Harley-Davidson 3703-36 & 3703-39 Front Fender Review
New from Replicant Metals are the 3703-36 and 3703-39 front fenders used on early Flatheads and Knuckleheads. These fenders have been painstakingly recreated just as Harley-Davidson originally designed and engineered them previous to WWII, with the kind of construction detail that separates a useful restoration part from a generic reproduction.
The 3703-36 and 3703-39 fenders incorporate the features of the Art Deco 1934-36 VL airflow-style mudguard, along with the necessary simplifications Harley-Davidson used to meet growing transportation demand and establish the hallmark HD look. For more early Harley-Davidson technical articles and VL-specific restoration material, visit the VL Tech & Restoration Guides archive.
Pre-war fender shape and styling
Replicant Metals enlisted one of the foremost tool and die teams in the galaxy to offer what may be the finest clone in history of these iconic fenders. The following photos document the serious attention to detail that has been paid to all aspects of the production of these fenders.
One of the first things that stands out is the eye-catching “Cat Smile” front tip. This is one of those small profile details that is easy to get wrong, and when the shape is off it throws off the look of the entire motorcycle.
The rear of the fender carries the proper flourish as well. It is subtle, but that rear treatment is part of what gives these pre-war Harley-Davidson fenders their balance and character.
Brace, valance, and reinforcement details
The rolled rod braces have the proper width and thickness, with cleanly radiused edges that are accurately bent to clearance the rockers. The brackets are laser cut and attached to the braces with rivets clenched by properly formed heads, which is exactly the sort of construction detail that tends to disappear on lesser reproductions.
The side valances are formed with the definitive rolled edge that was signature to the HD Knucklehead and Flathead fenders. They are securely spot welded to the main body, keeping the part visually and structurally consistent with the original Harley-Davidson construction style.
The fork hanger reinforcement plate and bolt-embossed divots are spot welded in the appropriate locations. These are not flashy details, but they matter when the fender is compared side by side with original components or installed on a serious restoration.
Butterfly reinforcement and final assessment
The fender body is precisely attached to the braces with truss head rivets and correctly shaped heads. The 3703-36 version depicted in these photos has the proper identifying “butterfly” spot welded across the front and rear brace, as was the practice for 1936, 37 and very early 38. There was a running-year change, and that detail was subsequently deleted.
For anyone working on a serious Flathead or Knucklehead build, this is the level of detail you are looking for. There are plenty of front fenders that will fit, but far fewer that hold up when the profile, braces, valances, reinforcement plates, rivets, and running-year details are compared against original parts.
Review rating: 5 out of 5. Based on construction accuracy, pre-war profile details, brace construction, rolled-edge valances, reinforcement plates, rivets, and period-correct butterfly brace details, this is a top-tier reproduction front fender for serious Flathead and Knucklehead restorations.
Replicant Metals and their seasoned subcontractors are proud to supply possibly the finest fender to be offered since the OEM supply was liquidated. If your machine deserves the best, then you require these great new fenders from Replicant Metals.