Hello all. I have been reading your posts for some time and have enjoyed them all.
I found a 1959 RE Indian Chief locally (bike was more or less an assembled basket case which wasn't running) but I took a chance and bought it. The fellow I bought it from has had this basket case since 1967, but never got to fixing it despite dragging it around most of the country.
After tearing it completely apart, I have found some problems which are more serious than I had anticipated. When I say serious, I mean expensive. While the top end of the motor seems to be in good shape, I noticed a huge amount of play in the primary side rod after removing the piston. After splitting the case, I verified that indeed the bearings had failed and the rod was machined by the crank giving it lateral play as well.
The bike is missing fenders, in need of a lot of powder painting, 50 year old tires, etc. So there is no room in the budget for replacing crank, rods, and bearings. I'm afraid I may have to cut my losses and part out the bike unless someone can offer me an alternative?