From:Dave Hennessey e-mail:dave-A-toyhouse.org
Subject:RE: RE: RE: RE: Newbie Date:Thu Mar 20 18:54:25 2014
Response to:19377
Ray,

It's a really small picture, and it's difficult to make some things out. Here's what I see:

1) The front fender looks like the bottom edge is missing some. The bottom edge should not be "square" - the sides should have a graceful curve. There should be a small hole in the center about 3/4" from the bottom - for an accessory fender flap. The bottom of the rear fender struts should be about 6" from the bottom of the fender - at the center.

2) The taillight is wrong, because the rear fender is wrong. It appears "squashed". I suspect this is a 1961-1962 Super 10/Pacer fender because they used that taillight, and they had 16" wheels (the 1954 Model 165 used 19" wheels).

3) The exhaust pipe is a later model. The 1954 Model 165 exhaust pipe has a round "bend" and then a perhaps 30-degree bend. It should be chrome.

4) The muffler is probably a later model - hard to see in the picture. The correct muffler has the bracket welded to the muffler body, not a round "strap". Muffler and hanger should be painted black.

5. Carburator covers. I can't tell if they're there or not. There should be a two-piece cover for the carb - they're aluminum with fins. I can't tell if the air cleaner is there.

6. Battery box, battery, regulator. Can't tell - this area is really fuzzy.

7. There seems to be a cable hanging down from the throttle grip - like it's an aftermarket item. The throttle cable should go through the handlebars and emerge at the center of the bars.

8. You picked up on the missing fork panel and horn. Fork panels are inexpensive, but hard to paint to match the tank and fenders. Horn is expensive. Check for the toolbox - they're about $150.

9. The front seat bracket looks a little too long. It may be just the angle in the picture. There were some models, I think 63-65, which had a slightly longer bracket. Again, it might just be the picture.

Another thing to check for is the correct (and working) speedometer. Look over in How To Restore Chapter 3.

You're probably getting the impression that this bike has been put together with parts from other bikes, and that's true. That's not a reason to not buy the bike. But it is a reason to look carefully, and not pay too much.

Post better pictures!

Dave




----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
Ray,

Engine starts and runs - that's good. Not running well could be a minor problem like points and plugs or gummed-up exhaust system.

What you want to look for is that it has all the expensive items in good condition. Headlight, taillight, speedometer, horn, toolbox, fenders, fork panel, exhaust pipe and muffler. The 1954 has a gold-colored 50th Anniversary emblem on the front fender - it's $$$.

Go over to the How To Restore section, Chapter 23, and click on the picture of the bike so it expands. Print it out, and take it with you when you look at the bike next.
Make notes on the picture of how the bike compares to the picture.

Take your digital camera and take some photos - then post one or two here. It's hard to give much advice without seeing it.

Dave


----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
I have a line on a 1954 165 hummer. I don't know much about them. So I am asking a few questions that may seem easy for those in the know. The bike I am looking at is in fair body arts condition, it does start but doesn't run well. A complete bike although I haven't seen it myself.
I know this is limited info but what would the value be? and I think that there would not be many parts available or is there? I love the style of these bikes and the ridged frame is an added bonus although not for long rides.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks Ray