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New member introduction...Hello
Hello to all,
I am new to the forum and would like to introduce myself. My name is Patrice (42, male) and reside in Austin TX. I have been involved with restoring Indians since I about 1977 and spent most of my life in Seattle WA. My involvement in this wonderful hobby has come and gone over the years. I got out of it while I was in college, and for a period when I rode Italian bikes. I have owned a couple of Sport Scouts, a hillclimber, 101 scout, 1915 Twin, and a 31 Harley VL. Those bikes are long-gone, and now I ride a 1960 Duo-Glide and a 1924 Chief.
I was lucky enough to meet my new wife about 2 years ago, and she encouraged me to find another Indian because she new how happy it made me to restore a bike. I came across a 1953 Chief (motor and frame #CS61082) at the local Harley chopper shop. It was a basket case comprised of a complete motor and tranny, frame, forks, wheels, rear shocks, and odd bits. It did not have a speedo, instraments, lights, levers, linkages, or fenders. It included a sidecar chassis, that I sold on ebay.
The first thing I noticed, was how much prices for Indians and parts have increased in the last 10 years! The 1953 was not cheap! But, what made it desirable to me was that it is truly a 1953. I don't think I would have paid the price if it was a 1940s chief, although I like the 48 chiefs a lot. My twin brother has a 48.
I know that restoring a basket case is more expensive in the long-run then purchasing a restored bike. But it is the entire restoration process that I love to do. Plus, you have the satisfaction of building just how you like. In the end, the most exciting moment is starting your newly restored bike for the very first time. Knowing that you did all the painstaking work yourself to breath new life into a piece of rolling history, is the best feeling!
I hope to share my experience doing the 53 Chief on this forum, and perhaps other members can help me with my questions. Attached is a pic of my 53.
Cheers, Patrice.
I am new to the forum and would like to introduce myself. My name is Patrice (42, male) and reside in Austin TX. I have been involved with restoring Indians since I about 1977 and spent most of my life in Seattle WA. My involvement in this wonderful hobby has come and gone over the years. I got out of it while I was in college, and for a period when I rode Italian bikes. I have owned a couple of Sport Scouts, a hillclimber, 101 scout, 1915 Twin, and a 31 Harley VL. Those bikes are long-gone, and now I ride a 1960 Duo-Glide and a 1924 Chief.
I was lucky enough to meet my new wife about 2 years ago, and she encouraged me to find another Indian because she new how happy it made me to restore a bike. I came across a 1953 Chief (motor and frame #CS61082) at the local Harley chopper shop. It was a basket case comprised of a complete motor and tranny, frame, forks, wheels, rear shocks, and odd bits. It did not have a speedo, instraments, lights, levers, linkages, or fenders. It included a sidecar chassis, that I sold on ebay.
The first thing I noticed, was how much prices for Indians and parts have increased in the last 10 years! The 1953 was not cheap! But, what made it desirable to me was that it is truly a 1953. I don't think I would have paid the price if it was a 1940s chief, although I like the 48 chiefs a lot. My twin brother has a 48.
I know that restoring a basket case is more expensive in the long-run then purchasing a restored bike. But it is the entire restoration process that I love to do. Plus, you have the satisfaction of building just how you like. In the end, the most exciting moment is starting your newly restored bike for the very first time. Knowing that you did all the painstaking work yourself to breath new life into a piece of rolling history, is the best feeling!
I hope to share my experience doing the 53 Chief on this forum, and perhaps other members can help me with my questions. Attached is a pic of my 53.
Cheers, Patrice.
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