| We've been called a
'boutique builder' of sidecars: a phrase which does not offend us. What
this means is that we custom build your particular Liberty Sidecar
rather than pull it off the rack. Here's how we work:
Every
few months we produce a 'batch' of several dozen sidecar chassis & mount
sets to replenish our inventory. These are hand TIG welded with
mill-cut joints, much like a fine bicycle frame. Many fixtures are used
to ensure uniformity and critical components such as the swing arm and
pivot plates of the chassis are finish machined after welding to ensure
alignment. CNC equipped subcontractors are engaged to provide axles,
clevises and other hardware produced to our drawings.
When you place your order we issue a
serial number and write up a 'build sheet' showing all the particular
features of the sidecar that we will build. You receive a reference
copy of this sheet. Your raw chassis & mounts are pulled from the
existing inventory and sent out for powder coat, chrome, cad plating,
anodize etc. At this time we order lights, wheel, tire, shock etc . per
your order. Meanwhile a raw body/fender is pulled from stock and
trimmed, drilled, sealed and prepped for paint. Our
interior/upholstery/cover sets are ordered in batches from a marine
upholstery subcontractor who has supplied us for years.
If you have requested color matching -
your paint work is scheduled with our painter (subcontractor). Paint
work is perhaps the most labor intensive aspect of your sidecar build
up. Each paint job involves expensive paint materials (epoxy primers,
polyurethane colors & clear coats) and hours of preparation- blocking,
priming, wet sanding, color coating, pin stripping (with paint!), clear
coating and polishing. There are no shortcuts in the process- just
terrific quantities of hand labor and skill.
 At
a point 8-12 weeks from receiving your order, we will have all your
particular components staged for final assembly. At this point - your
finished sidecar takes shape in a matter of hours. Lights & trim are
carefully fitted, the interior is installed and mounts are pre-assembled
and packaged. Your custom built sidecar is rolled onto a specially
built shipping pallet and a prefabed top crate is assembled around it.
When your custom built Liberty Sidecar arrives by truck freight you will
find a beautiful completely assembled unit- ready to install on your
Harley Davidson®.
Alternately, we are always pleased to
mount & align your new sidecar here at our shops in Seattle. Please
inquire about this option.
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