VIN based history search

[custmmc]

Would like to know original color and other details of H-D restoration project.

This service was described as part of my encouragement to join AMCA, but unable to find how to engage the search.

Please point me in the right direction.

[Rubone]

What era bike are you looking for info on? There is no way to tell from older VINs what colors or equipment were on a factory build without original dealer sales order.

[jorrow]

As far as the color, you might try looking under the tail light, or between the gas tanks. Often original paint still exists in these areas.

[custmmc]

What era bike are you looking for info on? There is no way to tell from older VINs what colors or equipment were on a factory build without original dealer sales order.

I was told to enter the VIN and receive details about the original build...color, dealership where sent, date of original sale...etc.

[Rubone]

First, welcome here. Second, don’t know who gave you that info but that is not a service offered by this club.

Or any club as that info basically doesn't exist, H-D doesn't even have it. As far as what was available as to colors and trim each year that info is something I can supply as well as others, but it in no way is connected to a specific VIN.
You didn't answer my question as to era, some Shovelhead and newer info is available from H-D.

[PaulCDF]

Welcome Custm

What bike are you working on?

Here is a shameless plug for joining your local chapter;

Chapter Finder - The Antique Motorcycle Club of America

[droptopford]

As far as what was available as to colors and trim each year that info is something I can supply as well as others, but it in no way is connected to a specific VIN.

On the bright side custmmc, once you know what was available for your specific year, you get to pick the color(s) you like and nobody can tell you it's wrong!

[exeric]

I agree, Clark. At this point in time paint formulas are a guess and no one is qualified to say that isn't the correct hue or shade of "Congo Green" etc.

[JoJo357]

Or any club as that info basically doesn't exist, H-D doesn't even have it. As far as what was available as to colors and trim each year that info is something I can supply as well as others, but it in no way is connected to a specific VIN.
You didn't answer my question as to era, some Shovelhead and newer info is available from H-D.

I remember reading about a fire at the Motor Company. If memory serves me, i think it was in the 1970's. A lot of their records were destroyed? Again, H-D wasn't exactly the epitome of preserving their earlier history.

*M.A.D.*

[Chris Haynes]

The fire was in 1958.

[JoJo357]

The fire was in 1958.

Thanks Chris. I kinda remember reading about the fire when David Wasserman was the curator at the original H-D Museum, before H-D built the larger modern Museum. I believe Wasserman did articles for Buzz & Pixie Walnecks Rag, and maybe a few other Motorcycles Rags.

*M.A.D.*

[custmmc]

My Knucklehead VIN...

46FL1XXX

Sent the H-D museum a request for details and was told that museum archives were for private use...Then referred me to AMCA. Haha.

I did get some paint and dealer details when I first purchased the bike, but that was 30+ years ago...I think from Antique Motorcycle Supply?

I guess that I can pick a color...and then I will have to make up a dealership history...I think Elvis owned this motorcycle for a while. Haha.

I do appreciate the responses and advice. I may start a thread in Knucklehead telling my history of getting the bike and try to get suggestions on direction to go with the restoration.

Best regards,
Ron

[dukekleman]

Ron,

That sounds like a good path forward.

Duke

[Rubone]

'46 is an interesting year as production was ramping up and various changes occurred during the production year, forks, frames fenders, trim etc. Depending on what the rest of your VIN is after that initial "1" it was likely quite plain.

[Chris Haynes]

Thanks Chris. I kinda remember reading about the fire when David Wasserman was the curator at the original H-D Museum, before H-D built the larger modern Museum. I believe Wasserman did articles for Buzz & Pixie Walnecks Rag, and maybe a few other Motorcycles Rags.

*M.A.D.*

I remember that Tom Bolfert was the curator of the museum before the new, unimpressive one was built. I haven't heard of David Wasserman.
I visited the H-D museum last year and was totally unimpressed. Most all of the motorcycles were displayed in a long line three abreast. Tight together so if you wanted to see something on a particular machine it was nearly impossible.