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Fatbones With Champion Avenger Sidecar

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(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 

I just went out, took a quick look at what you suggested and that looks easier than routing it front to back underneath the frame.  It would be more visible than underneath, but just as effective.  I’ll have to get the Fatbones up on the table to get a better look. Currently on the table is a 46/47 Indian Chief bobber project that is almost ready to fire up for those of you who like old iron.   

 

 
Posted : December 15, 2024 9:59 am
(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
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Topic starter
 

Photos for reference-

IMG 8440
IMG 8438
IMG 8445
IMG 8435
IMG 8433
IMG 7429

 

 
Posted : December 15, 2024 10:11 am
sheath, Brstr, Drew and 3 people reacted
(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
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More things to ponder.  When I took off the stock mufflers the original muffler bracket had to be removed and replaced.  The original bracket was very rugged (Cast?) and part of the frame structure.  The new muffler bracket was light weight 1/8th bent sheet metal.  By changing the mufflers several years ago I lost the lower rear mount location.

Everything else will be on hold until that problem is solved.  I’m going to make some calls and see if I can find a similar softail frame to evaluate  for an add on bracket mounting location.  It’s too hard to see under the bike for options.

The to do list grows and timeline gets longer but each day I’m identifying problems and eventually making progress. 

 
Posted : December 16, 2024 6:39 am
(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
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Topic starter
 

 

IMG 8457
IMG 8456

Should have checked eBay for 2009 softail frames before posting the last message.  There are two mounting holes hiding behind the mufflers that would work for the lower rear mount location 

 

 
Posted : December 16, 2024 6:51 am
Drew, FlyingMonkeys, sheath and 2 people reacted
(@scott-h)
Posts: 774
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Slow and steady progress is good. 😎 

Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃

 
Posted : December 16, 2024 8:59 am
(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 

Slow and Steady

 

The sidecar autopsy has concluded, no big surprises the rest of the project. The cause of it’s untimely demise was a tree with thick heavy bark.  Removed a good amount of bark from impact area.  How it hit a tree may never be known?

Sidecar injuries sustained-

Fiberglass both hole and numerous cracks/splits.  The tub is now very flimsy in its current condition after removing it from the frame.

Frame bent out of square,about an inch

Swing arm bent out of alignment, about 1/2 inch 

Mounts, some are bent and are incorrect for Fatbones

Seat torn

Windshield scratched

seat belt are perfect!

Straightening the frame and swing arm mount will be the next project.  Will post before, during and after photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Posted : December 17, 2024 6:45 pm
(@scott-h)
Posts: 774
Noble Member
 

All Right!  Now that you've got a complete handle on things forward ho! 😎 

On another forum I watched a guy do some pretty epic fiberglass repairs.  He is a very skilled craftsman when it comes to repair, and has a beautiful shop to work in.  It was both eye opening, and a great learning experience for me.  I've worked with Carbon fiber.  But only small projects, with some vacuum bagging.  Never tried doing fiberglass repairs.

Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃

 
Posted : December 17, 2024 10:05 pm
Brstr and FlyingMonkeys reacted
(@2FLTC)
Posts: 241
Reputable Member
 

Done fiberglass for years not so much lately only my own projects. It's all about prep, time, patience and lot of dust. It sounds like you have a big project ahead of you. I would check to see if you can get a replacement tub. It might end up cheaper in the end. 

 
Posted : December 18, 2024 7:33 am
(@miles-ladue)
Posts: 1031
Noble Member
 

Dave Boyer, you may want to contact Michael Lydon @michael-lydon, on the ADVRider hacks forums he is Arbalest.  On these pages he is @michael-lydon.

He has done a LOT of fiberglass work on his sidecar tubs, and is quite skilled at it. He is up in Maine, but reach out to him, and tap into his knowledge/experience.

Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort

 
Posted : December 18, 2024 9:16 am
Thane Lewis and sheath reacted
(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
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Topic starter
 

Thank you for your replies and advice. I will definitely reach out to Michael and will look at that Forum as well.  I’ve been doing lots of reading and watching videos to learn as much as I can before starting the fiberglass work under the supervision of a friend who was a body shop owner operator for over 45 years.  Another friend always says, “God hates a coward.”  

For me, this is all about learning and developing new skills.  By the end of this project I will know how to do fiberglass work.  I may have way more of my own hours into it than what others would feel is worthwhile, but I’m retired and time is what I have lots of this winter.

its a much bigger project than I anticipated, but aren’t they all. Here is a picture of a rebuild that did not include my doing fiberglass ,,,,, just everything else imaginable

 

image
 
Posted : December 18, 2024 11:55 am
sheath, Thane Lewis, 2FLTC and 1 people reacted
(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
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Topic starter
 

@miles-ladue 

thank you very much for bringing up Michael’s name and providing contact information.  As you said, he is a wealth of knowledge and very generous with his knowledge and time.  Michael has sent links to videos, given me advice on types of products and where to get materials.

thank you all for your support and expertise throughout this project.

 
Posted : December 29, 2024 12:52 pm
(@chloespop)
Posts: 28
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 
  • Today was the day.

 

Took the sidecar frame to a friend and we successfully straightened the frame and swingarm.

We clamped the frame to a heavy steel table and used chains, house jack, ratchet “come a long”, c-clamps, bars, heavy hammer, squares, levels, tape measure, fire (heat), coffee and a rotisserie chicken to get the job done.  Everything is where it once was and needs to be!

IMG 8692
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IMG 8696

 

 
Posted : February 6, 2025 4:15 pm
SwampFox, Thane Lewis, Brstr and 2 people reacted
(@scott-h)
Posts: 774
Noble Member
 

Amazing what a bit of coffee oil and chicken grease will do to get things in order! 😉   👍 

Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃

 
Posted : February 6, 2025 5:40 pm
(@miles-ladue)
Posts: 1031
Noble Member
 

Love it, and love that you used a rotisserie chicken 🐔 to get the job done.

Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort

 
Posted : February 6, 2025 5:42 pm
Thane Lewis, Brstr and sheath reacted
(@brstr)
Posts: 281
Honorable Member
 

Rotisserie chicken avoids hot spots/kinks.

Well apart from your back. It probably can't take that heat......

 
Posted : February 6, 2025 9:39 pm
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