44 WLC ~ strange VIN

44WLC Mama · #1 06-11-09, 16:35

Hello all,
I have purchased a 1944 WLC Flathead. I have quite a history of paperwork on this bike. The VIN on the saddle of the engine reads 8381... not the typical 44WLCXXXX. I do know that this bike was used in the military in Canada, as I purchased the bike from the original owners step-son. The paperwork that I have on the bike shows a VIN of TAF8381, or 8381 (in more recent years).

My question is, has anyone seen such a VIN on these bikes? I am assuming that it is a number that was somehow assigned by Canada, but am getting grief trying to get the VIN Inspection so that I can title.

Any input or information is MUCH appreciated! We are in a small town, and there is a serious lack of good resources for knowledge here.

Thanks! I look forward to being an active member of this site!

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #2 06-11-09, 16:55

Welcome to MLU! Do you have a name?

Geoff

44WLC Mama · #3 06-11-09, 17:43

Yes, My name is Robin. About me? I am a 37 year old mom of twins. I am married to a man who rides with a MC, and enjoy the lifestyle. I live in Southern Colorado. Have a few Harleys, but and QUITE excited about the 1944 WLC. I joined the site to communicate with others that have similiar bikes and excitement over bikes of this era.

Thanks for the welcome.

Robin

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #4 06-11-09, 18:32

Thanks for that, Robin! Once again, welcome to our site... some of our membership will indeed have lots to talk to you about!

Rillette · #5 07-11-09, 22:13

Hi Robin,

Welcome to the MLU. According to common knowledge, there is no such thing as a 44 WLC. There are 1944 built 43 WLC but there are no 44 WLC, just as all wartime WLAs are 42 WLA even if they were built in 1943, 44 or 45. There are therefore no bikes with a 44WLCxxxxx engine number. The VIN number you have on your engine sounds very much like a re-numbered case number, maybe on a blank NOS case or a restrike on a ground down VIN boss. I have heard rumours once of a 44WLCxxxxx engine case, but with no substantiating proof whatsoever. WLCs were only made as 42 models and 43 models, 42WLCxxxxx and 43WLCxxxxx. Hope this helps a little bit.

Maybe you could post some pictures of your bike?

François

George McKenzie · #6 16-11-09, 22:41

I am restoring a 42 WLC .this is an original one as I am the second owner .The number on the case is 138xx .this number is stamped under the seat as well probably when some work was done on it by the army .You need a book . How to Restore Your MiLitary Harley Davidson by Bruce Palmer There is only the two years that WLC was used 42 43 and in those years there was changes made that can tell you wheather it is an earlyone or later
I think that the 42 has to be the most costly one of all the harleys to restore George

servicepub (RIP) · #7 16-11-09, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44WLC Mama

The paperwork that I have on the bike shows a VIN of TAF8381, or 8381 (in more recent years).

Sounds like the Census number as used by the RCAF overseas. TAC = Tactical Air Force and 8183 may have been the bike's number. With a new engine the owner may have wished to preserve the original WD census number.