trying to set the dude straight who picked this thing up.numbers seem very strange. Can we set him straight about old ironheads.Shouldnt the first number be a even one to match the year? eg: 58XL2466

" It has a vin that indicates a 74 xlh that has stars on either side, the font looks kinda messy, but then there is one stamped right under that number that reads 58XL1466 which I believe tells you its the 1466th 58 xl to roll off the bench. The 58 vin is really neat looking with a really big font, and it's kinda stamped over the other in a few places so I think it came second. When I get home tomorrow I'll check that frame for numbers like you said, hopper!

It is titled as a 58 by the way. That's why I'm sorta confused"

 

The even-odd code was not used for 1958; it was used for 1960–69 models. (A lot of people will tell you the even-odd code started for 1962 but that is incorrect.)

For 1958 model Sportsters the serial numbers started at 1001 so number 1466 would not be the 1466th Sportster made for the 1958 model year. And a 1958 serial number would originally have been stamped on a raised boss on the left-hand crankcase.

A 1974 Sportster originally has a VIN stamped on the right-hand case. If it is a 1974 XLH then the VIN should be similar to the example below:



3A indicates XLH
21+++ represents production sequence
H represents decade code (1970s). Sometimes also referred to as a manufacturer code
4 indicates model year is 1974

I think you should advise the current owner to contact the DMV and find out why there are two sets of numbers on the engine.
Eric