Just joined your forum and looking forward to exchanging info & experiences. I’m in the process of rebuilding & retro fitting an 88 HD TLE tube to a 03 Ultra Classic. The frame & tube are in great shape, so structurally it’s just a matter of dressing it up with some TLC & paint to match. The fun part is converting the drum brake system to disk and either getting another axle or changing the bearing to fit the matching 03 rim. Anyone know of any brake calibers that would fit? A new caliber from HD is like $500-$600. Also anyone know of a quick disconnect brake line system that’s out there? I’ve read about them, but have yet to find one.
Anyone’s thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Al
Also anyone know of a quick disconnect brake line system that’s out there? I’ve read about them, but have yet to find one.
Anyone’s thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
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I have one that I'm not going to use, it was on my Calf sidecar setup. It's a ball check snap together type a lot like a air connector, send me a PM if your interested tedandlila@peoplepc.com
Originally written by Drivenriden on 8/15/2008 11:43 AM
Just joined your forum and looking forward to exchanging info & experiences. I’m in the process of rebuilding & retro fitting an 88 HD TLE tube to a 03 Ultra Classic. The frame & tube are in great shape, so structurally it’s just a matter of dressing it up with some TLC & paint to match. The fun part is converting the drum brake system to disk and either getting another axle or changing the bearing to fit the matching 03 rim. Anyone know of any brake calibers that would fit? A new caliber from HD is like $500-$600. Also anyone know of a quick disconnect brake line system that’s out there? I’ve read about them, but have yet to find one.
Anyone’s thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.Al
Hi, I responded to your PM on basic issues regarding fitting an older sidecar on a newer machine but I haven't heard from you yet.
I would forget about converting a drum brake rig to a disc brake. I've owned both and beside that fact that there is little difference in stopping ability, I just don't think it would be worth the trouble. There are no parts that will fit and HD can't assist you.
I've seen quick disconnects used on Sidecars for the brake. They are found on units like the Harbor Freight Hydraulic "Porta Power". Unfortnately, I as never able to locate a source here in the U.S.
I added a 12" section of 3/16" brake tubing going upward from the Tee where the sidecar connection is ordinarily made. It clamps to one of the rear sidecar mount bolts. This makes it easy to connect and disconnect the sidecar since the access is right in front of you. If you are careful, you can remove the sidecar brake and simply plug the standpipe wihtout bleeding the bike brakes. It only takes a minute to bleed the sidecar brake when you reconnect.
I'm serious about not making a change to the disc brake. Sure, it can be done but it will require a totally different axle and some serious machine work and welding to make it work. You best bet would be to get a 1998 and later HD sidecar with the disc brake and you would find it much easier all around.
Good luck.
Ted,
Thanks for the response. Yes, I am very interested in the quick disconnect brake fitting. How much are you asking for it, and what holds it all together? Does a simple flared fitting hold it all together or is it brazed on?
Either way I’m interested in the part. I tried email you directly, but it kept coming back for some reason or another.
Thanks,
Al
drivenriden38@yahoo.com
Thanks for the response, but I didn’t get your original response concerning fitting an older sidecar to as newer machine. I did obviously get/seen this response.
Actually HD has helped me out quite a bit. In fact HD states that they can get what I need, but it’s expensive. I already ordered a new axle so I can match the updated wheels. I didn’t want to change the bearings; I’d rather have the correct axle.
I’m hoping I found a quick disconnect from a fellow member on here, so things are coming together…slowly. However, hearing that there isn’t much difference between the two can only come from someone with experience. Greatly appreciate the info.
Thanks Again
Originally written by Drivenriden on 8/17/2008 7:23 PM
Thanks for the response, but I didn’t get your original response concerning fitting an older sidecar to as newer machine. I did obviously get/seen this response.
Actually HD has helped me out quite a bit. In fact HD states that they can get what I need, but it’s expensive. I already ordered a new axle so I can match the updated wheels. I didn’t want to change the bearings; I’d rather have the correct axle.
I’m hoping I found a quick disconnect from a fellow member on here, so things are coming together…slowly. However, hearing that there isn’t much difference between the two can only come from someone with experience. Greatly appreciate the info.Thanks Again
Thre's really nothing wrong with the drum brake at all. IIRC, the shoes lasted nearly forever and the stopping ability wasn't bad at all. The disc on the HD sidecar is also purposely made rather small to balance it to the rest of the bike. You really don't ever want to be able to lock thae wheel. Rather, just a nice smooth brake application is all that's needed.
I'm not saying you couldn't make the change, infact, I've seen some nice modifications. It almost requires a small machine shop. I'd probably do something like that, except, I already have one. Ha.
If Harley was going to sell you the parts for such a change, you'd have to replace the frame since they are entirely different.
As I recall, the drum brake models carried the insde bearing for the sidecar wheel within the brake drum. The wheel had only an outer bearing and the drum bolted to the wheel for support. Like I say, it could be done but to pay someone to do it would be terribly expensive. Most of those types of jobs are done by people who are machinists.
Good luck.
I guess I must have sent a PM to someone else who asked. Sorry.
Hate to but in but i thought the TLE came with disc brake & the CLE & LE with drum. 'Now some expert is gonna tell me i know nowt'. why not do what i did & machine the drum of no problem!
Hank in the uk
Originally written by gnm109 on 8/19/2008 4:17 PM
Originally written by Hank41 on 8/19/2008 1:49 PM
Hate to but in but i thought the TLE came with disc brake & the CLE & LE with drum. 'Now some expert is gonna tell me i know nowt'. why not do what i did & machine the drum of no problem!
Hank in the uk
CLE's and LE's were early sidecar units. I don't know the exact year that they were first called TLE's except to say that TLE's had drum brakes even for the rubber-mounted Evolution-engined bikes up to 1997. In 1998, they added the disc brake on a new frame design. It was still a TLE and still is today.
As I say, the drum brake model is fine. If I had one, I'd just use it until I could find a newer one.
Good luck.
This being my first tube, I'm going to see how it all goes. I can't put reverse on the tranny because there is a 6 speed O/D in the way. From what I'm being told by various manufactures, HD, Baker, and some tranny shops, is that nobody has made reverse for the older Screamin Eagle O/D trannies yet. With that being said, I won't be able to set this particular chariot up exactly the way I want it. However, it will be a good starter machine to see if having a tube is the way I want to go. If I can put disk brakes on with out that much of a hassle than I will, but if not, I’ll just run it with out them at all. To match the newer style wheels I won’t be able to run drums either, so I’ll just have to learn the ropes of pushing a tube the hard way. Story of my life, why change now? LoL!!
Thanks for everyone’s help!!
Al
check at Summit racing for a Aeroquip Quick-Disconnect Couplings for a quick way to release the brake line, set it up once and it works just like an air line hose...they use them on race cars alot {dropping the entire rear end} Irish
My own personal opinion: Unless you are physically challenged and require it, reverse on a sidecar rig is useless.....among other things....
I've never said to myself: "Geez, I wish I had reverse".
I have said to myself, while watching someone back up a rig at the speed of a stoned snail: "That looks silly".
Originally written by ditch on 8/23/2008 2:00 PM
My own personal opinion: Unless you are physically challenged and require it, reverse on a sidecar rig is useless.....among other things....
I've never said to myself: "Geez, I wish I had reverse".
I have said to myself, while watching someone back up a rig at the speed of a stoned snail: "That looks silly".
I sort of agree. I say "sort of" because, almost invariably, every time I've ever gone somewhere with the sidecar rig, somone will walk up to me and say. "Nice rig! Does it have a reverse?". This happens either when I arrive or when leaving. I can't figure it out.
I do agree, though, that you can do well without a reverse. And, for $1,500 retail for one of the Champion units, I'll pass.
There was also the RLE sidecars that were fitted to 1982 and later FXRT Sport Glides and the FXRP Police bikes. Same tub, different mounts.
Lonnie
Does it have reverse??? yeah,, I get that a lot also but when I tell them I'm standing on my reverse and lift my foot I usally get a laugh,,,,once they figure it out.
Tube? I've heard sidecars called rigs, hacks, outfits, chariots, etc but never a tube. I've heard the body refered to as a tub and the bike as a tug, but dude a tube?
Just messin' with ya! You did mean tub right?
