I have found a 51 panhead that I'm looking to purchase. It has Ben restored and I want to know what to look for to make sure it was built correct for1951 with the rite parts? Enything helps. I dont know how to identify these old bikes and I don't want to be ripped of? I would love the held

 

First post some pictures, don't forget a shot of the VIN. Lots of knowledge to be found here.

Second buy Bruce Palmer's "How to Restore your Harley Davidson"

 

lots of guys will miss this not in the direct panhead section so move it when you post pictures maybe 6 or 8 all around the bike and look at the bottom numbers on the cases see if they match left and right sides - the more pictures the better info you will get as we are not with you unless you bring it to the site using pictures

 

+1 on Bruce Palmer's book. He has the bikes listed by year and what was correct.

 

Probably the most overused words (in bold) for older iron. Too many think that adding chrome (mostly ***** $hit) and paint suddenly adds value and equates to restored. Definitly not the case.

As mentioned, the best resource is Palmers 2nd Edition. It is very detailed. Pics help, lots of them, in general and specicis as well. if you go to look at it, take someone with you that knows about Panheads and, who has a copy of Palmers.

Just curious...what is the asking price?