sidecars

Chassis, frame, instruments, fenders etc.
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weir1313
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sidecars

#1

Post by weir1313 »

Looking for some insight on sidecars. Have yet to find a decent resource that identifies one from the next. Next week I'm planning on looking at one that is listed for sale as a 57. Have yet to see it. Any tips of what I should be looking for? Date stamp, etc.
FlatHeadSix
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Re: sidecars

#2

Post by FlatHeadSix »

weir,
The factory sidecar for all the panheads was an "LE" model, they were serial numbered and stamped on the inner frame rail in the same format as the engine serial number. First 2 digits are the year, followed be the model "LE" and then the sequential serial number. Make sure it has all the pieces for the connection to the bike. I rebuilt a 1945 LE last year, all the pictures are in my gallery album.

mike

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weir1313
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Re: sidecars

#3

Post by weir1313 »

Thanks for the info and pics Mike..... other then the date code located on the undercarriage, how do I know if the car itself is correct. Did they change styles through out the years?
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Re: sidecars

#4

Post by RUBONE »

The primary body style for the LE sidecars did not change from '36-'66. The fiberglass body that replaced it is totally different so no mistaking it.
The only differences in the bodies have to do with holes for side trim or not, tonneau cover, windshield, spare carrier, or not! All those things can be added or subtracted as desired. There are a few minor differences on fenders and taillights over the years. If ordered with a taillight it would match the year of the bike so holes were consistent with correct taillights. The later fenders and replacement types are missing the front half of the braces.The step changed from cast iron to aluminum in '47. In '58 the brakes changed to match the new hydraulic unit on the bike, so crossshafts and linkage disappeared and the front and rear mounts for the bike changed as well. The swingarm frame mounts have an extra piece to replace the missing frame loops and a single stud mount for the swingarm itself. The frame changed again in the '70s and the rear casting is chopped off.
The LT sidecars for VLs were sometimes added to early Knuckles and UL/ULHs. There was a factory kit to adapt them but it is uncommon and the sidecar itself is the old style and would be serial numbered as such.
There were also aftermarket sidecars such as the Goulding Rocket for Big Twin Harley-Davidsons among others.
Robbie

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weir1313
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Re: sidecars

#5

Post by weir1313 »

Great insight..... thanks robbie!
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Re: sidecars

#6

Post by hplhd »

heres some goulding stuff
http://www.gouldingsidecars.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: sidecars

#7

Post by Cotten »

Appliances are interchangeable.
HACKRIDR.jpg
....Cotten
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Re: sidecars

#8

Post by George Greer »

That looks like one happy dog!

George
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Re: sidecars

#9

Post by RUBONE »

There are many uses for sidecars!

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weir1313
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Re: sidecars

#10

Post by weir1313 »

Thats awesome! Nice 45 Robbie. I'll post some pics of the sidecar I'm looking at soon.
weir1313
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Re: sidecars

#11

Post by weir1313 »

Cotten.... old workshop, old bike, old dog.... priceless.
RUBONE
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Re: sidecars

#12

Post by RUBONE »

Thats awesome! Nice 45 Robbie
45????
weir1313
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Re: sidecars

#13

Post by weir1313 »

My mistake... thought i could see the fins on the front cyclinder head? BT flathead?
weir1313
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Re: sidecars

#14

Post by weir1313 »

Looking for some clarification. Forgive my ignorance as i have limited knowledge of the 45 and flathead stuff. Does W series side cars attach to the left side and U series attach to the right because of the location of the chain drive?
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Re: sidecars

#15

Post by RUBONE »

The sidecar is mounted depending on which side of the road is driven on. right lane, right side. Left lane, left side. The sidecar is always towards the curb, it keeps you from killing your passengers!
Robbie
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