Gabster,
Yes, it's confusing. I pulled down all the specs I could find, and it does appear that the axle up to '54 should bolt to the '39 frame. It also seems that the 1st series '55 can be used, but may need some slight mods. I will continue looking for a 46 to 54. There has to be one someplace in the southern end of the state. When I find it, I will roll the dice, take it home, and see what happens.
Again, it appears that the outer bearings are the same, but the inners are a bit larger on the newer models. The pins appear to be the same, but, when they go from reamer fit to floating, there may be a change. Don't know about that one, but it's academic if I am using an axle/hub set from the same year. The brakes go from 1 3/4 to 2 inches, but that may not change the tread width. There is room in the 1 3/4 drums to increase them a 1/4 without changing the stance.
I guess it if was too easy it wouldn't be fun??
Thanks for your efforts on digging out the specs.
night
Gary
