If you scroll to the next pic on that link there is a pic of the title
Model is RDST
VIN DRF114713

Neither of which will match up to any 49 HD that I can see

I did find this when looking up DRF on a Vin #
http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=101566

I am almost certian in 49 that HD only had vin numbers on the engine not the frame. So in my opinion what she has is a 49 pan that was put into another frame at some point. It was likely registered in CA and that VIN was issued and stamped on the frame.

My question is what is the Vin on the engine

 

Could it be a salvage or assembly title ??

 

Marissa, in my opinion if you want these guys to help you it would be prudent to give them as much information and detail as possible. The image of the title is very small and not easy to read. It appears that the VIN is, DRF114713.

They will need to know if this number matches the number on the motor casing as explained earlier. From the little research I did on VINs of that era it doesn't even look like an original Harley VIN for 1949. So, it makes me wonder if this was a Builders title, Salvage title, etc.

 

The model number and Vin number do not conform to any used by Harley in 1949 which leads me to believe this is a state issued VIN number. Look on the left side case between the cylinders below the timing hole plug and read what is stamped on the raised boss where the VIn should appear. The proper Vin should look something like 49FL1223. The first two digits are the model years, in this case 1949, the next two letters are the model either EL or FL, the last four digits are the Harley production number. ANYTHING other than this is a bogus restamp.

I suspect what you have is a bike that has a state issued DMV VIN tag. Usually the state will affix a foil like tag with a state issued VIN number stamped or printed on it somewhere on the frame. Usually located on one of the front down tubes. There can be lots of reasons why a bike would have a state issued VIN. Stolen recovery, total loss salvage rebuild or a home made construction to name a few.

While you have what appears to be a Panhead, and they are desirable, it is heavily chopped. That coupled with the incorrect VIN number will affect the value in a negative way. If it where all stock with correct numbers you would be sitting on a bike worth $20-$30 thousand dollars. As it sits $5-10K seems about right but lots of guys like me would walk away due to the Vin numbers.

Good luck with the sale.

 

It is a salvage title ls that bad? I don't really know what info to provide. I am not an enthusiast. This situation fell into my lap.

 

Well, it is a Panhead motor from the initial appearance but it is far from stock. I refer to these as "bitsa bikes", bits and pieces (some stock, some not) from various bikes and includes aftermarket parts.

Like has been stated the VIN is the heart and soul for the bike.

The vin# should look something like 49EL1314

The first two digits on the vin represent the year (in this case 49).

The next digit(s) represents what type of motor (the model). It could be E, EL,F,FL. These were also dedicated for sidecar use but the letter "S" does not appear on the VIN. These bikes were also dedicated for police use, but the "P" did not generally aopear on the VIN either. However it it did, it appeared at the end of the numbers (49EL1314P and NOT 49ELP1314).

The last four or five numbers represent the production numbers.

There are also "belly numbers" on the bottom outside portion of the cases. They were a matched set from the factory.

Various components on the bike had date codes and casting numbers which can help identify /clarify what is is /once was.

California used "blue tags" on bikes that were considered "special construction" bikes. This could be done for several reasons. The metal tag was affixed to both the motor and frame. And the year of the bike was then the year the tag was affixed. Not sure what year it started but it did not exist in 1949.

Oklahoma may have a similar program and the title may indeed refer to a reconstructed bike. I would assume there is some type of tag to either the frame or motor (or both) on the bike you have pictured. And as I previously mentioned, MoCo never had a model designated "RDST", so perhaps that is something also assigned by Oklahoma DMV. Think your best bet would be to go to your local DMV office and clarify the coding. That way when you offer it for sale you can explain what it means and can provide the potential buyer with an idea of what they are looking at.

Not many on the west coast will deal with a special construction bike from out of state merely because the headaches that come form dealing with DMV as well as CHP. Other states do not seem to have the severe restrictions on these types of bikes.

And no a salvage title is not bad but it does depress the value of the bike along with the price it will sell for.

 

Also' the bike is in storage out of town so I won't be going out there for awhile. So I can't get pictures of the engine atm. I don't really have rime during the work week.

 

The frame is a "department registered frame" and the model RDST means restored/rebuilt?

 

With no history on the bike and a mid-west suspect title (KA and OK being known for being easy to re-title a stolen bike) and you being the one selling it (no offense but you know nothing about bikes), you will only be able to sell that thing to someone in OK, who is not a collector and willing to buy a "pig in a poke". If you can get $4 thou I'd take it. It's not a knuckle or a desirable year for anything other than what the last owner had it for.

 

Can't speak to title laws out side of California, but you are selling her short absent a close inspection of the components. From the lone pic:

The frame may be OEM. It still has the sidecar loops ans well as the tool box mount on it. Yes there are aftermarket companies that make them but, if OEM, there are casting numbers on various parts of the frame that would help identify it by year. OEM frames can go from 1k up to about 2.5K depending on the year and the condition of the frame (a frame that has the neck cut tho kills the price because that means a new neck). And the less modified, the higher the value.

The springer is chromed but that was common back when. Not sure if it has been extended or the 21 in wheel alters the appearance. Again there are casting numbers on the springer components that will tell you if it is real or Memorex. OEM springers (even chromed) can fetch up to a couple of grand. And a good machine shop can take an extended springer and bring it back to stock length relatively cheap. It has the star hub and springer brake assembly along with the flanders risers as well. If theses are OEM you can easily a few hundred more to the front end.

Tanks, if OEM, will get you up to $750. I compared the tank badges to mine and I think they may be OEM. But you need to look at the back of them for the "Fox" name. If so you can add about $300 if they are in good condition.

So, if we speculate that the above components are OEM then we are basically at your selling price and have yet to get into the motor and drivetrain components.

Sometimes the sum of the parts is worth more than the bike as is sits in one piece; sometimes it is not. I am sorry I do not live closer to the OP, I would be there in a minute to assist her so that she could offer the bike with complete (or as complete as possible) of exactly what she has.

And no it is not for personal gain in order to acquire another Pan, or to have her part it out and sell the stuff to me. Have to say that even as a salvage titled bike that would be a blast to ride. Had a chopped 52 Pan for almost 19 years. Loved every minute of riding it.

My almost completed 18 year project...my 49EL. Once done I will start digging into my 65 Pan




My hope is that someone who lives near her with some knowledge of Pans and HDs in general can get her on the right track. It will either be worth the 6-10K price or at the end of the day it will worth your suggested price. But it takes a closer inspection of the components to verify what is there.