Introducing myself, finally. Jeff Dunkle from Fredericksburg, VA. Twice in the past 8 years I bought Velorex's with the intention of mounting them on something to make a 1st sidecar rig, but between moving, changing jobs, remarrying, etc. those projects never happened. I finally decided to get an assembled rig that I could afford. It's an '83 Aspencade with an EML. The rig is pretty well set up as the photo shows, but does need some brake work and new shocks on the bike. The bike only has 17K miles and runs fine.
I do have several "new kid" questions.
Here's the album link to where the photos related to my questions are:
http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=322
I received no technical information on the sidecar and am not even sure of the EML model it is. So first, can someone ID the model for me? The seller had no idea, and I'm not too proud to admit my ignorance.
Second, the sidecar caliper is pretty well toasted and the linings worn. Does anyone recognize that caliper and know where I can get a rebuild kit or a replacement unit? I think I've found some pads in a catalog that will work, and have those on order. But it took several hours of soaking with penetrating oil and compressed air to free the pistons and the seals are shot.
Third, as with may old Wings, the air shocks are toast. Given this rig's configuration, what does anyone recommend as replacements? The compressor is still working on the rig, but the rear sags and wallows a good bit.
Thanks for your patience with these.
Jeff
I believe that's a GT Jeff. Here is a link to a GT with some pictures that may or may not be of some help.
http://pweb.jps.net/~snowbum/EMLsidecar8.htm - Lots of info about the brakes too! Robert Fleischer (snobum - snowbum@jps.net) would be an excellent source of informaton.
My first sidecar was identical to yours - I thought it was a tour or a tour-t, but crusing around the web it looks like my memory is faulty!
There are a lot of these around and I'm sure someone will pitch in. You might try sending a pictures to Perry's Motorcycles (perrysmcsc@yahoo.com) in Texas. They can probably id the car and may know where/if parts are available.
Good luck and welcome!
Steve,
Thanks for the note. Indeed Snowbum contacted me and put me in touch with
http://www.vintagebrake.com/ and Michel "Mercury" Morse. He knew the manufacturer of the brake caliper and had seals and pads in stock and they're being shipped. The caliper's a very obscure brand and apparently the only other customers he gets looking for pads for them operate horse drawn carts 🙂
I'll deal with the rest of the sidecar issues one at a time as they come up. I'd love at some point to convert from a straight spindle/bushing wheel axel to a hub with tapered bearings. But that would be essentially a remanufacture of the unit. I'll save that project for a while.
Thanks for all your good work and writing.
Jeff
Jeff - no worries and thanks for the kind words.
Please consider an article about your odessey for The Sidecarist! 🙂
