Motorcycle Repair: where to start, rough shape, body man

Question
I have a 1948 panhead that has been sitting for quite some time. I have had alot of offers to buy it or even help me restore it,but I'm not sure who to trust in this day and age! My husband removed some of the parts as he was working on it, I still have all the parts along with extra ones he had. At this time I'm trying to find out what it might be worth and what a fair price is for restoration fees. It is in somewhat of rough shape from sitting, the frame and fenders I'm not concerned with as my neighbor is a body man. Could you maybe help guide me to where to start with what to do with this bike? Thanks alot for your time Sue

Answer
A few things you need to consider. Are you planning on keeping the bike and riding it or selling it? If you are planning on selling it, then I would sell it as is. If you pay to have it restored you probably wont get your money back. If you plan on keeping it then it would be worth restoring it.
restoration is costly, depending on what you need done and the prices differ all over the country. You can go online to the NADA book and find out how much your bike is worth if you want to sell it
Good luck and happy riding
Mike