Fatbones With Champion Avenger Sidecar

My guess is that the seat was bodged together by someone after the builder.  Been several posts recently about alternative options for seats. 

To answer  David's other question.....typically the right rear turnsignal on the motorcycle is disabled,  either by removing the bulb, or disconnecting a wire.....then a right side (of the sidecar) turn indicator is mounted, facing rear ward, but can also use one that faces forward AND rearward, so that turn indicator is then tied into the wires that formerly fed power to the former turnsignal on the right side of the bike.

1000's of lightning options out there, just go to a trailer supply store, and choose one you like. 

Hopefully Jon will respond on the upholstery and fixings. 

As to the brake/running/turn light, best bet would be to check with your states requirements.  

I like the way Ural does their running/turn/brake light setup.  Right rear turn signal is to the right of the brake lamp at the outer edge of the rig.  The right turn signals on the bike are disconnected, and a front and rear running/turn signal are added to the outer right front/rear of the sidecar.  As in these two pictures.   What I like about this is it gives a sense of rig width to other motorists at night. 

Makes a lot if sense, will mount rear directional on sidecar.

Ordered  some marine grade canvas for the tonneau cover and a flat sheet of tinted lexan for the windshield

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Dave, the seat back, and seat bottom look to be in very nice condition.  Is the issue with the seats that they are no longer connected to each other, where the seat back touches the seat bottom???

Possibly that material was intentionally separated so the seat back could be removed, for access to the "hidden" trunk.

If you want them connected again,  take a 6" wide piece of the new tonneau cover canvas, and staple one edge of it to the backside of the seat back, and staple the other side edge to the bottom side of the  seat bottom.  Make  a canvas hinge out of the material. 

@miles-ladue 

The halves were sewn together creating a vinyl hinge that is half torn apart.  Using the canvas is a great idea.  Should be able to make it look and work like new.  The seat cover was like new but had two cuts in it.  I used a product called Plasti Dip to fill the cuts in the vinyl. May have to give it a few applications but looks good so far and is adhering well.

You can hook up your tombstone taillight on the sidecar to work as a tail, stop, signal. 

Posted by: @2FLTC

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You can hook up your tombstone taillight on the sidecar to work as a tail, stop, signal. 

Now that would look very cool! 👍 

Had the fender mounted yesterday and set the taillight in place, it will match nicely.  Wiring is in place for taillight and stop.  I mounted the fender into the same holes, but it seemed out of alignment and I couldn’t remember if it was shimmed.  Yup, I failed to take pictures before taking it apart.

in order to better assess it. I put the wheel on and it was definitely out of line with the fender.  I played around, shimming the fender and then decided to measure the wheel to make sure it was square with the frame.  That is when some frustration set in.  The sidecar swingarm is not perfectly square to the frame as I thought when we were straightening everything.  Unfortunately everything is now powder coated.  I should have reassembled everything to triple check before the powder coating!  Should be able to tweak the swingarm cold without heat, that’s what we did the first time.

You’ll notice the front fender mount is bent, had to be that way from the factory, it’s the only way the other two mount holes would line up.  I’m going to straighten it (not powder coated), fill the existing holes in the fender and redrilll for better fit and alignment.

Powder coating came out beautiful. 

Any chance some of the camber and toe in this frame has was "built in" from the factory?  

Reading through books and forum posts it seems some mfgs do this.  My total WAG on the concept is to keep the body somewhat parallel with the bike, while improving the handling.  Would be interesting to see what the factory specs are on your specific rig.

In any case, the level of detail and craftsmanship you are putting in to your rig is awesome.  🤩 

Sheath,

There I go again, assuming what should be.  Thank you, you likely prevented another mistake!  I have the name and number for the tech guy at Champion and will get the specs for original camber and toe before touching anything.  Once that is established the fender should be easy.

Posted by: @chloespop

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Sheath,

   I have the name and number for the tech guy at Champion and will get the specs for original camber and toe before touching anything.  

 

OR.....you could just ask me   

I don't have the correct answer..........but you could at least  ask me  

@miles-ladue Thing is, the best Balderdashers can make even something ridiculous sound authentic and correct. 

Challenge-

Reply with your predictions for built in toe and camber (if any).  Who ever is closest with the funniest reasoning will win a prize.  

Pi has to figure into this somewhere.  So I'm waiting until after Miles (@miles-ladue) responds.   😎