1953 VIN

VIN Identification
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Markt304
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1953 VIN

#1

Post by Markt304 »

New to the Pan and looking at buying and wanted opinion of a VIN on potential purchase.
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Speeding Big Twin
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Re: 1953 VIN

#2

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

Welcome to the forum. I don’t think the serial number (SN) is consistent with factory stamping for a 53 Pan. The 1 isn’t as pronounced as I’d expect and a couple of other characters also look unusual. Can you get a clearer photo please.

There appears to be a curved line below the visible characters. Is it a mark on the case? Is there any sign the SN boss has been altered?

How many characters are hidden? SNs for 53 Pans began at 1000 and went into the 6000s but they may not have reached 7000.

Are any characters stamped on top of the cases near the rear engine mounting bolts? If so can you post a photo.

I’d also like a clearer picture of the belly numbers, partly because the first three characters are not what I’d expect—for example, the year 3 has a flat top when I’d expect a round top.

Can you post a photo of the rest of the left side of the left case and a photo of the R-H case. And what sort of sprocket shaft does the engine have?
Eric
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#3

Post by Markt304 »

I have no more pictures and there are a total of 4 numbers after FL, a total of 2 hidden. I had concerns about the 1 also but with belly #s I didn't get how it could be a higher number, 3 or 5?
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#4

Post by Markt304 »

Actually don't own bike yet just going in morning to look at and have made offer.
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Re: 1953 VIN

#5

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

Markt304 wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 3:12 pm with belly #s I didn't get how it could be a higher number, 3 or 5?
If you’re concerned about BNs being higher than the SN, it happens at times. Sometimes the BNs are higher and sometimes the SN is higher. And with Panheads, on rare occasions the BNs match the SN.

I’m not sure what you mean about ‘3 or 5?’ Can you elaborate please.
Eric
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#6

Post by Markt304 »

I'm sorry for the lack of knowledge lol, but my understanding was that the VIN should be odd # with odd. Saying 53 beginning # should be 1,3,5,7? Saying that the VIN was a higher # than the BN would say bike was built before engine?
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#7

Post by Markt304 »

Isn't the BN usually higher than VIN being it was produced first?
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Re: 1953 VIN

#8

Post by RUBONE »

I'm sorry for the lack of knowledge lol, but my understanding was that the VIN should be odd # with odd. Saying 53 beginning # should be 1,3,5,7? Saying that the VIN was a higher # than the BN would say bike was built before engine?
No, the odd/even year thing did not start until '60. Doesn't apply to the '50s.
Isn't the BN usually higher than VIN being it was produced first?
Usually but not always. It depends on when the VIN was stamped. Occasionally an engine was held back for various reasons and the VIN may be higher than the belly when it is finally stamped.
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#9

Post by Markt304 »

What should #s on rear mount area be? And did I understand you say "3" s on BN not supposed be flat on top?
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#10

Post by Markt304 »

Better yet,I trust your knowledge. What should I find out more before an 8 hr trip?? Or do I just stay clear and look elsewhere or is it possibly legit? Thanks for your help!
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Re: 1953 VIN

#11

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

You’re welcome. If it’s an 8-hour trip then I wouldn’t go because at this stage there seem to be too many questions about the numbers. But you could ask the seller for more photos of the things mentioned thus far.

No need to be sorry for any lack of knowledge. I’m not surprised you’ve heard wrong about the even-odd code. Some say it was used prior to the 60s, some say it started in 62 and recently someone said it began in mid-62. Some say it went beyond 69. And not long ago someone said H-D never used an E-O code. All wrong. In fact, the E-O code was used for 1960–69.
Markt304 wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 4:19 pm Isn't the BN usually higher than VIN being it was produced first?
Usually? That’s hard to say but one study I’m working on may provide a clue if I ever finish it. 8) For now though, sometimes the BNs are higher and sometimes the SN is higher. And with Panheads, on rare occasions the BNs match the SN as I mentioned above.

Depending on what happened with that SN, and depending on what model and year(s) the cases are, on the rear engine mounts you may find 7s or Hs, or you may find nothing. If nothing is there, look closely for signs that something was removed.

In 1953 Panhead BNs, I’d expect to find a round-top 3 in the year portion. A flat-top 3 in the sequence portion is okay depending on what style it is. Notice two different 3s in the example below. Also notice the 1 in my picture only has a serif at the top, not at the base.
Eric

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Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#12

Post by Markt304 »

Wow!!! I see now! Thanks so much. I haven't read the whole manual on this site but do you have an email or messenger site? If I make a road trip for fun in morning I'd be willing to compensate you for your expertise just in case I go for a look. Thanks so much Mark
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Re: 1953 VIN

#13

Post by Scrap »

Markt304 wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 6:55 pm Wow!!! I see now! Thanks so much. I haven't read the whole manual on this site but do you have an email or messenger site? If I make a road trip for fun in morning I'd be willing to compensate you for your expertise just in case I go for a look. Thanks so much Mark
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Speeding Big Twin
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Re: 1953 VIN

#14

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

Cheers Mark. I’m happy to help. No need to compensate me. If you look at the bike in person please take some photos and let us know what happens.
Eric
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#15

Post by Markt304 »

I'm in route to bike, got the 7 and H thing but I don't know about identity on shaft you spoke of. What characteristics am I to look for?
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