Headlight buckets

[markb]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this question but I'm trying to find out if there are any differences in early and later headlight buckets.  Mine on #97 was completely smashed and I need a replacement.
Mark

[kp]

Mark
CB450 and early CB750 buckets are the same as far as I know. Not sure if the K1 bucket is the same. They have a 1 stamped on the inside and have a small hole for the wiring to go through. The later buckets have a larger rear hole. You should be OK to find one, but then one would never know about the very very very very early VINs  

[markb]

Where is the "1" stamp located?
Mark

[kp]

On the inside between made in Japan and the Hm logo. Located in the middle between these 2 See pics

[markb]

Thanks KP.  That explains why I couldn't find it on my buckets, it wasn't there!  At least on the ones I looked at, one of which is off a 3-digit.  Any idea what VIN's they went up to?  I have a couple to dig out and check but I'm pretty sure they're later.  In case I don't fine one does anyone have one they would sell?

[kp]

Mark
I can't say with any certainty what is what but I understand sandcast bikes had a 1. I've seen 1 and 2 in these shells and my early bikes had the 1. I have also bought a few over the years with a 1 but I believe they are very hard to come by but not impossible. VW is the knowledge base on these shell numbers so maybe see if he can help
KP

[markb]

KP,
It appears from your photo that the wire hole is round.  The hole in my buckets is elliptical.  Is that an optical illusion or is the early hole round?  If it wouldn't be too much trouble could you measure the hole for me?
Mark

[kp]

Hi Mark
Optical illusion The hole is eleptical
Here is a photo of my early VIN bucket  Also has an elliptical hole

[kp]

Here's a #2 small hole shell

[Steve Swan]

KP, any idea the vin break from type "1" to type "2" buckets ?

[kp]

Here's a no number small hole shell. Go figure that lot out

[kp]

Here are the three buckets I've photographed to date. 2 are NOS the other is used. The 2 NOS buckets have 300 part numbers whilst the black bucket has the merger hole Maybe this was the change
I can't shed any light on this (no pun intended) 

[kp]

Here are 2 more shots of the 3 shells.  One shot clearly shows the oval holes and the other shows the HM20 side logo Enjoy

[kp]

Good day to you Mr Swan
I actually don't have a clue about the VIN break (in fact I don't have a clue about much at all) but I'm of the understanding that all sandcast machines have the small hole buckets. Replacement buckets around late K0 and K1 seem to have a larger hole and even later buckets may have a larger hole again but I cannot be sure of this. VW told me of these numbers some years ago and I believe he may have a better understanding of this oddity KP

[Steve Swan]

is that black bucket nos ?