52K generators: tagged vs stamped

[Simon]

Any ideas on when the changeover from tag to stamped 52K generators was? (I'm assuming tagged was first)

I have other pictures of the rest of the generators, all taken from eBay, but here are the tag and stamped versions. Note the tag should be black - the green paint is from a previous owner.

[thefrenchowl]

My 54 KHK had a tag.

Patrick

[hennesse]

That's certainly an unusual one! My suspicion is that it's 1956 or 1957, or later (spare parts) production.

Palmer says (for Big Twins) that 1932-1955 generators have tags, and 1956-1969 have stampings. The model 58 (1958-1960) and Model 61 (1961-1964) have stampings, but do not have the window frame. The window frame is reminiscent of the window frame on late-1955/1956 to 1959/1960 air cleaners. While Palmer reports a clean split in 1956 for big twins, this may not apply to the KH/Sportster.

I guess we need 1956 and 1957 owners to tell us what they've got...

[fiftysevenXL]

My original paint '56 KHK had the stamped window-pane version, as does my '57 Sportster. Museum '57 also has stamped; I thought 1956 was first year for
the stamped style but not 100% sure on this. Any other input?

[Vintage_hds]

Our experience is '57 for sure and probably '56 was the first year for the stamped data rather than the data on a tag. Many of the component parts used in the various models carry the same part numbers. I believe when H-D implemented a change like stamping vs. tag it crossed all models. Now H-D also had a use up policy to consume inventory. So there is always a possibility that some transition years would have both styles.
The other thing I can tell you is my brother & I rebuild generators as a hobby for our and various other folks needs. But in doing so we recognize that the body casting for the 32E, 52 and other generators were the same only unique based on machining differences. For instance between the 32E and the 52 the differences are 1/4"-24 vs. 5/16-24 mounting screws, machining where the drive end oil deflector interfaces with the body casting, and of course the stamped tag on the later bodies. I will add my normal disclaimer which is "I've told you more than I know"

[mikeslemmon]

what is the difference between the earlier gen. drive gear and the dash ,58?

[Vintage_hds]

The difference between the gears is earlier gear is held on the armature shaft with a pin through the gear & shaft whereas the later gear is held on the shaft with a 7725 flex nut on the end of the shaft.

Dave

[mikeslemmon]

thanyou dave