harleyKmodel

I have a 57XL 1365. The date code is E8. Could this be the correct frame? Thank you in advance, Tom.

Hi Tom,
I would say your frame being May of 58 is a very late 58 model year frame. My guess would be you need a frame with a code more like G, H or I 6 if you want it to be a frame that people would think was original with the motor. There are quite a few later 57 frames with codes like E7 but that would be way to late for your motor. Just my opinion, more times than not I'm wrong. Could you post a couple good pictures of your frame? Also I would love to see pictures of the date coded VIN side of your cylinders.
JerryR

Hello Jerry, Thank you for your reply. Because or the originality of this bike I thought it might have never had the motor out. I was reading the posts about the 58 frame and thought I would look at my 57. I will PM you some pics as I do not know how to resize them. Thanks again, Tom.

Jerry do you know if the frame he has would work with 58XLCH2487 I might have a 57 frame for him

Hi Guy,
There are a lot of guys on this site that would know more than me about what date code would be appropriate for a 58CH. As far as the difference between a 57-58 XL-XLH frame and a 58CH frame, here they are.
The XL frame has two square metal bosses that mount the coil and support the toolbox/coil cover on the left rear downtube that would have to be ground off.
The XL frame will have a "Wedding Band" on the right rear downtube that will have to be ground off.
The XL frame will not have the sleeved hole in the backbone for the rear CH tank mount. This can be fabricated. I don't have it in front of me but if you needed it I could get you the tube ID & OD needed.
The only difference in the 58 CH frame up until somewhere in the later 64 model year when the boss on the right side bottom of the seat casting for the 65 model year voltage regulator or coil appeared is the small hole on the right side of the neck casting to clamp the speedo cable. That started in 59.
Good luck with your hunt for a frame,
JerryR

Motor 2264 has a L7 frame and motor 2423 has a E8 frame

The date code Is stamped horizontal. All others I have are vertical. Is that the way the early frames were stamped? Any significance to that? Thanks, Tom.

I wouldn't read anything into it. I' have frames with the date code horizontal and vertical. Frames with the number first and frames with the letter first. My favorite is a beautiful 59 frame with the number and letter upside down so you would think it was an early 57 frame.
JerryR

I suspect a little bit like "Washington Irving" and "Irving Washington"

Jerry, My file is too big and it won't accept. Again, I don't know how to resize.