I have a vin on "84 evo softail" thr frame and title both have a vin of PA1EL2E252146004.... I cannot figure out how to decode where this vin originates. Can someone please school me on this please?

 

Looks like a Paughco vin # to me.

 

 

Yup, custom build of some kind with a state issued VIN. Not factory.

 

It does appear to have an OEM Springer front end..

 

Somebody knew someone at DMV and got them to put HD as manufacturer instead of Custom, saves money with the insurance company for sure.

 

but, no one is fooled.

 

Especially the insurance companies.

 

If you were under the impression you were buying a Harley, then it looks like Elizabeth Standridge did you dirty. Or someone did someone dirty, somewhere along the line. The VIN on every single Evo-era Harley (sold for the US market, anyway) begins with "1HD". That's why it doesn't matter that someone persuaded some paper pusher at the DMV to list the make as "HD". The VIN doesn't lie.

That VIN certainly reads like it's from Paughco. Might be from someone else. Who knows? There's been a million indy frame shops come and go over the last 40 years.

Would make sense at this point to call Paughco and see if they can tell you anything about it. As far back as this goes, they may have to dig through some old files, but my experience with their customer service has always been on point.

 

I hope you bought it dirt cheap cause it could be a hassle to get it legal and insured.