Case says 67xlh 9405. The neck on the frame says 47584-56.
Can anyone tell me what the #s on the neck mean.

was it a part #, or a vin back then?

I am guessing the frame is the same part # as a 56, but that would make it a K model frame right? thanks ahead of time if you can help!!!!

 

The case number is your VIN the number. On the frame neck is a casting number for the part. This number will be the same on all 1956 to I believe mid 70 models. If you look you will probably find additional numbers in the same format on the frame castings elsewhere on the motorcycle. It is not really a part number and you won"t find it in a parts catalog because they only sold whole frames and not the component parts of it.

 

If you put Harley VIN or Harley Frame Numbers into the Google search you will find complete info on those. Other numbers are either part numbers or casting numbers.

For the part numbers is it essential to have a factory parts book for your year - obtainable from J&P and other catalog companies, HD dealers, or eBay for starters. The casting numbers are generally regardless as not useful.

There should be "belly numbers" on the bottom of the cases near the front. Same number on both sides if they are original. Put Sportster Belly Numbers into the Google search for more info.

 

Exactly. That does not mean that the frame was for a K Model, but rather that the frame was designed and first manufactured in 1956........ which was the K Model. In other words, your frame can be used on a 1956 K Model........ If you had one. (I wish I did!)

The same frame number may have been found up to around 1968 or 1969. Then when there was a change in the design, the new number would reflect that year and all frames following that will have the '- year model' stamped on them until the next design change.

That is why so many parts on a 1960's Sportster will carry part numbers that end with -52. These parts were first designed and used on the first K Model in 1952. You can always find parts stamped with -52A. These were design changes that, while different, were not major changes, so they carried the addendum to the year ............... pg