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Joe Hardin

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Joined: 05 April 2012
Location: United States
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Posted: 30 November 2013 at 8:53am | IP Logged    Quote Joe Hardin
I am looking at a 1945 chief that is matching # frame ,engine
and title which has a girder front end. He sent pictures of the
neck and it is not tall one for leaf spring. Is it possible that
some girders were sent out in late 1945. this bike has always
been together and never a pile of parts. I am considering
buying this bike and I am not an expert. Please help
Thanks
Joe
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  Yellow53Chief

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Joined: 15 November 2008
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Posted: 30 November 2013 at 9:54pm | IP Logged    Quote Yellow53Chief
Hi Joe,
   It is highly unlikely that the a girder fork was used on a bike with a 1945 engine/frame.   The motor would be CDEXXXX and the frame would be 345XXXX with the XXXX being either a three or four matching digit number – an exact match of font size and style.   It is possible that the engine was restamped to match the frame or the frame was restamped to match the engine or both were restamped to match paperwork.  If possible I strongly suggest that you get pictures of the engine and frame numbers and send them to someone who can verify the numbers’ authenticity.  I do that regularly for people – for free.  I do need the pictures though.  If the seller resists allowing the numbers to be scrutinized – that is a strong warning sign that something is not what it seems.  You are doing the right thing to learn as much as you can before purchasing – it will help you avoid buyer’s remorse.  I’ll help in any way I can.  Sincerely, Steven Bailey baiste@sgu.edu
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  Yellow53Chief

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Posted: 30 November 2013 at 9:59pm | IP Logged    Quote Yellow53Chief
Hi Joe,
   One more thing about a 1945 Chief.  These machines were all Essential Use and had open fenders unlike the 1946 Chiefs that restarted the use of skirted fenders.  If the bike has skirted fenders – the bike has been heavily changed from its original configuration.  I’m guessing that the bike has skirted fenders because the Essential Use fenders don’t really fit the girder fork easily.  If you want some good pictures of original 1945 Chiefs; let me know and I’ll send some to you.   Yellow53Chief.