Here is a rig with wooden body and fender.
Lonnie
I have one of each.
The Kozi (metal) seems to be more robust/rugged and I'm less afraid of damaging it. On the other hand, the Velorex (fiberglass tub) is a lot more graceful looking. Purely subjective I know. Does this make any sense? My problem has been finding someone to work on the fiberglass car. Many body shops in this area did not want to work on motorcycles and most never saw a sidecar. Some that were willing did not want to work on fiberglass. Had to travel 90 miles to find a willing accomplice to my addiction. 🙂
Something to consider.
Your best bet for fiberglass repair is a boat shop. They do a lot of fiberglass repair work.
Lonnie
I am now with my 3rd rig...I sell all my cars...questions?
From me you will not get a negative answer...
All rigs had/have advantages and disadvantages, the main questions to sort out are:
What is your personality?
What is your driving style?
Where will you be driving?
What is Your main purpose?
What is Your wife's attitude?
Always keep in mind: If Momy isn't fond, nobody in the family will have fun!
That last aspect is actually my problem...since Oktober I try to convince her to make a trip to Colombia via the ferry from Colon to Cartagena....not any advance so far :o:-(
Everybody I know who started rig pushing complained the same thing:
"Why didn't I start earlier with it ?"
Sven 😉
It is never too late for a happy childhood!!!!
I like how quickly and easily fiberglass is to work with.
Make a mold: be it wood, foam with a coating to keep it from dissolving, or even paper.
Apply generous amounts of resin and cloth, and in no time a fiberglass body comes forth.
Thickness of the body depends on material and location of the body component.
That being said, I prefer metal (steel) not aluminum
Why? Purest, plan an simple. Many sidecars built prior to the 60s and even some today are metal.
Is it harder to work with? Short answer, yes!
Then again, it also depends on the design of the body.
Gauge of the material and of course time, sweat and trial.
A small investment into an English Wheel, Body Hammers and Dollies, shot bag, perhaps a manual bead roller, your on your way.
Not cheap, not expensive, but needed. (For both Steel or Aluminum)
As for me,
I like old school, I like vintage, I love the looks of steel.
All can be achieved by fiberglass.
Cheers
I'd like to update my comments about Ural sidecars. Although what I saw when looking at used cars on-line still stands, I just bought a 2000 Ural Tourist rig and have to say that the fit and finish of the sheetmetal is excellent. The bike and car are black and that color makes the tiniest of imperfections jump out. Other than small dings and scratches from 15 years in service, it shines like new and the panels are flawless for the most part. So it would appear that they have made major improvements in the quality of their rigs. It's a heavy car so bear that in mind.
regards,
Rob
" Any sidecar built prior to the 60s and even some today are metal. "
Really? Unless you meant it, better proofread a bit before you post.
you are correct, thank you, the history of fiberglass tells us that fiberglass started to become more mainstream in the 1950s in the automotive and boats
I did make a correction to my statement
thanks
DRM
I'd love a willow seat in my stable 😉
Had a test sit in near Edimburgh once upon the time when my hair was fair not grey.
Compfortable and nice with the 1903 750ccm snorkel valve and 3 hp...As supposed for a Scotsman,,,still in use and with the tax batch up to date (that was 1983)
And the Lotus sport car beside it was made out of plywood. 😮
Sven
Since this is the general discussion forum...
In the early 50s, my uncle took a job at a company in Brooklyn making fiberglas curtains.
Our families were all poor as church mice so they banded together to make ends meet (ie; four adults, one grandmother, five kids in a 2 bedroom brownstone), he got some remnants for 'the girls' to make clothes for everyone with to save money.
They wore well, but uncomfortable as all get out.
