Hello. My name is Shaun. I'm originally from Los Angeles, now out in Missouri. I've been away from the community/industry for a while now. coming back to see the JJ has changed a lot. I've built choppers for myself in the past and should know the answer to this but, here goes anyways!
I've been looking at building another bike since moving out here. A friend has a Shovelhead chop and while I've never built one myself, I'd really like to. Recently, I found an early 70's, hardtailed OEM shovelhead frame. Of course, its for a great price $500. Bad part, the neck stem flat where the numbers would be is molded over. I know, RUN. I inquired with a local Cop buddy who suggested I steer clear.
However, I'm curious as to why I keep seeing all of these non titled frames on Ebay, etc. with no documentation? If they dont have titles, is it even possible to somehow re-title a harley frame or somehow use them on the road? is it legal to even sell without papers? Additionally, If I were to take possession of the frame I described and the numbers show its stolen, of course it'd be confiscated, I get that. But if not, I would've scored an already hardtailed OEM frame but, how much of a nightmare would it be to get it either re-titled or in the event of no numbers being present, get it stamped again? Please forgive my generalizations here, I've just never pieced together a bike before without matching numbers.
Sorry for the long intro but I'm wondering what the best case scenario would be here, before I shell out the cash for a huge hail mary of course. Thanks for any help on this.
I've been looking at building another bike since moving out here. A friend has a Shovelhead chop and while I've never built one myself, I'd really like to. Recently, I found an early 70's, hardtailed OEM shovelhead frame. Of course, its for a great price $500. Bad part, the neck stem flat where the numbers would be is molded over. I know, RUN. I inquired with a local Cop buddy who suggested I steer clear.
However, I'm curious as to why I keep seeing all of these non titled frames on Ebay, etc. with no documentation? If they dont have titles, is it even possible to somehow re-title a harley frame or somehow use them on the road? is it legal to even sell without papers? Additionally, If I were to take possession of the frame I described and the numbers show its stolen, of course it'd be confiscated, I get that. But if not, I would've scored an already hardtailed OEM frame but, how much of a nightmare would it be to get it either re-titled or in the event of no numbers being present, get it stamped again? Please forgive my generalizations here, I've just never pieced together a bike before without matching numbers.
Sorry for the long intro but I'm wondering what the best case scenario would be here, before I shell out the cash for a huge hail mary of course. Thanks for any help on this.
