Value of a 1937 Harley UL 80? Starting a business and need some capital...

[46EL]

QUESTION Steve; If a UL of this vintage was being built at the factory intended as being a Police bike with radio boxes etc did the machine have a toolbox? And if the toolbox was eliminated did they eliminate the toolbox mount from the frame? ALSO; do you ever recall if you have ever noticed any early 38 big twins that the 37 style rear brake backing plate with the lesser rivets carry over into early 1938 or were they dropped in late 37 production? Not to say this machine in question might have had a 48 rear brake swapped/installed like all the other 48 parts on it already?
If you go back to page 2 of this thread the original poster has a link that shows other photos from his website. In one of them I swear I see a later right side fork rocker with the boss around the grease fitting? But I could be wrong? THANKS, 46EL
PS; just noticed the Pan rear axle. I bet the 37 only rear backing please isn't there.
10 years ago there was a barn find 46 or 47 Knuckle here in CT I looked at.
It had the same Indian style headlamp. A common fix for better lighting back in the day I guess. .

[Steve Little]

[QUOTE=Sargehere;184348]
I didnt look closely at the picture of the right side. If we're all using the picture that Sarge supplied, its a bit hard to see the toolbox brkt. But the little bit I can see looks like a clamp over tube is holdind some kind odd plate to the area that a toolbox usually sits. Heavy duty special order😏

[Jerry Wieland]

I think it is gorgeous. Jerry

[46EL]

The front lower tank mount is electrode welded instead of brazed. If the frame and engine are an original set, then Harley had started using the frame that is commonly associated with 1938 which also had the axle clip cap.

What do you think about the tool box mount? 46el

[Steve Little]

I think it may well be the original 1937 Frame, that was upgraded with the factory-recommended tab welded on the left rear axle hanger to keep the rear brake arm from falling out of its retaining slot, as shown in this pic. In 1938 that fix, "recall" was issued from Milwaukee, and many 37's got it.

The front lower tank mount is electrode welded instead of brazed. If the frame and engine are an original set, then Harley had started using the frame that is commonly associated with 1938 which also had the axle clip cap.

[kitabel]

you'll be sitting on at least a few items before they move at top dollar.

The good stuff will go immediately, and some part of the additional return (over selling it as a bike) will be on your shelf for years.
You also get to have all of the fun of packing it up, and waiting at the Post Office. Done it, don't like it.

[govmule84]

I am going to list it tomorrow and see what it'll fetch in 3 days.

Good luck on the sale and the business venture.

[Beinggodisgreat]

I am going to list it tomorrow and see what it'll fetch in 3 days.

[T. Cotten]

So basically just part the entire thing out to get the most value is what everyone is saying.

Someday, god,...

I will have to part out a small herd of machines.

That's called Exit Ebay,

And why I don't worry that I can never live long enough to assemble them.
Just if my estate will have the keyboard time!

....Cotten

[govmule84]

So basically just part the entire thing out to get the most value is what everyone is saying.

I think that's a yes with a caveat. To pull every last dollar out of it, that's the way to go, for sure. But remember while a lot of it is good stuff and will sell, you'll be sitting on at least a few items before they move at top dollar.

That's just my opinion, though. That and a buck-fifty will get you a coffee down at the diner.

[Beinggodisgreat]

So basically just part the entire thing out to get the most value is what everyone is saying.

[govmule84]

Well, I'm no help, but reading some of the threads makes me a little bummed.

So I'll give you an unsolicited opinion. Yep, that ain't all correct. Wouldn't bother me one bit, personally. It's cool and old and finding all those pieces, even if not correct, sure wouldn't be easy or cheap. I'd be proud to build that and ride it. I think some of these fellas who have great stashes and access to parts underplay the value of simply having all the pieces (that work, even if they are "wrong") there to repair and renew and bolt together.

Color me jealous. Good luck with the business venture!

[46EL]

You can be sorry and think whatever you like, this is not a 20k bike, not even close.

you are right, NOT a 20K bike, but probably 30K in parts if the frame and trans are both 37. Like I said, do the math....
It is what it is. Even though it is a flathead a lot of it is Knucklehead also. And NOTHING brings the money 1930's Knuckle stuff does right now. 46el
PS; And I have nothing to be sorry about.....
and after looking at the trans a little closer I see a later style kicker arm and no breather on the kicker cover.
Next question is with the very late 37 VIN which version is the springer? Late 37 or 38??
That's why it needs to be physically looked at. Still worth a good quarter all day long anyways........

[1950Panhead]

Sorry 1950Panhead" Do the math? Maybe double your estimate of 13.5$? Need I say more?

You can be sorry and think whatever you like, this is not a 20k bike, not even close.

[exeric]

You're right about those points, Kozy, and that would be right for an early fork, but they still look too straight. Maybe it got bumped.