[briggsbikes]

I am working on a Indian Chief motorcycle rebuild/restore in my shop.

After researching the frame and motor numbers, I found I have a 1948 Frame with a 1939 Motor on it.

I am just trying to find out what the difference there is in the 1939 motor that's on it and a 1948 motor that should have been on it.

Thanks for any help.

JR
Briggs Bikes, Manhattan, KS

 

[RBinTEX]

9 years of technology with Indian engines.....

 

[RBinTEX]

what the difference there is in the 1939 motor that's on it and a 1948 motor

9 years of engine technology with Indian.....

 

[aussiekeeper]

Well that explains a lot................

 

[HINK]

Big difference : The 1938 was probably a four cylinder and the 1948 is a two, although there were some two-cylinders in the 1938 era as well. Most '38's were four. It is my understanding that scouts had two cylinders during this time frame but all the chiefs were fours.

Indian Four - Wikipedia

 

[RBinTEX]

Well that explains a lot................

It's the best I can do.....
like the question of what difference in the $2.00 ice cream cone and the $1.00 ice cream cone is...
The answer is always $1.00!

 

[dieselgman]

Show us pictures! I would be happy to research... but will have to wait till I am back in my main offices - about 10 days.

 

[HINK]

1936 is above, beautiful 1939 below

And here's the 1948.

When you get a chance take a look at Hinks Bike Board on Pinterest.

 

[dieselgman]

Those are all stunning bikes... what is it about Indian? Great timeless designs... I would ride any of them with great pride!

 

[briggsbikes]

To be clear, I have a 1948 Indian chief Vtwin frame #3481813
with a 1939 motor number #CCI-1703b

This is a restore for the owner of dealership I work for who asked me to find out what the difference was in the Vtwin 1948 motor that should have been on the bike and the Vtwin 1939 motor that is on the bike.
Briggs Auto is a major Car dealer with several new and used dealerships in The Central Kansas area, with one tiny Motorcycle Shop with just one motorcycle mechanic, (me).

He has elected not to restore back to 100% original due to the numbers not matching however, we are restoring it close to original.

All I am looking to find out is different in the 1939 Motor & the 1948 motor. Both motors are Vtwins.

I am aware allot was changed, but I am not sure exactly what. I have been doing research but finding it hard to come up with anything. The owner will return this Saturday and will ask what I found out regarding this question he posed to me, I was just hoping someone else might know and could give me a better answer than the one I currently have.

 

[briggsbikes]

This is bike with all tin removed for paint. I have since stripped it down to the bare frame as we powder coating the frame.

 

[My1stIndian]

Contact Jerry Greer in Deadwood, South Dakota (https://www.jerrygreersengineering.com/). He specializes in Indians from 1936 to 1953. Phone numbers 1-800-307-9027 or (605) 884-1050

 

[Vuuduu21]

The basic power-plant didn't change much from 1939 to 1945 due to the war. from 1946 to 1948 there were incremental changes like the check valve in the oil pump, kick start mechanism etc.

I would post this question on the American Iron forum or the AMCA forum. those guys eat this stuff up.

Other good sources are Mike at Kiwi Indian, or Jerry Greers Engineering.

 

[pablo94]

There's also Starklite along with Kiwi. I think Kiwi makes repo service manuals too. Kiwi Indian Motorcycles

Starklite Cycle

 

[briggsbikes]

I think I found my answer. Does this sound correct?

The 1948 Indian Chief 74ci come out that year with new motor changes as follows:

1. Engine case pinion housing modified for straight thru line boring

2. Silent ball lock starter replaced sprag faced gears

3. Aluminum geared oil pump

4. Header and muffler were now sperate units

 

[dieselgman]

WOW! I had no idea that anyone was building replicas... And the ones on the KIWI website are stunning! I see a number of modern updates such as brakes that sort of ruin the nostalgia effect a little bit, but they appear to be ready to ride and get dirty! Thanks for the post!