early sidecar

[c.o.]

Thanks for the input Tommo!! Interesting.... maybe that would explain why the wheel wasn't found near the sidecar. I guess I'll be looking for a proper one at some point. Hopefully after the snow melts in the spring I'll get a chance to venture out to the prairies to do some snooping around. I've got a feeling that there could be more bike stuff there....

[Clydeflathead]

early sidecar

Tommo, National sidecar talked of their new 40 spoke wheel with heavy spokes on the new 1920 models, so the 36 spoked wheel sounds right for that era, but I admitt it has
me stumped, for the same reasons you noted, but I have not given up on the research
yet. I have included a photo and story on the Vibrasorber chassis of 1920, not the same
chassis as Mr. Othen's, but interesting all the same.

[Clydeflathead]

early sidecar

Now if We can just get Mr. Othen to hurry up and get it done, snap a bunch of pictures,
and get them sent it, Hard telling how much cash He will win.
Best of luck on your sidecar, it's a beauty !!

[c.o.]

Unfortunately it looks as though the end date was September, 10th.... looks like I'm a little late......

Thanks for all the effort regarding the "National" hack in my shop. At least I know what it is now. It may take me some time to get it rolling as I have a fair bit of work to do to the bike that will be hauling it.....

[Clydeflathead]

early sidecar

C.O. , Could you post a few photos of the wheel without the endcaps on it ? Also a photo of were it mounts to the chassis would be helpful. I would really like to figure out
if that is the correct wheel or not. I noticed a grease and dirt build up on the inside of the hub, which I see on most used sidecar hubs. The 36 spokes and clincher style rim
would be correct for that era. I think if we can figure out how ,or if ,it can be mounted to the chassis will tell allot about this rim. I like the grease cup in the center of the hub, really neat stuff, very nice sidecar.

[c.o.]

I could be wrong but judging by the info that has been provided here I believe this could in fact be the wheel for the sidecar (note the solid axle).... I'll wait anxiously for opinions....... Thanks again for the interest in this hack.

[Clydeflathead]

early sidecar

Dang, How am I ever gonna make time with my favorite girl, iffin I gotta take her darn maw with us everywhere we go ?

[c.o.]

Yup, haulin' Ma around could definitely could put a dampener on things... Cool pic!!!

[Clydeflathead]

early sidecar

Sorry got carried away The first photo shows the axel is held in place with pinch bolt and set screw. second photo shows what I believe to be a dust cover to keep dirt and debris out of the bearings on the chassis side of the wheel. Problem is the axle looks to be much smaller in diameter than the tube (hole) it goes into. Does the axle have a dimple or slot for the set screw? The axle sleeve looks to be the correct size for the tube (hole) the axle just looks too small.

[Clydeflathead]

early sidecar

Now, The rest of the story

[c.o.]

Mmmmm..... my thoughts of it being a sidecar wheel may have been short lived.... This is the only portion of the axle that was inside the wheel. The pics aren't the best but it does appear as though the inside end has a slot machined for a key. There is no dimple or slot for a set screw to mount to the chassis. The rim is painted Indian red but I'm just not sure tonight what it belongs to. I'll get out again tomorrow after work and do some more investigating.

[c.o.]

The more I think about it the more I think Tommo was onto something with the "front" wheel theory....

[c.o.]

"the two sidecars spread over a considerable expanse of frontage." Priceless!!!!

[Clydeflathead]

early sidecar

c.o. I think Tommo is right also, it just does not look like there is any way it will fit properly The dust cover looks early sidecar style though, that's what throws me.

[Tommo]

Most if not all of the sidecars produced during the period we are discussing had adjustable track, that is the ability to move the sidecar axle in or out to suit the spacing of the wheel ruts you encountered.
Hence the clamping style of axle mount you have on your chassis Cory.
To enable this the mudguard/fender had to be mounted on the axle and not on the chassis and because of this the axle assembly had to be quite strong.
As well as supporting the mudguard it had to be strong enough to support the whole weight of the rig as it's outside end is totally unsupported.
Looking at your wheel Cory I doubt if the axle in that is much more than 1/2 inch and there's no way that would hold a sidecar up with one end unsupported.
There's more chance that the wheel is right for the Indian than there is for it fitting the sidecar.
I've got a HD sidecar axle that I'll photograph and post a picture of so you'll get a better idea of what I'm talking about.