Frequently Asked Questions...
This list of questions are some which are frequently asked in e-mails that I have received. Hopefully this will answer all or most your questions ...
My personal note
Due to current circumstances beyond my control other arrangements are now being made to continue on the castings and im sorry for any inconvenience for im not trying in any way to mislead anyone in any shape size or form also at a later date I have been kickin the idea about adding a new section on how my castings are made PLUS combine both websites together now this way its easier for everyone in www. FLXISIDECARS. com. Thank you all for visiting my website.
Will you be building Flxi sidecar racing frames in the near future?
To be HONEST ... my ORIGINAL plan was a few years back was just do the standard Domestic model like the one on my old VL ... HOWEVER, in the last year I have had so many inquiries that I started to rethink this thru ... after doing some serious thinking and talking it over my my son and daughter lately and of course my age now I have decided not to. Instead I decided to show all what all is involved in building a Flxi sidecar racing frame for people all over the globe, and even if I did decide to I could only still build a few per year and with crating and shipping cost these days and then they would be in the hands of the select few, so I decided to now add in my project section a basic Flxi sidecar layout on a Flxi racing frame on this website aswell so EVERYONE can enjoy them with the information thats on my website and the castings and parts that are being offered.
I heard your going to add more info for the Do-it-yourself'er is that true?
YES ... thats correct, I have had lots of inquiries that I decided to add all your technical questions in this section and modify this website ... Due to the recession and current economic state of affairs all over the globe these days and that hard earned cash is getting harder to get so I decided to take the next step so all can enjoy this Flxi sidecar sport rather your on a fixed income like me or just want to put that hard earn cash back in your pockets for other things or if you can only afford a piece at a time to build your own Flxi sidecar frame with the castings that will be offered and/or accessories (patterns to make your own), what ever your case might be ... like my slogan says, Flxi sidecars "flxin your way and leanin toward you" which means Im trying to cater to ALL so all who can enjoy this sidecar sport ... I myself cater to Domestic, Racing and Commercial body ideas, different frame configurations, miscellaneous parts that will be required to do your project and more.
Why do I refer people to Accurate Reproductions?
Robert is into restoring the Antique stuff like pre 1936. He is gearing up to make 1918 thru 24 Flxi sidecar castings plus he is also into the Indian and Thor motorcycles aswell and he makes other mounting attachments for other different Antique models thats why he does all the Antiques for the restorer in mind and I cater to the Vintage Harley-Davidson line from 1936 thru 57 frames and the 1920 thru 24 FLXI sidecar frames ... and besides Robert is into OLD-stalgia and im into NEW-stalgia. REMEMBER ... all you pre 1936 enthusiast need to check him out for you your Antique needs. PRESS on the first Icon on the left side on the main page.
I'm new to sidecars what type is better the rigid design or the Flxi design and why?
The Flxi because its easy to balance and the wheel doesn't come up, it stays on the ground surface and easier to control and handle around corners. FLXI sidecars tilt with your scooter allowing scooter and sidecar to become one machine that leans into a curve the way it was intended by its design. This way you are not compromising performance and its easier to swerve to miss an obstacle on the road, and you ride as aggressively as you want.
Why is there so much renewed interest in Flxi sidecars?
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS and due to HIGH gasoline prices. Besides the people interested in racing them I have had more inquiries from small companies and home based businesses lately aswell. Small companies need to make local deliveries even road services to survive and stay in business in the hard times of today.
Has anyone ever made a documentary or movie on FLXIES?
Not that I know of, however it would be awesome. If they did, it would be so KOOL doing one it in the style of the old era.
Are you going to make parts for people who already have a FLXI?
NO ... not sure yet at this time. HOWEVER, this is my sport and hobby not a MONEY thing, besides I take pride in every part that im planning to make for myself and locate used but not abused parts so other can enjoy this sport as well. REMEMBER, FLXI was VERY WELL KNOWN in the racing circuit for they were so UNIQUE in there wheel design and how they handled.
Were Flxi sidecars ever used on the streets besides in the U.S.?
Im going to have to say yes, because back in the day they were very common, they were used for everything (domestic, commercial and racing) even our military used them overseas. In what countries, I dont know. HOWEVER, it would be KOOL to see them on the streets again ... no matter what part of the globe your from.
Where is the Flxi owners club located at? Can anyone start a club?
First, No where yet ... Second, Yes, why not OPEN chapters all over the globe.
Would a light frame woman be able to handle the weight of a motorcycle and sidecar?
YES, any small framed person can control a Flxi sidecar.
How much are just the Flxi frames and where can you find them?
YEARS AGO (like in the early 80's) depending on the owner and its condition, HOWEVER, I have seen them go as high as $3,500 just for a racing frame with some mounting bracketry, wheel (hardly ever), fender (sometimes if your lucky), springs (never), body (rarely) etc ... its hard to say. Talk to people and start following any leads like I do, you never know.
How much is a Flxi frame going for?
If you can find one preferably complete or close to it even in rough from $7,500 to $10,000 you did REAL good. KEEP IN MIND, they were original (the real thing) and that price was years ago.
What is a restored Flxi sidecar worth?
I heard of a restored full Flxi sidecar frame with a Harley-Davidson body go for $25,000.00 and some even HIGHER.
Do you think Micheal Lange's price is to high for his Flxi?
To be honest about it .... this is strickly my opinion, his 1929 JD with the Flxi racer #4 has so much HISTORY and ORIGINAL behind it plus the one in the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum which has a late 1912 or early 1913 Flxi sidecar in ruff form and there were maybe only a hand full (if that) made in Mansfield and not in Loudonville so the answer to your question is they are both PRICELESS.
How many Flxi frames were there?
Types ... As far as I know 5 maybe more. Sold I don't know.
Is there currently any Flxi sidecar events in the United States or overseas?
As far as I know maybe in Davenport, Iowa. HOWEVER, check with AMCA (Antique Motorcy cle Club of America) I heard they are or did do exhibitions, if not I think it be KOOL no matter what part of the globe your from.
Can you run any other body on a Flxi frame and how many bodies did Flxi have?
YES, However Flxi shows 7 bodies, yet I know of 9 or 10 even more but don't know all there names. I saw a pointed tail model in a photo that they claim is original, yet it doesn't say any thing about it and Harley made one for racing ... I even seen a sub nose with a flat back that look some thing like a 1918-23 Harley body. I also seen a Speedster front section with the same basic flat back and a curved back aswell, they all had NO door. What I do know is Flxi also made a Speedster racing body with a tilted door and a lot of owners modified and altered there bodies back in those days.
Why im not making bodies?
I like so many body designs from metal to wood that I would need a full time job just making bodies and besides there are people out there already making bodies.
Why im not making Accessories or other attachments?
There are several people that offer so many accessories and attachments for different sidecars so im not here to corner the market or to step on toes or to take away from anyone im just trying to promote the sidecar sport no matter what part of the globe your from or which way you wanna go with your sidecar project or what design you want to use. Some owners even made there own attachments. Check out the front frame attachment on the Flxi in my Harley bodies section in projects on page 2 number 5 (adjust accord) This site is for everyone and I do not get paid to advertise no ones product. Im here to help others to enjoy the Flxi sidecar sport. So if you have a accessory item/items that will cater to a Flxi sidecar or any Antique or Vintage skooter related part in any shape, size or form for I will be more than glad to show/display it on my site after its been approved in my accessories section. (even if your making an accessory item/items or a attachment at home) However, there are some ground rules to go by.
Is it true that Flxi made a family model frame?
YES, I heard years ago that the family bodies are wider by 3 maybe 4 inches than the standard domestic (to this date I can not confirm it) and that the family model was called "The Double Duty Car".
Do you know the names of the bodies?
Here are some: Speedster, Rambler, Roadster, Premier, Scout, Exclo, Resto, Aristocrat and the Arrow Speedster model which was called "The Sportsman's Car" etc. ...
How many variations was there on the knees?
Good Question ... years ago I heard the early ones have more of a rounded edge and the later ones have more sharper edge (rather its true or not I have no idea) However, yet I have seen slight differences on the lettering etc aswell ... so they must of had several pattern makers doing there masters.
Will you be offering a Flxi sidecar frame kit for the Do-it-yourselfer?
Not at this time. HOWEVER, I am seriously thinking about it tho ... for there were so many variations in the frames like in widths and inner/outer rail designs do to the skooter your putting them on, time will tell. HOWEVER, I have been thinking about just doing the rear end housing section (complete) for now since the rest is fairly easy for the DIY'er to continue where I leave off and make sure you have a certified welder do your welding since your life depends on it aswell as others.
How long are the rear tube that the knees go on?
The standard model is 34 1/4 inches. The rear tube is 1 7/8 inch OD with a 1/8 inch wall thickness.
How long is the rear housing internal connecting rod (tie rod bar)?
On the standard model it is 38 3/8 inches add 3 inches per side with 1/2-20 threads. (adjust accord)
Was there a semi FLXIBLE knee in the early 1920's years?
Years ago I received a box with some Flxi related parts and some that were not and one was a knee that was butched badly and one arm end was torched off for some reason but the knee had FLXIBLE on it but some of the letters were slightly damaged on patent and it was poorly welded back together, it looked like it came out of a war. HOWEVER, when I purchase my full FLXIBLE frame at the same time and brought my goodies home from Santa Clara I noticed the knee was different than the ones that was on my full Flxi sidecar frame and for some reason I saved it thru the years and the full rocker arm would not work on it. Years later I seen a semi rocker arm and took a mold off of it and it did work and also found out it worked on the 1918-19 model years and I always thought Flxi only made full FLXIBLE from 1920-24 and I was told that the man that owned it might have modified/altered it so I have no idea to this day if its even and original and I was also told that as far as he knew it might have been used on a heavy duty commercial service delivery or maybe it was experimental (who knows)
What is the difference between a semi and a full FLXI Knee?
The best way to describe it is its in between a rigid design frame like on a Harley-Davidson sidecar frame and a full FLXIBLE sidecar frame design.
Do you need springs when running a racer?
NO, I seen one with the front lug and rear spring perches flip upside down and a metal plates on the inside of the body with U bolts thru it with castle nuts and safety wire on them. HOWEVER, I also seen one with SPEEDWAY springs in the rear without a front spring (front lug was flip also) so the best thing I can tell you is adjust to your want and needs. REMEMBER, I do not recommend these set ups for street use.
How many inner rail (bar) designs was there?
As far as I know 4 designs maybe more and they varied in lengths from 18 to 38 inches plus the bend/bends that goes to the front connector end that goes to the tie rod anchor or anchor plate on the skooter frame. My first ORIGINAL Flxi sidecar frame was 38 incher that fit my Harley VL frame. If I remember correctly the inner rail was 49 1/2 inches long with a 5 inch radius bend in it. (adjust accord)
In the photo in your store section what are the solid rail (bar) lengths?
The one in the photo is a 30 inch Flxi sidecar frame ... the inner bar is 27 1/2 inches long and the outer bar is 54 1/2 inches long with 3 bends in it. (adjust accord)
How long is the outer solid bar on the standard Flxi frame?
I have taken measurements off 3 different ones. Its 1 1/8 inch solid bar and it ranges from 44 3/4 inches to 45 inches with 2 bends on it. Go to the project section and look at the Flxi frame layout. (adjust accord) Use a 48 inch long solid bar to start with and trim down the ends after your bends are done.
Are you going to offer inner and outer rails with the castings already on them?
NO, all you need is to figure out where the casting or castings will go and install them as your bending your rail/rails plus follow the layout in the project section and you will do just fine. (adjust accord)
How long are the inner springs that go on the tie rod?
18 inches on the standard model. HOWEVER, the springs im using have a 1/2 inch OD with a cenetr hole of 5/8 inch ID (straight design) ... on the later ones they had a progressive design.
Are you going to offer these inner springs in the future?
Time will tell ... HOWEVER, check the springs in old motorcycle glide front end they will work just fine. Cutting them down to size may be required. (adjust accord)
How many center brace designs was there?
As far as I know 4 maybe more.
How many Racing frames was there?
There were several designs but with different lengths on the inner rail to fit the skooter frame in which it was made for and some owners modified there own.
What is the width and length of a Racing body?
Years ago I heard the bodies were 18 inches to 21 inches wide and the length 5 feet to 6 feet. HOWEVER, on my Speedster body its 21 inches wide and length of 6 feet 1 inch long and sitting on my skooter frame jig its 19 inches high.
How many different mounting brackets was there?
I have no idea for they were so many different skooters out back then ... HOWEVER, the ones that I have seen were made out of 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch steel plate and even thicker with a bend/bends and/or a curve ... some racing frames were set up in the seat post area and the standard was at the rear axle plate ... (adjust accord to your design)
Where can you RACE the Flxi sidecars?
As far as I know they are illegal to this day on a track, for they had no safety regulations back in those days. HOWEVER it would be AWSOME to see them on a track again. I myself think it would be so KOOL to watch the Harley-Davidson motorsickle with a Flxi sidecar rig just for racing only though (on a horse track like the good ol'days or back country road racing)
Are you going to offering the KNEE with the serial number on them?
No ... the main reason is so the Collectors and Restorers will have the Originals and beside the other knee is slightly different and one has to look closely to see the difference.
Will you be offering springs later?
Time will tell, why because I have sent the patterns out to a man that will do leaf springs for sidecars (only one I found that would even do them) problem, his back work load is about 9 months behind before he can even start to them.... HOWEVER, I do have all the Original patterns for the Eliptical front spring, "C" and "Speedway" spring.
* ELIPTICAL front spring (20 3/4" long x 1 1/8" wide)
* "C" spring (13" high x 12" long x 1 1/4" wide)
* SPEEDWAY spring also known as "J" spring (5 3/4" high x 12" long)
Will you be also offering the early and late body support bars?
As for now, NO ... I will make the ones that will be needed to do my own.
Can a person build a Racing frame from your basic castings that you will be offering?
YES ... the only thing difference between the domestic and the racing frame is that the domestic has brace tab on it for the support bar.
Will you make FLXI sidecar frames in the future for others?
NO ... This is my hobby and now that im retired im just interested in doing Flxi sidecar frames for myself at this time and maybe do some rear housings since it is the main item that most keep asking me about, who knows time will tell.
Are you going to offer the semi-Flxible knee casting for the Commercial people that want it?
No, only for myself as for now, time will tell ... HOWEVER, the (full FLXIBLE) is for light duty deliveries and the other (semi FLXIBLE) for heavier weight loads. In most business one must make adjustments to servive. These opportunities should be fully exploited to any business minded person even if its for light or heavy weight purposes. Most of the bodies were made in cabinet shops or by the owner for his/hers particular needs. To know more on that subject go to my notes on this website.
What is the width of the heavy delivery model frame?
I heard that the family model and the heavy deliveries had the same frame width. I have been asked so many questions on this subject that I do not have all the answers. (The best thing I can say is adjust accord to your needs like im going to do)
Did Flxi make a hub cap?
As far as I know a grease cap. HOWEVER, I have seen one on a Flxi sidecar in a photo so maybe they did ... I really dont know to be honest.
Do you have any info on a Flxi racing frame for a Indian?
YES ... Eric Bourragué in France just sent me a drawing for one, it was sent to him from his friend Rob Ronky.
Do you have info on a Flxi racing frame for a Harley 45 besides just a Indian?
NO ... HOWEVER, maybe you can use the one on the Indian and adjust to your needs.
Do you have the Flxi racing frame specs for a Henderson and other Antique motorcycles?
NO ... HOWEVER, all the info to build one are in this section and a picture I will be loading up soon on a Flxi sidecar layout (standard - adjust accord) in the project section and the Flxi sidecar castings are in the frames section.
How much are the Commercial bodies going for and where can you find them?
A few years back when I was in Davenport, Iowa I seen a old wood body (plain jane) with a rear door for a Indian for almost $10,500 (body and rigid frame and fender no springs etc of any kind) and even seen some even higher ... go to different Antique motorcycle events with a swap meet you never know what you will find.
What other Flxi related projects are you working on?
* Disc brakes for the FLXI sidecar frames using strickly Harley-Davidson parts
* FLXI rockers with roller bearings
* FLXI licence plate holders (aluminum)
and who knows what else...
What is your favorite year Harley-Davidson?
The JD models ... motors 1953 FLE with VLH80 flywheels and Rooster heads, 1968 FL with Alternator left case, 80 inch flywheels, Rooster heads with a Sportster oil filter set up, 1978 FLH80 with EVO parts and 1987 FXSTC (Screaming Eagle).
Will you be making mounting attachments for the JD and VL frames?
NO ... I gave my word that I would only cater to the 1936 and up on the Harley-Davidson OEM design big twin frames.
What attachments are of your design?
At this time the top brace connector (clevis), lower brace connector (clevis-threaded), frame lower front connector tie rod bar, rear spring stablizer bar end, support brace anchor, fwd brace lug and rear carrier mounting plate.
Will you also show how to modify the stock Harley-Davidson rear disc brake caliper mounting bracket to fit the early rigid frames?
YES ... the Rear Caliper mounting bracket I used is #44050-87 found on the 1987-99 Harley-Davidson FXST models use caliper #44207-87. They will work GREAT on your 1936 thru 57 OEM design frame and the frames listed in the frame section and keep that original Harley look all you will need (mill work required-see drawing in my DIY items) then make a anchor for the right lower rail.
What parts are you going to use on the Disc brake set up for the Flxies?
I have been thinking about using strickly Harley-Davidson sidecar parts. HOWEVER, these are the items I have been kickin around on using ...
* 44238-98 Caliper Assembly
* 44050-87 Caliper (opt)
* 44207-87 Mounting Bracket (opt)
* 87776-98 Brake line
* 43159-00 Wheel (complete) 16"-OEM
* 43672-00 Hub (use 17" or 21" rim)
* 44150-00 Brake Disc Rotor
* 87436-98A Axle kit
* 43608-00 Bearing Sleeve
* 87705-79 Axle cap
* 43569-00 Wheel spacer
Will you only offer these attachments for the Harley-Davidson motorcycles?
YES... im 100% into Harley-Davidson have been all my life, Second due to the cost of gasolne prices always rising from day to day and did you know your Harley can run a Alcohol fuel ... besides I have been kicking around building a continous fuel system to make my own Alcohol to run in my Harley I will never sell my Harley no matter how hard times will get so if your like me support your local Harley-Davidson dealership no matter what part of the globe your from.
Why is it taking so long to get your castings, parts, springs and pricing?
My original plan was to be up by April or so of this year and start getting castings out one at a time if need be. However, its almost toward the end of this year and nothing fits to spec. I had a person that made me promises on due dates etc... that it has now thrown other people involved behind in this project plus myself and others that were interested in getting started on build their own aswell. So now I have just now made other arrangements to continue. My original plan was to be in Davenport, Iowa at the Antique motorcycle show and swap meet and at the Easyrider show in Denver and maybe even set up a display. I wanted to be full operational by the first of 2012 but now its looking more like 2013 maybe before if possible. As for pricing when each item is available then I will load up each image in the store section. .
Where can I go to have a Flxi frame made if your only going to offer complete rear housing sections?
Why im only offering complete rear sections is so others like yourself can save that hard earned cash for other skooter related projects or for the family if you like or find a friend/friends or company of your choice no matter what part of the globe your from that would build one for you to fit to your Antique or Vintage skooter frame and all outlets and info are listed all you need to do is figure out what frame design your interested in. I have also been kick'n the idea about adding different basic frame rail designs so others like yourself will have more of a idea of what frame they might be interested in. REMEMBER, adjust the basic inner/outer frame rail dimentions to your needs.
Will you be adding a pattern of the solid bars in the photo on this site?
YES, as soon as I can figure it out how-to lay it out on a 3' x 4' sketch with dimentions then shrink it down so everyone can copy it then all you need to do is enlarge it to spec (3'x 4') so everyone can modify it to there needs.
Will you be adding patterns of different frame designs aswell?
YES ... in time. Im working on them on my spare time since im so far behind on getting this flxi sidecar project up so others can enjoy the info that is posted and im always updating when time permits.
What are you using for a sidecar jig?
My Flxi sidecar frame jig and my skooter frame jig are one (I call it my combo jig) I do the rear housing with the knees and rear spring perches on it after im done with the housing I lay out what frame design im intesested in since there are so many different designs and combinations depending on what skooter your putting it on. Now I start to lay out a drawing on tracing paper (use tape) (3'x 4') of the frame that im interested in making then transfer it on a 4' x 4' sheet of plywood that I have painted flat white. I then tape it down so it doesnt slip and slide after that I mark the plywood below of where the inner and outer rail castings will go then I remove my drawing and double check to make sure everything correct then I use a 48 inch drywall "T" square and a tape measure to make sure all is a go when that is done then I use the same drawing as a pattern to bend my rails and make sure I add/install the front lug casting and T casting (in some cases) before I start bending depending on the rail design. I do not add the other castings at this time they come later. I will be covering more on this subject in the project section on building a racing frame. All the techinical questions and answers will be in this FAQ section.
Where can you get those early braking and shifting floorboards?
Good question ... years ago maybe back in the early 2003-04 a man named Krugger from Belgium if I remember correctly made a set of square style floorboards for his boardtrack racer named Maywood and I thought they were trick. However, I do not know if any other person has made them. I have been kick'n the idea for awhile about making a set for myself when I have some free time.
Did Flxi make a frame that took 2 Eliptical springs?
I don't know for sure. However, I do have a old Flxible Ad in my gallery section that shows a Flxi with a front and a rear Eliptical spring on it.
Do you have any photos or drawings of any Flxi sidecar bodies?
YES ... I have some of Lance Tidwell's speedster and John Cameron's Premier plus some Flxible Ad drawings. Plus you can also see the difference on Lances's and John's inner rail designs that hook up to there skooter frames. I will load them up at a later date maybe in the gallery section.
In your FAQ section you say you can make Alcohol grade fuel for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle?
That is correct, HOWEVER, right now im trying to work on my Flxi related sidecar projects. My plan in the near future is to use a continuous system using beer kegs (slim quarter 7.5g) with a 2 inch tower design by Robert Warren and my own design still. I did have a website a few years back called "DADDY GOT GAS" which catered to basicly the same but on a much larger scale.
When are you planning to fully retire and when will that be?
Good Question ... not at this time like what I had plan on. In the last year or so everybody and their brothers and ladies aswell been inquiring about the Flxi sidecar (will it fit this and will it fit that) and about bodies etc ... and to be honest I never thought there would of been this much interest so soon from people all over the globe so I decide to send out some parts and copies out earlier this year to be made and less work for me to do so I could spend more time on other Flxi related projects and have everything up at the same time. To make a long story short im now playing catchup to make up for the year I just lost and its almost mid December and I just got started working on the new master molds for my castings then pour new samples must be made again that meet my approval then the finish product will be available and the turn around time will no longer be a major issue and my projects that I was working on just came to a halt for now and Ill still be updating this website on my spare time at nights when time permits plus also try to cover everything and not leave any thing out as I go. However, my computor guy (Dana) on the other hand doesnt say any thing but I bet he wants to choke me at times since we both have been working on this site some times till our eyes cross and/or burn at wee hours of the night off and on for months now and alot of mistakes were made and not noticed (like typeos etc...) until they were loaded up and im still making changes at the last minute when I see him like lets do this or I screwed up on that now he waits awhile just to make sure before loading up any new info just in case and I dont blame him. However, some things I can not control like promised due dates, delays (materials etc) and quality of each part/item (being machined etc...) im having made from out of my area or state and then return the item/items so they can redo it to the correct specs that was handed to them in the beginning ... what a hell of a year it has been and a new learning experience for me. I just want to make sure every part/item are correct and up to standard before I decide to offer them to you. Thank you all so much for being patient with me and for checking out this website Tony Ford (vltony)
