Indian 741 Scout VIN question

[slarsonroy]

Does anyone have a breakdown of the military 741 serial numbers and year produced? Looks like a 6 digit number on the left rear fork. No serial number on the motor but stamped AIMCO.

[Chuck#1848]

Hi Scott,

although my 42 isn't completly original my motor number starts with GDA22........something I haven't had a chance to look for any other numbers on it due to the build up of oil caked crud in places on the frame.

I have a book at home with a break down of some numbers I will check tonight when I get home from work.

Just curious what kind of sidecar does the guzzi have on it?

[slarsonroy]

It looks like it should start with 741 but for some reason it doesnt? Looks like it may have been "modified". The frame # reads 7327XX and the 7 doesnt look normal. I cant see anything Indian that remotely comes close to the first 3 numbers. No title of course.

The Guzzi has a Jupiter (Sputnik) sidecar on it.

[Chuck#1848]

It looks like it should start with 741 but for some reason it doesnt? Looks like it may have been "modified". The frame # reads 7327XX and the 7 doesnt look normal. I cant see anything Indian that remotely comes close to the first 3 numbers. No title of course.

The Guzzi has a Jupiter (Sputnik) sidecar on it.

Scott,

What I have listed in Jerry Hatfields book for 1941 30.50 ci Junior Scout numbers are as follows below.


civilian motor#EDA-101 and up
civilian serial# 541-101 and up

military motor#GDA-101 and up
military serial#741-101 and up

My motor number starts with GDA on my 1942

[Perry Ruiter]

No serial number on the motor but stamped AIMCO.

I think AIMCO stands for American Indian Motorcycle Company. A parts dealer/rebuilder back in the 70s/80s. I think it was routine for them to stamp motors that passed through their hands ... Perry

[slarsonroy]

Thanks Chuck. Now I need to decide what serial number to use that isnt already in use. Ideally, I would need to purchase a rear rigid fork with an original serial number stamped on it that came with a title.

Perry, I believe that is correct. I was told the cases were NOS packed in cosmoline and used to restore this bike.

[slarsonroy]

Well I deciphered the serial number. I was looking for just 4 ending numbers and its got 5, making it a 1943 model. The first part of the VIN plate is damaged, but I can still make out 741327xx which falls right into the serial number limits for 1943. Bought some stamping dies on ebay and matched the motor numbers to it (GDA not 741) and started the title process. Thanks go to David Page (Australia?) who pointed me in the right direction. This forum is priceless when it comes to these old bikes!