I bought a used Harley TLE sidecar recently and have already made my first mistake. Hope there are not many more ahead. I disassembled the frame to have it powder coated. I didn't notice that there were two set screws on the rear connector arm and they got powder coated in place. Should have waited for the manual! I broke an allen wrench trying to get them unstuck so now it's at a machine shop. It's the arm that's held in place by two U-bolts and attaches to the rear mount. Fix it til it's broke has always been my motto. 🙂
Fastblueheeler - 9/2/2009 11:20 AM
I bought a used Harley TLE sidecar recently and have already made my first mistake. Hope there are not many more ahead. I disassembled the frame to have it powder coated. I didn't notice that there were two set screws on the rear connector arm and they got powder coated in place. Should have waited for the manual! I broke an allen wrench trying to get them unstuck so now it's at a machine shop. It's the arm that's held in place by two U-bolts and attaches to the rear mount. Fix it til it's broke has always been my motto. 🙂
That's the poorest part of the Harley sidecar. Attempting to secure the rear mount from slipping with two 3/8" U-bolts and two set screws is rather optimistic. Nonetheless, HD has built them that way for a long time. A good machinist will be able to take those out with an EDM (Electro discharge) machine or at least with a carbide drill and save the threads.
It's a poor design at best.
Much better this kind of repairable mistake then heading into the upcoming trafic or going down a hill.
Go on the safe side, get instruction, start slow, train a lot and never feel too safe.
With the mecanical issues remind: "After tight comes off!"
There is nothing to shame about when you ask others for help, when you get to a dead end.
Sven
