how to correctly place a WLA buddy seat

[pierino]

and, 1stcavreg, thank you very much for looking for me at details...

I will have to check the whole assy with the seat, and check yoke both on rest and active positions...

I will let you know...


this post will stay at disposal, then, as a mine of informations about the WLA buddy seat indeed!!


ciao
maurizio

[1stCAVREG]

It is true that 42WLAs did not come "factory equipped" with buddy seats. However, civilian 45 Solo models up through 1952 could be equipped with the later style rack (sans saddlebag key slot plates) and the buddy seat. Looking at 1945 & 1946 factory order forms, both offer the buddy seat & rack for 45 models without restriction.

H-D Accessory catalogs also offer both for 45 models without citing any restrictions.

The combined fit of the buddy seat and the 1942-1952 type luggage racks were clumsy on a 45 Solo but apparently the factory turned a blind eye to it, allowing dealers to overcome the issue anyway they wished.

The best thing I can recommend is to make a short version, two-hole hook for your 42WLA and save the original to sell to someone running a buddy seat with the early rack or no rack.

[Johan WILLAERT]

Thanks!

Maurizio,

I've just checked the July 1943 revised edition of the WLC parts list and it lists the standard solo seat (3181-41) on both 42 and 43 WLC.
The WLA type buddy seat is not shown for the WLC, but two different Tandem Seats are listed for the 42 and 43 models (11235-41N and 11235-43, both for Canada only models= Domestic)

As an example, here's Jean Z from Luxemburg on his 43WLC18xx with the second type tandem seat used on Domestic 43WLC models. Seat is 11235-43 with saddle bags support bracket 13296-43
Picture taken at Tanks in Town, Belgium, August 2011

[pierino]

these are pictures taken from the operation and maintenance manual, WLC, november 1942, where images on 1943 WLC have been added...

first one is a general view, and you can see a standard luggage carrier, solo seat. further image should be of the earlier model...in the detail of the same picture, you can see that there's no luggage carrier, but yoke hook and bumper are visible over the rear fender...









I don't know what to say....

ciao
maurizio

[Johan WILLAERT]

Maurizio,

There are a lot of "mistakes" in the WW2 manuals and lists concerning the WLA and WLC...

My conclusion is the drawings/pictures used in the WLC manuals were based on WLA pictures on which they changed a few details...

Below is a scan of a 42WLC , this time from the 1942 WLC Operator's Manual. That manual actually shows the same picture you posted with the buddy seat hook a few pages earlier.

Note how on this side view the hook is no longer there??!!??
Also the front fender on this bike is the long type used on the 41WLA... As far as I know (and this is confirmed by the 1943 WLC Parts List) WLC were not equipped with these extended front forks...

[Johan WILLAERT]

Just checked Bruce's military book and not a single WLC pictured has the hook... not even 41WLA7655 which was a 41WLA set up as a WLC to show what the WLC would look like (page 147)

Are you mounting the buddy seat for registration purposes only? If so do you need to attach the hook at all?

Johan

[1stCAVREG]

Check the 41WLA photo in Palmer's book on page 57. It was this photo that was touched up to look like a 42WLC (note how the spokes, tire valves, and tire tread posions of both wheels are identical in). On this one, there is no buddy seat hook at all.

On the top view of the 42WLC with buddy seat hook, again Palmer's book but page 59. Another 41WLA photo that was later touched up for the WLC manuals.

[Johan WILLAERT]

Thanks for that.... All is clear now that I've read the caption with the pictures....

Johan

[pierino]

yes.


now clear enough for me also... tks to both of you...


I should have read Palmer's books with more attention... (ok, quite difficult to read and remember every single paragraph and caption... )


well... now I learnt that buddy seat was no intended for a 42WLA, even if civilian later bikes had them, together with luggage carrier, as accessories... up to dealers to find a way to assemble them together (hook assy was the main problem).

no WLC equipped with buddy seat as well (only tandem seats)... and images on WLC manual are from 41WLA touched up (tks to Bruce's book...).

back to me... I'll have to bring my WLA to DOT check with a solo seat but with, at least, the buddy seat supports assembled on my bike (that's 'cause of documents I was released from italian ASI, and that's why I was trying to have the hook placed into position)... I will assemble hook and yoke/springs assy as we finally considered.

at the end, anyway, and as soon as I'll have both clamps sizes available, I will try to place the buddy seat on...

the only part I missed, right now, is the bumper... I found it original, but 130euro for it (in Japan) is definetely too much...


ciao
maurizio