What is 1952 Pan project worth?

[eddiepanhead]

Have an opportunity to acquire a 95% 52 FL project with tin set that is possibly OP.
Engine and trans rebuilt, frame straightened and powder coated, front end,hubs and wheels rebuilt. 95% complete with all repro colony hardware included.
what is a fair price for this project? Suspect the owner has more that the cost of a running bike invested in this, he doesn’t want to complete it………
Thanks for your thoughts

[exeric]

I have a 1951FL which looks just like a '52 with the exception of the gear covers, and '52 (new) available foot shift. I won't quote a value because that is up to you and the seller to work out, but I will say that my '51 is the best Harley I have ever owned and has been stone cold reliable. I love the way they look and it has my favorite tank badge. Unfortunately, I believe all antique motorcycles have taken a hit in the marketplace so the 'good old days' are gone for the foreseeable future for legacy value. I'm going through my '51 right now, and I can tell you that the devil is in the details so study Palmer's book and know what you're looking at. I've collected genuine parts for many years for what I'm doing now to my '51 and I am still surprised at what I didn't know, and what I still need to find. If you love the vintage, you can't go wrong with an early Hydra-Glide.

[Rubone]

Basically it is worth what you can part it out for. Any labor costs, stuff like shipping costs he had, etc, are basically void, but the parts are the value of the pile. Does he have all receipts?

[exeric]

What Robbie wrote is absolutely correct.

[Skirted]

"Rebuilt" has limitless definitions. Was the rebuilder of engine and transmission a known reputable individual with proven track record? Without hearing it run, no documentation detail on what was done, video of it running on a test stand, etc, the risk is all yours that it was done right using best/correct parts. To some having major work already done like engine/trans rebuild is attractive, but to me its unattractive unless I know who did the work.
Rhetorical questions:
Are you a gambler? Price it like you'll need to take engine and trans back apart.
Is it 95% complete with original parts, or a percentage of re-pop parts?
Is the 95% complete value based on seller's opinion, or your own after a study of what all is there?
Do numbers match up?
Is it OP or not? If you can't 100% confirm, assume its not.

Tough economy as Eric stated. Many just don't have disposable income these days.

[Joe G]

Hi Eddie, you really did not get answer to your question. It's a tough one and it depends on a few very important things. How bad do you want it, and how much money do you have? Jay Leno, for example, could spend $50K on something and it would cost him very little, maybe more like $5k to me. If there is something I really want - I will figure out some way to make the deal.

If this bike is something that is just an investment buy - then yes, add up the parts, which should be close to double what you spend on the whole bike. Big items are; original (or even just old) paint, speedometer, headlight, taillight, and correct frame.

All that being said - if I really wanted a rigid Panhead (which is really cool!!) I would expect to pay between $10k and $20k. This bike sounds like it's got some great stuff, so I would further guess between $14k and $20k. If the $6k difference means nothing to you financially (good for you), then offer $20k. If not, then start at $14k and see what it takes. I hope this helps.

Joe

[exeric]

The main reason I didn't offer a suggested price range is because I make terrible deals for myself and wouldn't want to influence anyone with my poor business judgement. What has worked for me is buying what I know I'll stay with, and buying bikes I love. If you love the bike and the prospect, and process of working on it, a less than good deal will pay off in personal rewards. If you're doing it as an investment to make money; you'll get screwed. Even if you part it out, that's a lot of work, and you will get stuck with parts that nobody wants. As they say; buying is a lot more fun than selling.

[eddiepanhead]

Thanks for all the replies! Being at Davenport the last few days with the seller has realigned the asking price based on complete machines.
Not sure we are in agreement yet, but expectations on $$ have lowered