Questions on chance to buy a 48 Pan - Harley Forum

Lethal Farce · #1 04-06-2008, 08:33 PM

I have a chance to buy a 48 Pan. Its looks pretty original and untouched, but un restored and rough. Last owner of 40+ yrs died and was he the second owner. I am wanting to give the family a fair price. Any ballpark idea?
It is missing all front brake parts , speedo bezel, seat mount T bar, Looks like it has some sort of magneto ignition. Clutch is off so I can't kick it over. What numbers should match, is it motor and frame? Suposedly some HD shop has offered him 10K sight unseen. Who do y'all recommend for vintage parts. Used 45 Restoration last time for a 48WL, and will call tomorrow to see if they have big twin parts.
Thanks, LF

Buzz Kanter · #2 04-06-2008, 09:58 PM

Looks like a decent start. Since you don't know if it'll kick over you have no idea what's inside. I'd say $10,000 isn't out of the question for this bike, but I'd strongly recommend you know what you are bidding on before you buy it.

We will be following along on "crustorizing" my mostly original 1948 Panhead in the next issue of American Iron Magazine (June issue). Might be worth reading if you are serious about buying this one.

Good luck.

Lethal Farce · #3 04-13-2008, 06:32 AM

Thanks Buzz,
Got the bike and your magazine. Thanks for the info.
LF

AdamWilliams · #4 04-14-2008, 08:57 AM

Vintage/collectible items, from cars and bikes to guns and music memorabelia, are valued ultimately by what someone is willing to pay. Is an original Shelby worth half a mil? Maybe only to the guy who bought it at Barrett Jackson, but once he paid for it, that Shelby is indeed a $500K car. If some H-D shop is willing to pony up $10K for the Pan, then it's worth ten grand, at least to that particular dealer. You're best figuring out what you're comfortable spending, then making an offer. If you do get it, keep us posted.

Good luck!

Lethal Farce · #5 04-14-2008, 10:08 AM

Thanks. This bike came available unexpectedly and I didn't have a lot of time to research the value vs. collectability and or inherent problems, as much as I would have liked to. I was hoping I would not get replies like; "Stay away from 48 Pans due to......". The deal is consumated and it's mine, and after a 13 hr road trip this coming Saturday, I will have it in my shed.

I am anxiously awaiting the next issue of Amer. Iron, and the "crustorizing" of Buzz's 48. By the way, what does "crustorizing" mean?

LF

evoKENevo · #6 04-14-2008, 10:31 AM

"Congradulations"... I'll bet you're one HAPPY guy!

Lethal Farce · #7 04-25-2008, 11:07 PM

Great -Crustorizing- article in Amer Iron. Buzz, are there more installments to the story coming? I got with Dale and he is helping me with my project. What a tremendous wealth of knowledge, I sure hate to se him leave the area. That museum is motorcycle heaven, it has to be the largest collection of vintage bikes in existence.
LF

47knuck · #8 04-26-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lethal Farce

Great -Crustorizing- article in Amer Iron. Buzz, are there more installments to the story coming? I got with Dale and he is helping me with my project. What a tremendous wealth of knowledge, I sure hate to se him leave the area. That museum is motorcycle heaven, it has to be the largest collection of vintage bikes in existence.
LF

Congrats on the new (old bike) and good luck getting it up to speed. The Crustorizing article is out and there are more stages still wiating to be published, but don't know how many. I wish I lived closer to Wheels Through Time as I really want to check it out before they sell off and move.

shovelmike · #9 04-26-2008, 08:27 PM

Lucky you, Lethal. There's no better man you can have helping you on the bike. The wife and I stopped by WTT last May....Great, Great place.

47knuck · #10 05-25-2008, 09:54 PM

The second part of the Crustorizing article was in the new issue in my mailbox the other day. Very cool.

Jeez, I'd love to be part of that rebuild team, even if I could only watch. Looking forward to the next part.