I hate to be critical in public but am trying to get my hack done regarding a L&W body. I've tried phone contact several times this and last week and find that they often don't answer the phone. When I do make contact, the conversation is somewhat "different" than a person would expect leaving me confused as to how a person would get parts and information. I also sent an email order which is unanswered after two days. It also seems that J&P retails their stuff but the parts I need aren't listed through them (with one exception). I also need a template or instructions to install the side trim pieces in the right place. Is this normal for them or is there some special situation going on there affecting customer response at this time?? Anyone know? I hope I haven't stepped on any toes but I am trying to finish the hack before it turns 120F here! - AZP
I'd suggest putting out a request with the folks in the AMCA who have original hacks. I'm sure someone would be happy to measure their's and give the trim location specs to you. As an aside you can get a 'fall back' solution to the trim issue from Champion that they use on their Legend model. It is modern chrome rubber trim (close to the right size, configuration) but could do if serious show judging wasn't needed. Or if you aren't in a rush (don't let some trim keep you in the garage!) go to some AMCA events and snoop the swap meets for your needs.
VTwin carries many of Merle's parts,,,,,,if they have them in stock,, J&P is just selling you the VTwin stuff,,,that they firstly get from L&W,,,try VTwin (Taiwan Ted) directly.
PS,,,i meant serious show judging of an antique bike,,,,,a 'custom' bike show would be very different,,,,,you did not say what the project was,,,,??
Called again and finally got a response that led to a real, live invoice! Only certified checks or money orders are accepted for payment so I had to go to the bank and get one, then mail payment. Now I must wait for it to get there and only then will I have parts coming. I think the whole process will take two weeks or more. Looks like with vintage bikes, you must also use vintage customer service protocols! Well, at least that part of this project is finally moving. I got a '65 because I am getting too old and lame to kick on my 6V '63, especially when it is hot here. Being known locally for pans, I decided to get the only Harley with a stock kick and electric start. 1965 was also the last production pan made by Harley. The sidecar simply came as a bonus to the deal. Even Blondie said, "Well, now it'll be harder for you to fall over, you old Geezer!" Love sometimes fails to blossom in the desert... lolololol. I've done AMCA a few years but find that most articles are about bikes I never ridden. My era is Hydraglides. I think the AMCA is having a run at Borrego Springs, CA this month but it coincides with our biggest local car show of the year here. I've got two entries here so the AMCA will go on without me, as usual. For those of you in the midwest and northeast, I think you sometimes don't realize the abundance of events, parts, and services up there compared to elsewhere. The former owner was a young guy and wanted a clean vintage look. So, he took off or replaced many original OEM parts with repops. Now that the hack is here, I think I'll just put on OEM but not try to return everything back to correct. Anyone got black/white cable wrap? Need cactus? I got THAT! Youze guys are great! - AZP
ooops... Duoglides.... had another senior moment, but stayed on my feet! lololol... - AZP
65 pan first year of the electric glide but not the first year for a Harley to have an electric starter as some think not saying you did say this. Please post some pictures when you are done with it. I like pictures.
Thanks
Jeff
The servicars had electric start sooner. I suppose the metermaids needed it back in the day.
This is no doubt waaay too late and you likely know about it,,,but. Remember there are a couple of outfits offering electric start kits for the old Harleys. Both advertise in the AMCA mag. When i get too buggered to kick my ULH that shall be my route. I much prefer the rigid frame bikes. My old beasty has a 12 volt conversion and is really not hard to start, of course being a flattie is is pretty low compression,,,as i like it!
Yeah, I talked to one of the main people who put electric start on rigids and 64 and earlier. Very helpful and knowledgeable gentleman. Unfortunately, the change comes at the cost of losing your kick start pedal. In some configurations, the larger battery ends up in a hard saddlebag. To me, I would lose as much as I gained in appearance. I gotta have my pedal sticking out there whether I use it. I also notice that the sidecar demands that any kick start will be with the rider mounted. The one of this '65 is an easier kick than on my '63 but still awkward. I usually stood by the '63 to start it but there isn't any room now. lolol... the whole trick is to remain calm and nonchalant if the old pan doesn't coooperate. A crowd usually gathers when I start the '63 and I just act like all is good no matter how the start ritual goes. If I ask everyone to turn around and not watch, it'll start....lololol. - AZP
oooorrrr..... when in California, simply light a cigarette and everyone scatters. They don't need tear gas over there for riots, just smoking policemen! (Local biker joke). - AZP
azpaul50 - 3/4/2014 12:30 PM
The servicars had electric start sooner. I suppose the metermaids needed it back in the day.
Yep 1964 servicars. My 02 Ultra in 42 years of none stop riding Harley s is my first electric start. No such thing as a hard kick starting Harley only one out of tune or needs motor work. Many years ago I had a shovel I stroked and won a many a drink at the bar by starting it with my hand.
Just staying in touch. Believe it or not, the sidecar still isn't done. I had to stop work to ride it to our Yuma Prison Run and then resume after. By the way, if anyone reads the Thunder Press (Western US biker monthly), there might be mention of the hack in their upcoming article on the run. I got the windshield on without instructions but the apron is slightly off center. It's too late now. I put in the floor mat and footrest as well as the bounce strap. The strap installation became a choice of several ways to do it but it is on, "my" way. The last thing to do was the 4 side trims. It turned out that the mounting fasteners I had originally from L&M were slightly too large for the trims. I milled one down to slide into the trim but then saw that the posts were top large for the slot. Modern ones are nylon so that won't do, trying to stay "vintage." The only option is to use the same wire, expansion hardware used on Harley fenders prior to the 60's. I found some from Harbor Vintage that are coming. The L&M posts were intended for chrome acorn nuts giving the inside a nice look. Unfortunately, using the wire mounts will leave the sharp points facing inside down from the armrests. If the sidecar rider is thrown around, he/she can expect a death of 1,000 daggers, 1" deep each! So, it'll be 100F degrees starting this week and the gondola is just sitting in the carport on blocks. So much for "progress." So, that's the latest report. - AZP
