1947 Indian may soon be mine - Updated 07/20/14

Xtracho · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 15:53:49

My Uncle Burney was the lead mechanic for the dealership in Pensacola way back when. He died many years ago and I always wondered where the bike ended up as I remembered him taking me for rides when I was a little kid.

Well, last year at my mom's funeral, his son Jimmy was there and I mentioned the bike. Seems that it was the most contested item of my Uncle's estate when he died. Now she sits in his sister's garage wasting away. I told him then, way back in October 2012, I would be interested in possibly getting my hands on her and seeing about restoration. Until yesterday it was the last I had heard from him. The email arrived with these photos saying that they would like for me to have it since I'm family.

I'm excited. But not so much so that I'm going to go nuts to buy it. They don't even know if the motor is bound up or not. It hasn't run in over 15 years at least and the motor hasn't been turned over in 5 years or so. But it's exciting to even contemplate getting my hands on her and putting her back in service.

Uncle Burney assembled this bike himself. They still have the original bill of sale and everything on the bike is as it was when he put her together. Seems almost criminal to let it waste away into a pile of rust in a garage.

Well? Whaddya think?

Shifter on the right, throttle on left.

BF · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 15:57:37

What's there to think about. Jump on it.

jimmytee · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 15:58:54

sweet

Patrick · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 16:03:59

What do I think ?! What a bike ! And to have had it in the family since new is beyond great !

Oh, If you don't want it and if it goes up for sale [ slap my hand for saying/typing that ] I'm interested. I'm a really big Indian fan.

.. · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 16:11:25

Looking forward to seeing the restoration photos and the finish.

Fingers crossed for a sound engine. And a rust free gas tank.

There must be an Indian forum you can get help from?

hubcapsc · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 16:15:26

Ther must be an Indian forum you can get help from?

I looked around for one to see what owners were saying about the new indians...

I found a for-pay one, and some dead ends... maybe there's some active forums...

-Mike

Jess from VA · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 16:20:50

Even, as is, it is probably worth a fair amount (especially with the documentation you mention).

Restored (partially or fully) and running well it would be a hoot, but my skills (and stress tolerance) are too limited to attempt such work (beyond physical clean up and simple mechanics), and I could not afford to pay it done.

I went thru a complete '69 Corvette restoration...... so I'm NEVER doing that again.

If it was to come into my possession (and family didn't expect me to keep it in the family), I might make some serious inquiries to specialty restoration shops around the country to see if someone might work me a trade for something of roughly equal value that was already in decent running/looking condition. Of course, it wouldn't be Uncle Bernie's bike anymore.

An appraisal of current value (untouched) and estimate for partial or full restoration would probably help considerably in making any decisions.

sheets · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 17:20:21

A buddy of mine bought a "basket case" Indian of your prospective vintage a few years ago for $12K . Its all there all original, but in a hundred and one pieces. He is slowly restoring it, one nut and bolt at a time. (yrmv...)

Patrick · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 17:28:41

I love doing that kind of work, doing it my whole life. I was born in a Studebaker parts room.
I really only try to re-do them [anything] if they absolutely need it though. If they can be made safe and drivable, then thats what to do. They are only original once.
Over the years I've noticed that the biggest crowds are around the ' survivors '.

MarkT · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 17:40:44

AWESOME! Steve McQueen's ride! Just saw this at the National Motorcycle Museum in Iowa last month:

Michvalk · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 17:50:57

If that bike were mine, I would do no more restoration than necessary to make it a runner and rider. The bike is worth more with the patina of age, and authenticity. Bet if you get it, squirt a little Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders, clean the tanks, make sure all the controls are free, and she'll pop right off! Shiney is not everything, when it comes to antique bikes

Oldfishguy · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 18:00:36

Try to get it running as is, fight the urge to make it all shiny and new.

Anybody can have new; only a chosen few can have what your looking at.

David

3fan4life · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 18:07:57

I say, "GO FOR IT" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Patrick · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 18:11:43

If its only been 5 yrs since the engine has been rolled over, its probably still free. It wouldn't hurt to pull the sparklers and fill the holes with ATF. See, everyone is going to try and tell you what to do.
Its nice to see that the throttle is still on the left. Shifting and stopping any ole way doesn't bother me, but, I have never been able to work a left hand throttle. I have to change them.

Xtracho · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 18:19:30

It's an exciting opportunity for sure! Already cleared the major hurdle....wife said she wants to go with me next week to look at it! That's a BIG positive. And since my Uncle was the Lead Mechanic he was pretty meticulous in keeping her running well. She's got 14K on the clock. Here are a couple more higher resolution pics.

Bronxboy · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 18:37:09

Very Nice !!

Dorkman · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 20:01:52

I would do it in a New York minute. It's in the family. If it took years, I would restore it, piece by original piece...then keep it and ride it.

Regis · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 20:30:05

you cant restore all the character that bike has now . get it running and leave it like it is

Stude · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 20:46:15

lucky you... do your uncle proud put back to the way he had it

Misfit · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 21:55:35

You are one lucky dude.

Xtracho · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 22:05:54

The photo on the right is how I remember the bike...gleaming in my Uncle's garage. Interesting to note that the shifter is on the left in that photo, but on my Uncle's bike it's mounted on the right. I wonder if that shifter can be swapped from one side to the other?

And yeah, I like the idea of a vintage bike looking like a vintage bike. Then you look at her as she should have been kept and the urge to get her back into that condition hits you.

old2soon · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 22:07:41

I'm sittin here at my computer desk here in my lacasa in the Ozarks and I are drooling.

I am with the majority here-get it running and MAYBE wash it. After your work if YOU deem her road worthy-again with the drooling-ride her.

RIDE SAFE.

MarkT · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 23:34:57

Quote from: Xtracho on Sat 17, Aug 2013, 22:05:54
The photo on the right is how I remember the bike...gleaming in my Uncle's garage. Interesting to note that the shifter is on the left in that photo, but on my Uncle's bike it's mounted on the right. I wonder if that shifter can be swapped from one side to the other?

And yeah, I like the idea of a vintage bike looking like a vintage bike. Then you look at her as she should have been kept and the urge to get her back into that condition hits you.

The exhaust and the chain drive and the brake linkage and the kick starter are also on the wrong side. Look at the McQueen bike. The photo is reversed.

Xtracho · Sat 17, Aug 2013, 23:41:06

Yup...it appears you are correct. The photo was reversed. Here is the original photo of the bike.

BF · Sun 18, Aug 2013, 00:04:11

The first thing I'd do is get it appraised.

And then I'd get it to run....and that's it. I wouldn't even give it a bath. I'd leave it exactly like it is.

Here's a little something to wet your appetite......

Motorcycle Kick Start Demonstration: 1948 Indian Chief

1947 Indian Chief Motorcycle (#2) - Fly/In Cruise/In

Xtracho · Sun 18, Aug 2013, 07:39:22

Thanks BF...cool videos. The green on the restored bike didn't really turn me on.

Ruth and I talked it over last night at length. So far still a GO. I think her reasoning is that having that baby in the garage means I'm home tinkering with it. And she has always supported me with things that I love to do. So, this coming Tuesday or Wednesday we'll be headed up to North Alabama to see the bike personally.

Looking at the NADA values for the bike didn't give much info other than the standard New, Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor categories. I was more looking for a starting point and some specifics on critical things to look for when trying to decide on a price. I'm sure each of those categories in the NADA guide, except maybe for poor, mean that the bike will start, run, and is rideable.

If any of your good folks have any advice or experience on that please let me know.

hubcapsc · Sun 18, Aug 2013, 07:45:38

Three really nice 1947 ones sold for between 17K and 28K recently (eBay completed listings).

An unrestored one that doesn't look as nice as the one you have sold for 6.5K...

-Mike

Super Santa · Sun 18, Aug 2013, 07:52:36

Send a PM to one of our members, IndianDave. He has a great interest in old Indians and can probably give you a lot of guidance. He was my roommate at Inzane this year and is located in Florida.

Good Luck.

Xtracho · Sun 18, Aug 2013, 16:04:48

Quote from: Early Bird on Sun 18, Aug 2013, 07:52:36
Send a PM to one of our members, IndianDave. He has a great interest in old Indians and can probably give you a lot of guidance. He was my roommate at Inzane this year and is located in Florida.

Good Luck.

Thanks Early....sent a PM to him. Also found a couple of forums and a shop that specializes in restoration of these vintage Indians. That's a good start for sure. I guess my biggest worry is the depth of the rust penetration on the bike, especially the frame. I'm just sick that Uncle Burney's kids fought like cats to get the bike after he died, then passed it around like a hot potato and it's ended up in this condition. $:-\$

fudgie · Sun 18, Aug 2013, 19:30:25

Paint looks good, just dirty.

A co worker has a old Indian he has been working on for yrs. Just got the engine rebuilt or something. I'll find out the yr, early 50's I think, and see where he had it done at, if your interested.

Xtracho · Sun 18, Aug 2013, 19:45:24

Quote from: fudgie on Sun 18, Aug 2013, 19:30:25
Paint looks good, just dirty. A co worker has a old Indian he has been working on for yrs. Just got the engine rebuilt or something. I'll find out the yr, early 50's I think, and see where he had it done at, if your interested.

Absolutely interested Fudgie...thanks.

Stude · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 00:52:43

Your post made it sound like they wanted you to have it as a gift... if it's not a gift let them set the price... if they ask more than $5,000.00 you might want to crack open a bottle of Jack and have a long talk about a fair price.

Quote from: Xtracho on Sun 18, Aug 2013, 16:04:48
Quote from: Early Bird on Sun 18, Aug 2013, 07:52:36
Send a PM to one of our members, IndianDave. He has a great interest in old Indians and can probably give you a lot of guidance. He was my roommate at Inzane this year and is located in Florida.

Good Luck.

Thanks Early....sent a PM to him. Also found a couple of forums and a shop that specializes in restoration of these vintage Indians. That's a good start for sure. I guess my biggest worry is the depth of the rust penetration on the bike, especially the frame. I'm just sick that Uncle Bernie's kids fought like cats to get the bike after he died, then passed it around like a hot potato and it's ended up in this condition. $:-\$

MacDragon · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 06:03:06

Quote from: Stude on Mon 19, Aug 2013, 00:52:43
Your post made it sound like they wanted you to have it as a gift... if it's not a gift let them set the price... if they ask more than $5,000.00 you might want to crack open a bottle of Jack and have a long talk about a fair price.

Good Luck.

I'd say crack that bottle and have a long talk about FAMILY... and what do they think your uncle would want done with the relic... They're letting it waste away... you'd bring her back to life and put a smile on your uncles memory...

Xtracho · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 07:09:54

Not gonna be a gift for sure. I'm not going to even approach the topic of price until I've gone over her with a fine tooth comb. Then we can break out the Black Jack and start talking serious. And yeah, my Uncle Burney was a cursed good man and that bike was his pride and joy. Never said it, but his kids should be ashamed of themselves.

Varmintmist · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 07:50:03

If they ask 5K, crack open you wallet and pay them. Buy GOOD booze and toast your good fortune. Since it is THE bike you wanted, you could go more. The family thing goes both ways.

Looks like it needs cleaned.

If you get it, pour ATF or Marvels down the cylinders as soon as you put it on the trailer. Frozen or not, it won't hurt.

Xtracho · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 08:15:00

Quote from: Varmintmist on Mon 19, Aug 2013, 07:50:03
If they ask 5K, crack open you wallet and pay them. Buy GOOD booze and toast your good fortune. Since it is THE bike you wanted, you could go more. The family thing goes both ways.

Looks like it needs cleaned.

If you get it, pour ATF or Marvels down the cylinders as soon as you put it on the trailer. Frozen or not, it won't hurt.

They have already hinted at where they are price wise.. I'm not throwing any offer out there until I've gone over the bike entirely. We're headed up there tomorrow to take a look.

Patrick · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 10:42:01

A friend and neighbor recently sold his fathers original unrestored '52 Chief for $38K to someone 'abroad '. I wouldn't pay that for it, maybe I should have.

indiandave · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 16:30:28

sent PM

ragincajun · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 18:00:47

Man that is a beautiful bike. I love the lines and the bones on her.

donaldcc · Mon 19, Aug 2013, 18:12:49

Quote from: Xtracho on Mon 19, Aug 2013, 08:15:00
They have already hinted at where they are price wise.. I'm not throwing any offer out there until I've gone over the bike entirely. We're headed up there tomorrow to take a look.

What sort of hint did they give you for a relic they let sit around and deteriorate?

News:

1947 Indian may soon be mine - Updated 07/20/14