Sorry,but I would do a total restore and make that bike like new. I'm not a proponent of they're only original once. Some barn finds look like they just came off the showroom floor, those should be preserved. Others are just too far gone and need a proper redo. This bike fits that bill.

 

In the current vintage bike world and market, lets say for conversation that bike is worth $100k, and with the right documentation that is not a crazy number. Now you go and take it all a part, repaint, chrome, parkerize, cad plate, etc all of it and re-assemble, you now have turned it into a $50k bike. Just sayin', that is the real math. Now ten years from now maybe museum perfect bikes become the new rage, again. But in today's market, that bike is the top of the heap in condition. The only thing that might hold it back is the year, they built the most Knuckles in '47. Same condition pre-war, say a 1940, that bike is the stated $100k all day long. In fact you might have guys fighting for it at that price.

 

I totally agree with you that it will bring a big number in its current condition. What I don't get is why? What is the attraction to a clapped out bike vs.a restored bike? Myself I would rather have a restored bike. I think the current predilection will fade,and everyone who paid huge money will be kicking themselves. Just one man's opinion.

 

`Gotta restore the seat before you ride that, though.

 

, And it would be a real beauty too.

 

My antique friends (and me too) for the most part, restore their bikes. One of them is a '26 JD with a sidecar that looks and (I would wager) runs better than the one at the H-D museum. They can be picky about not using re-pop fenders and other parts, but those bikes look like showroom and get ridden regularly, turning heads across several states. Never seen one of theirs on a trailer, and never been broken down anywhere with any of them, and I'm talking about everything from Flatheads to Knuckles, Pans, Shovels, and even an Indian or two.
They might not be worth as much in the antique market, but are priceless to us.
A recent outing...
Attachment 618890

 

Ah.... no......

 

Of course, most of my friend's bikes started out as a half of a case, or little more than an oil stain.

 

Bingo!

 

."period correct modifications" translated mean butchered when almost new. It is cool. I am sure who even ends up with it will save it from getting worst.
I have a option to purchase a 46 with sidecar when a friend dies if he goes before I do. If no one in the family steps up I get first chance at a fair market price.
Not holding my breath, I sure someone will step up and purchase it from the estate. he did not raise dummies.