Rays 1941 WLA Restoration

My Latest Project 1941 WLA Harley Davidson

Total Strip Down and Re-Build. .
Ok so I needed a new challenge.

Well I have spent many years looking for a complete bike that was priced reasonably, and after about 5 years of looking I realised that I needed to just get into building one for myself.

All of the bikes on the market were either way too expensive for something that is really not a practical every day bike, and by the time I restored the Bike to as new condition the cost was prohibitive.

I wanted to use the thing for weekend club riding and fun, and I didn't want it to let me down. Upon close inspection of the components I had, everything needed doing.

In the End I also had to start from scratch, as many parts were missing and or just too far gone. I was lucky, and did manage to get a complete motor and gearbox, as well as a complete frame that had not been hacked up, a OEM front end was a bonus. Most of the Military parts came from various sources including a Harley expert in Sydney. He was a source of many parts as well as very helpful with the complexities and differences between a stock 45 Harley and the military one. Here are some shots from the project kick off, YES there is loads of work and collecting of parts to come. I will do a time line as I did for my Ducati rebuild as I slowly build this one up. With Luck I can do a write up of the process and the detail as time permits.

Frame in Native state                               Close up of what Parts we have                                            Blackout Light

Mock Up Frame                                                  Springer Test assembled                                        Gear Box rebuild                                          

Headlight and Ammo Box                                              Fuel Tank and Rear Guard                               Front Guard Test Fit

Headlight On                                                    Seat and Post On                                      Front Rim, after Sandblast and Paint

Front Hub, Sandblast, Prime and Paint                      OH the Front end is looking Scary…!

Primary and Carb are on, Test fit                             Rear Wheel On                           Rear Brakes and Carrier On Test Fit

Front Brake Hub                     Rear Wheel On Rear Brakes and Carrier On Test Fit

Front Guard repaired and ready for Paint Rebuilt Motor and trans in the new frame

Assembly of the Motor and Trans