Need help with vin

Panhead vin numbers

VIN Identification
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jjoy122
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Need help with vin

#1

Post by jjoy122 »

I am new to panheads, I have read a lot about bad or tattoo vins. I found a bike I am interested in, however several have commented the vin looks suspicious. Is this a good or bad vin? Please help
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B325295E-309E-4A5F-9139-53AFA5582A11.jpeg (155.92 KiB) Viewed 1425 times
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Re: Need help with vin

#2

Post by panhead_kicker »

Others more knowledgeable will chime in, but looks buggered. Looks like its been ground, possibly re-welded and re stamped, poorly at that.
HD48FL
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Re: Need help with vin

#3

Post by HD48FL »

Bad!
FL54
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Re: Need help with vin

#4

Post by FL54 »

I’m no expert either but I’d run from that. To say it’s suspicious is an understatement.
1962FLH
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Re: Need help with vin

#5

Post by 1962FLH »

The vin number looks like a bad job done. looks to be welded with lots of holes in weld then not shaped very good either. Numbers don't look authentic
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Re: Need help with vin

#6

Post by RUBONE »

That pad is ground down but does not appear to be welded, the pits are light punch marks done in an attempt to create texture. The lip at the lower edge above the cable is a major indication of tampering. On a factory case it flows smoothly into the pad. The surface texture of the pad should match an untouched area of the case. Both the 5 and the 0 are different than factory stampings.
HD48FL
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Re: Need help with vin

#7

Post by HD48FL »

As you can tell from the responses, you know what you're dealing with. Best thing is to not consider this one.

But, do you know what the belly numbers are? Is there a "7" stamped on each case half, where the rear motor mount bolts go?
jjoy122
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Re: Need help with vin

#8

Post by jjoy122 »

Thanks, I’ll pass on this one
Speeding Big Twin
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Re: Need help with vin

#9

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

jjoy122 wrote: Thu Feb 13, 2020 2:50 am I am new to panheads,

Welcome to the forum. For comparison, below are two examples of serial numbers (SNs) that appear authentic.

50 FL 7+++.jpg
50 FL 7+++.jpg (67.82 KiB) Viewed 1291 times

50 FL 3+++.jpg
50 FL 3+++.jpg (93.84 KiB) Viewed 1291 times

Something else to look for with early Pan left cases is the area I outlined in orange. It was like that for 1948 thru about early-1952. But around mid-52 (model year) the casting was beefed up and the head of the bolt sat further out.

You are new to Panheads? But apparently you already have a 62 model? Did you get the 62 SN authenticated? Thanks.
Eric
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