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I'm looking at purchasing a '39 flathead 45 in my area that has been restored. It looks good but some of the things I'm concerned about are the amount of repop to original parts are unknown. That front fender and fork look like repop to me but what do i know. Given the bottom case has a DRF # rather and original VIN it's hard to say that its indeed a 39. Or at least that's what I think (i'm no expert). Seller tells me it leaks fuel from the carb, has an oil leak somewhere but doesn't know where, the fork doesn't have a # stamped on it and it hasn't ran in over a year. He also says it won't start at the moment and the battery is dead (not sure if there could be issues with the wiring).
Anyways, i love the bike and want it for a fair price. What do you think something like this would be worth? also, anyone know what that front fender is?? sportster? haha
It looks ok, but there is a lot more than needs ot be known. What has been done ti it? Engine and trans rebuilds? Receipts for things that have been done and by whom would be nice? Not everyone does the same level of quality work, so knowing who has been working on it would help.
It's difficult to tell much from one small picture, but yes, the front fender is not correct. But with a bike that old there will be few that are all original and those will be very expensive. As far as an oil leak, if it is just a small drop or two it's likely normal as the older bikes were not sealed up well.
Is there a VIN stamped on the left engine case? And is the bottom case # the ones on the bottom of the cases? And it is stamped and the same on both sides? The springer forks and rockers should have some casting numbers that may help identify it. They may have been painted or even powder coated over making then difficult to find or read.
If you want a bike you can ride and not have to work on, that may not be the best one for you. And you need to appreciate the limitations in terms of power and speed.
Thanks for your response Paul! This is all things I wish the seller could tell me, i just need help coming up with a fair price for the both of us. He is asking $17,500 which i feel is WAY to high for the lack of certainty in the build and the parts not being confirmed OEM. But I have no idea what price would be a fair offer.
In terms of having a bike I have to work on, I am willing and able for that. I already have one that I don't need to work on so somethings missing there haha. I'll try to get more pics.
15 to 20 is what i see - offer 13 you need the 5 to get it back to your idea of it running right - he could go for it ya never know - always can give more
the fender is painted to match if its ok by you leave it tilll you want something different have it painted to match or change it all to what you think is the deal
First if it is not a original vin I personally wouldn't touch it.
It looks to be a paint scheme of a 39 but the tanks, dash, and rear tail light all look to be 41 and later. So I don't think it a original 39. the thing to check is transmission, if it is a 3 bolt or 2 bolt. As for price if it runs 15k if not 10-12k
You need palmers book and pretty much give the bike a rectal. Locally I can buy a properly restored 45 in the low $20's Canadian. I was going to say the bike is worth closer to $9K
Three bolt transmission for sure so 1941 and up frame and transmission. So with no VIN what is from 1939? Walk away, better bikes out there in that price range. Or talk him down to $10k, good luck, but I would walk.
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1939 Resto Value
