Good deal on a Side Car????

[51Hog]

This is the ad for a side car. It is the only info I have on it.
Just wondering if it sounds like a good deal to those that know about such things.
I may try to do some horse trading with him.
He is asking $3200.00 for the car and mounts. Does not appear to have a spare tire.


This black Harley Davidson sidecar is a pre-1958 model as they made a body change in that year but I am unable to locate Harley's OEM # due to layers of paint. It was most recently on a 1984 FLT Harley and should fit any full size frame. It is in good condition but not perfect. This could be your opportunity to ride all winter!

[51Hog]

Just got back from looking at the unit---
A few details. Inside floor has been repaired with fiberglass.
Rust blisters appearing along seam in metal rt. rear bottom.
No brake linkage.
Front top mount is aftermarket and fits an 84 FLT
Front bottom mount fits 51 rigid??
Rear mount??
Can anyone venture a guess as to the year?
How original does this unit look to you?
Please pick it apart---
Dale

[51Hog]

A couple more pics.

[Cotten]

I don't know why you are hesitating.
Just to make us jealous?

....Cotten

[51Hog]

Just trying to get a good opinion from those that know before I commit.
I know nothing about them.
Cotten---I take it that you consider it a good deal?
Thanks,
Dale

[john HD]

dale

just had a buddy pass on one in about the same shape for 4500.

if you are looking for the vin number it should be on the pipe in the first photo shown. just about where your foot would rest if it were connected to the bike. the number should include year then letters LE or LS then the production #. it would read something like 56LE9999 as an example. (anyone feel free to correct me here)

the mounts look like they are all mid eighties stuff. the originals should not be that hard to find.

i would say go for it and plan on putting another chunk into it for metal repair and a mounting system.

john

[FlatHeadSix]

Dale,

That hack is older than you think, not only is it pre-58, it appears to be be pre-48, hard to tell from here. But it is still a bargain at that price, go for it. If you don't, some other lucky guy will end up with it and you'll always regret letting it slip away. They don't make those anymore!

Don't sweat the missing brake linkage, its available if you decide you need it. A lot of guys unhook them anyway.

Get ready for a whole new experience when you bolt it on, life on three wheels is totally different. You won't be able to take your hands off the bars and steer the bike by shifting your butt any more.

I had a hack on my '39 back in the 60's that looked almost identical to that one. One of my buddies wanted to try it so I let him, he pulled out of the high school parking lot on 35th & Wisconsin Ave in downtown Milwaukee, shot straight across the avenue, jumped the curb, and sent about a half dozen people waiting at the bus stop diving for cover. He finally got it stopped in the middle of 35th street after jumping a second curb. We all laughed like hell but it could have been really serious if he had hit somebody or some thing, or got hit by the cross traffic. We were kids, what did we know?

I'm rambling, too many Miller High Lifes. Buy the hack.

mike

[panz4ever]

I think it is a great deal for the price. Looks very similar to my 49 sidecar frame (still saving for the tub). Looks like it only needs a few small parts to make it useable for your bike. Vin number for mine is 49LE1660.

[SFMike]

I ran a hack years ago on a '66.
It was a gas.
Had a juice brake that I considered pretty necessary, or at least a significant asset.
I am getting around to restoring my "spare" '65 that has been apart a longtime and putting an original hack on it.

Guess you are familiar with trail fork, damper, and motor sprocket issues.

These are very heavy and will drag your speed down considerably.
Great fun.

[VPH-D]

The picture 'front mount hdwe.' has a home made steering damper and an extension added to upper frame bar. The price seems OK.
VPH-D