1963 panhead
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Joined: Aug 2009
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1963 panhead
I have a chance to buy a 1963 Pan
Was wondering if we could get some information
The bike seems to have all the parts to be an original
Not a perfect example but all there
Maybe some thoughts on what to look for?
Fair price for an original?
Any help would be good \Any thoughts would be good also
Thanks Mark
Was wondering if we could get some information
The bike seems to have all the parts to be an original
Not a perfect example but all there
Maybe some thoughts on what to look for?
Fair price for an original?
Any help would be good \Any thoughts would be good also
Thanks Mark
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,490
Likes: 3,688
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Problem is that what may be deemed "original" by the present owner could be nothing more than a cobbed collection of parts courtesy of Tawain Ted, or parts from other years thrown on to give it a period correct look.
You say it is at a shop that 'restores' bikes. Could be an indication it is not 'original'...or not.
Value could be nothing but a non-running parts bike ($2500), to a semi collection of parts bike for a running 1963 ($7500), to a semi-restored 1963 ($10-12K), to a correctly restored 1963 ($12-14K), to an "original" condition with all the correct paint, finish, and parts for a true 1963 ($16-18). A restored bike will never be worth more than an original condition bike. And I will ad that my ideas of values could be dirrerent than someone else with greater experience.
A bike can only be "original" once. People chrome parts (that should not be) and use fancy paint (non-factory colors) to make it look pretty, and then claim it is worth more because it is "restored". Not even close! Worse yet they chooose to use aftermarket C h i n k **** (most common is sheetmetal) and then try to up the value due to cost. Not even close.
Like has been said, the only way to get an idea of what it really is is to post pics. I have an Apple phone and it takes very good pics. Pics, even poor quality ones, provide a basis for discussion. Without that, it is merely conjecture.
I would strongly suggest you take someone with you that knows panhead models, and knows what to look for, and what questions to ask so that you do not end up with buyers remorse. You need to know about the history of the bike, what has been done (receipts are gold), what needs to be done, and first and foremost...is the vin number good, and does it have a title. Without this, it is just parts.
You say it is at a shop that 'restores' bikes. Could be an indication it is not 'original'...or not.
Value could be nothing but a non-running parts bike ($2500), to a semi collection of parts bike for a running 1963 ($7500), to a semi-restored 1963 ($10-12K), to a correctly restored 1963 ($12-14K), to an "original" condition with all the correct paint, finish, and parts for a true 1963 ($16-18). A restored bike will never be worth more than an original condition bike. And I will ad that my ideas of values could be dirrerent than someone else with greater experience.
A bike can only be "original" once. People chrome parts (that should not be) and use fancy paint (non-factory colors) to make it look pretty, and then claim it is worth more because it is "restored". Not even close! Worse yet they chooose to use aftermarket C h i n k **** (most common is sheetmetal) and then try to up the value due to cost. Not even close.
Like has been said, the only way to get an idea of what it really is is to post pics. I have an Apple phone and it takes very good pics. Pics, even poor quality ones, provide a basis for discussion. Without that, it is merely conjecture.
I would strongly suggest you take someone with you that knows panhead models, and knows what to look for, and what questions to ask so that you do not end up with buyers remorse. You need to know about the history of the bike, what has been done (receipts are gold), what needs to be done, and first and foremost...is the vin number good, and does it have a title. Without this, it is just parts.
Last edited by panz4ever; Aug 1, 2015 at 11:36 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 7,862
From: Long Island, New York
Half of this conversation should be all about the paperwork. Does it have a title and does it say 1963 HD. If not the price just went down, a lot.
Next problem is that with few exceptions, none of them are original. Think about how old the bike is and how many hands have touched it. Also keep in mind, parts could have been changed in the 70s' for example that will have almost the same patina as the original parts. hard had to tell what came from Milwaukee without a really good history of the bike and who owned it and a group of experts.
Post pictures, we like pictures.
Next problem is that with few exceptions, none of them are original. Think about how old the bike is and how many hands have touched it. Also keep in mind, parts could have been changed in the 70s' for example that will have almost the same patina as the original parts. hard had to tell what came from Milwaukee without a really good history of the bike and who owned it and a group of experts.
Post pictures, we like pictures.
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