You see good cases w/ title good on ebay for 2+ large. Think that if the motor is apart you have a better chance of inspecting components rather than having the motor buttoned up and telling you his best friend Ed did all the work and Ed is a master at his game. Never heard that pre-55 cases are worth less (course I am partial to my 49 EL), but I do think any motor is worth what someone is willing to sell them for and what someone is willing to pay for them.Underdoggie wrote:With all this conversation about 49's I am curious to know what you guys think a 49 engine (not put together) and title is worth. Lets say for the sake of conversation the cases are legit and the title is good. What is that engine worth. I know the only way I will ever get another panhead is to start this way and I might just be able to get this one. How much? just the motor? Let me know what you think?
How complete of a motor are you talking about? Most heads are in need of repair. Most cases unless they have been sitting on a shelf their entire life will need some work to make them whole. There are masters out there that do that work...Don at HeadHog, Tom Shaw at Creekside... two I have used and swear by. That being said the work is not cheap.
If work has been done, ask for receipts. To me no receipts means no work done and the story is bullshit.
Last and most importantly, inspect the VIN and belly numbers closely. There was some dip who was trying to unload a set of 55-57 cases that were stamped with 52 belly numbers and a 52 VIN. That my friend is bogus. they sell stamps on ebay so there is always some schmuck that will try and convince you what he has is legit when it is not. Mis matched belly numbers generally mean that somewhere one case got screwed up and the owner found a correct (or NOT) case to mate it with.