Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - December 2008 - (Page 45)

SPECIAL FEATURE STORIES returned to the cab. “I can’t find the number,” he said, shaking his head as the Who song reverberated internally, “Fooled Again.” Take Two RESTORATION TIPS quite a few of these frames were replaced as owners of nearly new motorcycles were not receptive to welded dealer repairs. Where’s Da VIN? OK, by now most of you If allowed to re-shoot have identified the idiot, the scene, my first move, and a few may have after expressing interest Early OIF Triumph and BSAs have VIN recognized or suffered and apologizing to the stamping at the head where the triple tree attaches and where the numbers should have from similar bouts of kid, should have been gottabuyititis. Yes, I know been on this motorcycle. Again, we got lucky locating and carefully better, actually I’ve fooled as this area had not been altered or stamped inspecting the VIN. VINs previously. a few people into actually on older motorcycles believing I’m moderately capable of living life come in numerous forms and myriad locations without direct supervision, but dang it if I didn’t but these must be well known and easily up and buy a project motorcycle last summer recognized for any potential restoration project without checking the Vehicle Identity Number purchase. Anyone lacking specific knowledge is (VIN) for existence and then possible forgery. highly advised to get expert opinion on a VIN In my case I was just lucky. A piece of before plunking down any money for a project. sandpaper soon revealed good news after all of For just a small sample, I’ve seen BSA numbers the possible legitimate areas for the VIN on 1971 on Triumph engines, supposed specials with a and on Triumph oil-in-frame motorcycle were VIN indicating a model and year that was hardly taken down to bare metal. Most special, bondo hiding VINs fortunately there were no (quite common on old outlaw indications of metal removal or choppers) and dozens of other covering with bondo, solder, or problems. I still see this sort of welds. The frame never had chicanery at just about every been stamped, and while we’re big swap meet I attend and on this subject, let it be known have even spotted forgeries in that when a seller claims the printed advertisements. I’m not absence of a VIN is the result of even going to begin to talk dealer replacement of the frame about the Internet. or engine case, just know that VINs vary widely in it’s frequently not true, even stamping size, location, form, though the current owner might and means of application and actually believe what he’s range from computer generated saying. Very often, dealers reetching to number stamping stamped the parts to comply that looks like it was done by a with state laws, but the true palsied drunk, but can be What got us drooling over this existence of unstamped parts project was the unreal condition of perfectly legitimate on an old the parts and bargain basement does allow for frequent Brit. The best way to learn price. Note the un-rusted fork misconceptions and outright what to look for is to study fraud. History is also on my side tubes and nearly new tire. known good originals and also Unfortunately, the prospect of an here as many early OIF frames excellent deal short-circuited photographs in restoration did crack under warranty as the caution, quite common, manuals. result of inadequate bracing and unfortunately, when emotions After locating the VIN and overwhelm reason. design of the center stand, so verifying it’s original, unaltered WALNECKS.COM I WALNECK’S CLASSIC CYCLE TRADER® | December 2008 45 http://www.WALNECKS.COM

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Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - December 2008 Contents American The Buzz w/ Buzz Walneck Motorcycle Tips w/ Mike Brown 1988 Harley Davidson KLH 883 When Fools Rush In - You, the Law, and Your Next Restoration Project 1963 Parilla 125 Wildcat Test Chrome Plating by John Gunnell 1955 NSU 250 Max Events Listings & Advertisements Bench Racing w/ Mark Zimmerman British Biker of the Month Port-A-Chopper K-Model by Buzz Walneck BUB 2008 by Somer Hooker European Japanese Motorbikes & Scooters Memorabilia Antique Cycle Clubs The Vard - America's Lost Motorcycle Parts, Accessories, Want Ads How to Place a Word Ad How to Place a Photo Ad Area Code Directory How to Subscribe Let Us Help With Your Event

Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - December 2008

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