Barn Find - pretty cool old ride

[R68GTO]

Now that the Rats Nest COPO has been sold, I started looking for a new project and found this 1946 Indian Chief. I had heard rumors for decades that an old Indian was in a shed in my hometown but never saw it. With the recent passing of the owner's wife, the kids dug it out and put it in the public eye for the first time in over 50 years.
This bike has been in that family since March 9, 1957 according to the original title. The story is that the son of the original family owner laid the bike down on a local state route around 1969 or 1970 and from that day on it was in an alley shed behind their house. Amazingly enough, my uncle used to hang out with that son and actually used to ride on this very bike back in the early 1960's!
The best I can tell, this bike retains all it's original parts. The only things missing are the LH handlebar grip, voltmeter lens, horn, and positive battery cable and battery. The engine and frame numbers match and it is original paint.
My plan is to research owner history, source original parts that are missing and show the bike as/is. Eventually I might do a preservation project cleaning it up without disturbing the original finishes. Will not restore it.
The pic with one guy is my uncle (80 year old Navy vet) sitting on the bike for the first time since 1960/61. The two guys are the grandson and great grandson of the original family owner. Enjoy the pics!

[AnthonyS]

Pretty cool!

[Too Many Projects]

Very cool, Jim. Ya gotta get it running to....
My Dad had a few Indians back in the 40's and bought a '48 Harley new when he got out of the Army.

[1967 4K]

Very nice bike Jim. Get it up in good mechanical shape n ride it. 😎👍 I like motorcycles of all brands.

[dykstra]

Way cool!!

[napa68]

That's a find and a project right up my alley! Well done