Original Sandcast VIN 4584 on eBay

[markb]

I haven't studied the pics yet but a quick look over and this one looks pretty sweet.  Any guesses on selling price?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200597000720&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
Mark

[Steve Swan]

I've heard first hand, the bike is a restoration.  

The listing may not be there for the entire duration.

The oil line ferrules are crimped; thinking they should be smooth ?

Also has MH300's.

[markb]

You're right, it already ended!  Maybe it's just me, but it annoys me when people claim original when it's restored.
 

[Riccardo]

1319 miles with so brown front disk!!!!!!

[Wayne]

1319 miles with so brown front disk!!!!!!

Very observant riccardo. It either came off another bike or it lived a very hot/hard 1319 miles! I agree with Mark. Why do people try and get away with this stuff? I guess we all know the answer. Because they can. As P.T. Barnum said, "there's a sucker born every day".

[kp]

VIN numbers are painted over, triple tree spacer washers are black and brake hose has yellow printing 
Steve is correct, a resto and liar all in one auction, but that's not so rare on eBay KP

[Wayne]

VIN numbers are painted over

KP, can you elaborate on that one? Would the engine VIN not be painted as well as the neck?

[Steve Swan]

Every factory frame vin from Honda i've seen stamped after frame's painted, hence the paint is chipped away from the stamping and bare metal is exposed.  Pretty sure any member would agree with this observation.

[markb]

So does that mean that for a more correct restoration, one should "restamp" the numbers?

[Riccardo]

So does that mean that for a more correct restoration, one should "restamp" the numbers?

Yes, also I have had the same sensation/doubt.

[kmb69]

To the best of my knowledge, stamps with the custom Honda font are not available, even to dealers. The "Purist" might be able to "restamp" their repainted frame VERY CAREFULLY with a pointed dremel tool.

Most engine numbers appear to me to have been stamped after painting as well.

[Steve Swan]

Mark, i think what it means is any restoration attempting to copy original could not cover the vin stampings with paint.   

Interesting how the factory had no qualms about marring new paint by stamping through it, into the metal.

[Wayne]

It all seems so crude to me. I guess it falls in line with other parts/processes on these machines. Sure does make it hard to make a restored bike look "correct".  It does explain why the neck VIN tend to be rusted and in bad shape.

[kp]

I have heard of an individual (not me) who filled the VIN with some sort of filler and used a scribe to remove after painting the frame; which apparently worked a treat. I don't think it is such an issue with a restoration as the originality is lost by the art of restoration. The fact is, noting the VIN number is painted is a good way of identifying a restoration as opposed to original. This Turkey's attempt at deception was thwarted just by that one failure; photographing the VIN number. May have got away with it too, as many of these bikes are stored away in collections and never seen again.
It is good for everyone to know this fact, as it arms you with additional knowledge when considering spending the green stuff in major handfuls   KP

[Wayne]

Great information KP! I think this board is just getting better and better. Now, where is everyone??