I'm thinking about swapping the 5 speed engine on the Simplex for a 4 speed motor (same make and size so a bolt in swap) with reverse for use with the side car. My other option is powering the outside car wheel using an electric hub wheel, reversed, powered with lead batteries (for added car ballast) housed in the car. At this point the car will need to weigh more than I initially considered for good handling (an oxymoron I'm told) with side car attached. I'd like the car to weigh as much as the unloaded bike. I'll need the reversing capabilities in real use situations with total unloaded (combined) rig weight around 350 lbs. I'm leaning towards the electric solution at the moment. Total costs of either project seem about equal.


Rick C.

These are 1" stainless marine tube couplers normally seen on canvas tops and boat rail joints. They use set screws to secure. I see an advantage in using them during design and eliminating weld tacks. I can easily vary the width, length or both and arrange various cross member positions, or add at will.


When the design is complete gussets, plates etc. can be added and welded. The couplers are quite strong but not nearly sufficient in and of themselves for the hack frame. I will leave them in place on the finished frame 'cause I like the look, plenty of structural support will be required to tie it all together.

I'll post a picture of one up close, they are available in T, elbow, various angles etc. I've seen them in 7/8" I.D. as well... end plugs also.

Rick C.

I started my sidecar frame for the Simplex & the torsion spring half axle should be here next week. This to spring the car wheel & I'm going leaf springs on the rear to spring the car body shell. The overall length of the frame is 41" including the leaf springs. Basic frame shown is 20" wide. Completed and attached the car will add 48" total width (hub to frame) to the bikes width. I've thought total weight should be under a hundred pounds for the completed rig but I've been cautioned that light car weight creates handling problems with the car unloaded. Some suggest carrying ballast weight when not carrying a full size passenger. I'll test cautiously during the setup phase, but first loaded (best manners) and gradually reduce the ballast as I become acquainted with the feel of an attached car. I've been studying side car setup for a couple of years now & it's time to put another wheel under this ongoing Simplexish build.


Rick C. 

Rear disc brakes completed with brake lever constructed from an old bicycle kick stand. Next the side car.

Rick C.

That's so cool. He must have been a real crowd pleaser with such a bike!

I've been around the V twin Vanguard conversions on Cushman's, Mustangs and bicycle frames and they have all had two things in common great exhaust note and startling performance. A friend's Cushman using the 22 h.p. Vanguard easily held 70 m.p.h. cruise speeds on poker runs and had the sweetest pipes, but Bob's bobber is several notches and h.p. above that retrofitted Cushman!  Excellent build.               Rick C.

I can't get enough of the Decker bike. I'm going through the author's Hemmings articles looking for updates or his promised follow up of other Decker builds, but haven't run across any to this point. Serious visual impact imparted with the '30's art deco look and that's a fact. Love it or hate it he's nailed "personalized custom" with this build.  Rick C.

Good one Pete! Hope you don't mind me borrowing that feel good one liner.