Classic & Vintage - Panasonic Deluxe Touring, ID help

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countkim
04-05-07, 05:33 PM
The frame serial number--atleast that's what I think it is--is 4H03809. Labeled Touring Deluxe Handmade. Sticker is a bit frayed, but I can make out Tange Industries.

Coworker noticed me commuting and brought it in today. Said he'd rather see me ride it rather than let it rot in his garage.

CampyGuy
04-05-07, 06:12 PM
Where is the SN? From the looks of the number I'm thinking it's on the bottom of the headtube. The ones with the SN on the headtube were all made in Taiwan, lower quality of the japanese made ones but still good bikes.
I have one that the SN is 6E20034, I think the 6 on mine means it's from 1986. At least that what was assumed in old threads I found. I don't know what the rest of the numbers mean, probably just sequential, but I really want to know what the letter stands for (I'm guessing month). I'm glad you asked this because I was planning on posting a thread about my Touring Deluxe.
burden
04-06-07, 08:19 PM
Where is the SN? From the looks of the number I'm thinking it's on the bottom of the headtube. The ones with the SN on the headtube were all made in Taiwan, lower quality of the japanese made ones but still good bikes.

I have no way to verify this, but these folks (http://www.yellowjersey.org/pana.html) claim the opposite: "... Panasonic, too, sold rebadged Taiwan bikes under their name. You can tell an Osaka-built Panasonic bicycle by its distinctive serial number on the front of the lower headlug, which I think is unique, at least to bikes of that era and style."

The phrasing is awkward. But Osaka is in Japan. ;)

CampyGuy
04-06-07, 10:02 PM
I have no way to verify this, but these folks (http://www.yellowjersey.org/pana.html) claim the opposite: "... Panasonic, too, sold rebadged Taiwan bikes under their name. You can tell an Osaka-built Panasonic bicycle by its distinctive serial number on the front of the lower headlug, which I think is unique, at least to bikes of that era and style."

The phrasing is awkward. But Osaka is in Japan. ;)
Guess I need to study my geography.:o
But how can they be rebadged Taiwan bikes if they're built in Japan?