1947 Indian Military Chief

Dale from Toledo, Ohio, United States made available these photos of his brother Dave's awesome 1947 Indian Military Chief motorcycle that he completely rebuilt back to the way she was in 1947, except that he painted her shiny black instead of the usual military olive drab. The whole restoration took Dave two years.

Dave: "This is a fully functional vintage 1947 Indian Chief. It has a 74 cid flathead engine with a 3 speed transmission, a right hand tank shift (which takes some getting use to) and left side foot clutch. Black and chrome, girder front end, drum brakes and 12-volt conversion with all 6-volt parts to be included."

"This was the first year Indian introduced the head fender light and right hand throttle was offered as a factory option, however mine has the original left hand throttle (supposedly so the police could maintain speed while shooting their gun)."

"The Indian motorcycle manufacturing company is the oldest in the US, starting in 1901. There's a lot of American history in this incredible machine."

Dave mentions that the restoration project left him with a soft briefcase filled with 23 pounds of owner and repair manuals and all kinds of necessary literature.

Indian Military Chief Specifics

Dave gave us the following additional details for his rebuilt 1947 Indian Military Chief:

• Original re-chromed wheels with new stainless spokes;

• New tires are Shinko 500 x 16 with nostalgic treads;

• She has the cast iron oil pump;

• Kevlar clutch;

• Right hand spark retard;

• Single Linkert M344 carb;

• Fuel cell was completely re-soldered and sealed;

• The stains on the engine sides are characteristics of Indians;

Dave further notes that she's got an original chum seat pan with handrails and 4" studded skirt, recovered in the state of Oregon with pigskin

1947 Indian Chief Front Fork

1947 Indian Chief Engine

1947 Military Chief Fuel Tank

(November 2009)