easy, but you will have as many, or more hours in the paint, as you will
with a civilian model. The reason is, sheer number of parts. Each
Military bike will have around 120 to 150 individual pieces to paint. A
civilian model will have more chrome, or cad plating, and the finish
paint items usually consist of the sheet metal parts that number around
a dozen or so pieces.
Several of the less obvious parts such as frame, hubs, forks, etc. are
either painted black, or powder coated which breaks up the color scheme.
Take a look around your shop, and try to imagine 150 parts hung up to
dry, at one time......
Research information is sometimes very tough as well.
There are a few books with photographs, but lets face it, it's more
glamorous to feature a flashy skirted fender Chief than an olive drab
Military model. There are reprints of the manuals, and parts books
available, but if your bike is missing a bunch of parts, you will have a
tough time determining what's missing, due to the lack of exploded view
drawings, and details. If you solicit opinions about finishes, you will
get at least one for each person you ask. Which items were cad plated,
painted, parkerized, etc., etc..... What shade of olive drab is correct?
Well, I have my opinion too, but I won't guaranty the accuracy of
anyone's opinion. My approach has been to find a part that is original,
and exposed to as little sun, and abuse as possible, and have the paint
matched to it.
 Old
spare parts were packed in Cosmoline, and it's my belief that this made
them darker, so I prefer to check things like the inside of an original
tail light. This will give you the least disturbed example of original
paint that I have found. The next item to think about is parts
availability.
If you want a correct (or close) restoration, you are probably going to
have to locate some parts. Well, here is a bit of a problem. Many of the
Military bikes were sold as surplus, and at the time they were cheap, so
they had the original hardware stripped, and discarded.
There are a few spares around, but you have to dig pretty hard to root
them out. There are maybe a half dozen dealers around the world that
have any significant supply of original, and reproduction parts for the
Military Indians. Several NOS or used parts will turn up with
individuals, but again, you better get out the shovel! Once you are done
with the research, and parts gathering, the repairs, and rebuild are
fairly straightforward. When done, you'll own a unique bike, that will
draw just as much attention as the skirted bikes, but they don't
have the mass appeal when it comes to resale.
When most people think of an Indian, the skirted
Chief will come to mind, so you should expect the nice Harley I got into
Indians because of the sameness of the Harleys, and Military models keep
me away from this issue with Indians. My first Indian was a 1948 skirted
Chief, but it is probably the last skirted model I will own. I still
love the skirted models, but I tend to want to be different than the
masses (Lemming theory, ya know). I also feel that the Military models
represent the great contribution that motorcycling made to the world in
a time before the negative image of motorcyclists portrayed by the
outlaw bikers, media, movies and the invasion of the "crotch rockets" |
