520-8 fake or real

[Pat Marchwick 91]

There is a machine for sale and the owner says it’s a real 520-8  But the seat pan has been changed and it has a 520h hood. 
Is there any way to confirm that the bones are really that of a 520-8 ? 

[ri702bill 9,359]

The serial number should be a good place to start.......

Is all the paint the same?? Unidrive Vs frame?? Evidence of wrench / tool marks on the fasteners so it looks like it had been fiddled with???

[wallfish 18,072]

To switch from the hydro to an 8 speed would require some modifications and the the parts from a hydro would still have the holes and such for all of those linkages that are used which are not used on an 8 speed. But I don't know if the same parts were used for both or not. Even if they were there would be signs of wear in the holes and slots anyway if it were used as a hydro. 

Switching a damaged and or rusted hood and seat pan from a 520H is MUCH easier and more probable. I don't think those 8 speeds command more money even though they are more rare to make that kind of swapping worth it.  Just look for tool marks and anything missing paint or anything just doesn't look right.

[lynnmor 7,803]

The dash on the -8 had fewer gauges and features.

 

Here is a 520H dash:

 

[953 nut 59,814]

Like John @wallfish said, there are so many parts that need to be changed to make a hydro into a gear jammer it wouldn't be worth the effort. Look it over and test drive it. If it is what you wan then buy it.

[Handy Don 13,999]

13 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

The dash on the -8 had fewer gauges and features.

 

Here is a 520H dash:

Excellent point. The Motion Lever and Hydro Temp indicators wouldn’t be there.