1942 Wlc

[Fingers]

Very short history of my WLC.
- Bought her a couple of weeks ago and on trying to kick start her the other day broke the countershaft clean off! DOH!!
In order to replace the countershaft, I believe the whole transmission requires stripping down. With the help of the previous owner I am thinking about stripping her down but I am not a mechanic I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for someone who could rebuild the transmission and gearbox - preferably around the Yorkshire region?
Also if anyone has stripped down the transmission on a 45 do we need a specialist tool for [FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']removing the clutch hub? [/font]
Thanks

[45Brit]

you don't say where you are getting your replacement one from. There are some very poor quality Indian ones around at the moment and it sounds like you may have one of them.

try 45 Parts depot for spares and any tools you need

[Fingers]

Thanks 45Brit. I think the broken countershaft is an original part. I don't understand why it broke but perhaps 60 odd years of use has taken its toll.
I was sourcing the replacement parts from Clements Trading in Holland who I was advised were reliable and good. Do you have any experience with them?
Thanks

[FXSTC Dave]

Hi Fingers.

Found this website in the US, it maybe of some help with your rebuild.

45 Restoration Company Inc.

[45Brit]

I don't know Clements Trading but there are several 45 specialists in Holland

I would recommend Kurt and Wendy at 45 Depot, because I have always had good gear from them and they are in any case, the source of most of it. They also own Flatland Motorcylcle Co in the US ands distribute Colony as well, who are a valuable source of fasteners etc the right length with the right thread

google 45 Parts Depot aned you will find them easily

60 years hard may conceivably be the reason..........

[Limey_Dave]

A NOS one from here Jan Willem Boon - Obsolete New Old Stock parts for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle and American made replacement parts would cost 180 euros.

I would get one from here. https://flatland.oursafeserver.com/4...egory_id=11738

It is made by Kurt's company and has warranty.
All his parts are tested on his own bikes.
He gives lifetime warranty on his 45 springers.
Try getting that from V-Twin co.

[Limey_Dave]

If you want to read through the job to see if you're up to it I will see later on if my service manual will copy.
The shaft could have been damaged earlier by the bike being droped on it's right side as the kickstart operates on the countershaft.

[dodgyloner]

Hi Fingers

I'd agree with 45 Brit and Limey Dave - go for the 45 Parts Depot stuff. Kurt's countershafts are drop forged to address the old problem of the kicker end breaking. Jan Willem Boon in Holland is also a good source of parts. Both have Internet sites.

I generally use 45 Parts Depot for the bigger assemblies and Boons for the NOS and smaller fiddly stuff. 45 Parts Depot also offer a club discount to HDRCGB members (5% over 300 Euros I think). Be careful of importing US parts as you can get hammered for VAT, Import Duty and Customs handling on the way in.

As regards replacement parts go for NOS, USA or Western European everytime. Avoid the Far Eastern stuff wherever possible like the bl00dy plague. Ive found it to be complete sh1te and you can spend loads of time (and money) trying to fettle parts. The Indian stuff looks and may fit better but the quality of the metal used can be really poor so best avoided too.

The main thing to remember with the 45 gearbox (and engine) is that they come from a time before the concept of off-the-shelf standard replacement parts. So you cant usually just take the countershaft out, put a new one in and expect it necessarily to fit together right. You might have to start messing with different roller sizes, replacing and reaming bronze bushings etc. And you may also have to replace other worn parts whilst you've got it in bits. Bodging can be a huge factor too - amazing how many idiots can get their hands on a bike in 66 years (ask me how I know this.....)

Ive built a 45 gearbox from scratch and I'm a pen pusher by trade. It took a "while" and a fair amount of parts but its not too difficult once you've got the hang of it. You'll need TM9-1879 manual for the procedure and the tolerances (PM me if you havent a copy I may be able to help).

There is a specialist tool for the clutch hub but most people seem to use a screwdriver and hammer......

Hope this is useful. What part of Yorkshire are you from?

Karl

[45Brit]

Palmers is useful, but hard to find at times.

I would certainly agree about NOS or European made parts. Kurt isn't cheap but he doesn't sell junk, you can buy there with confidence.

good point about the reaming, fitting etc, it isn't rocket science but it is necessary for a proper finished job.


as it happens I have gone over to British gearboxes on my bikes, the 4-speed makes a big difference to the overall performance. You can gear up a bit and save that awful gap between 2nd and 3rd at the same time... of course this depends on the type and overall style of your bike, how authentic you want to be, etc.

I'd also suggest you register at Flatheadpower if you haven't already done so, the sheer quantity of information there is staggering

[Fingers]

Thanks for all the advice guys - I've made a note of all the NOS suppliers and taken on board the advice about Iindian / Far Eastern parts.

Has anybody had any experience with Clements Trading in Holland? This was the place the previous owner suggested and who sell NOS and 'high quality reproduction parts'. I've spoken to the owner Michel and he seems very helpful.

Karl I do have the manual TM9-1879, so have the step by step instructions thanks and I'm based just north of Leeds in Otley.

Thanks again
Graham