1973, 4-wheel, Harley-Davidson model/particulars?

Radius

Have the opportunity to acquire a 1973, 4-wheel, HD cart, and wanted to ask a few questions about the beast.

What was the name of the model, as opposed to the 3-wheeled carts?

Anything particular, special, bizarre or to watch out for on them?

What is a reliable source for a manual(s)?

Appreciate any info- thanks much!

Ray~

BGW

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tew45

There are manual downloads from the forum. The 4 wheel is a good cart as the three wheel. I prefer the three wheel with a steering wheel. I own 3 carts for personal use. I have stopped repair for the public (wife says that I am too old). The HD cart is a good basic cart and easy to repair however it can be expensive as the carts are old and need repairs more often. The newer carts are expensive too but need repairs less often. I like the HD carts but the choice is yours. There is plenty of help on the forum!

Kplhdryder

As tew45 said they can be a very reliable cart. Personally I enjoyed doing a complete rebuild of my cart and got most all the info and the manuals on this forum. I too like the three carts, and just picked up another one to rebuild. Good Luck

Radius

Thank you both for your replies.

My first cart, which I restored a couple years back, was a Taylor-Dunn 36v electric, also from 1973. Very much liked how well and solid it was built.

During that same time, I was blessed with a 3-wheel HD, again, a 1973 (conspiracy theorists?), which I still have, in storage. The previous owner had done a good amount on cleaning and refurbishing the engine, so the principal issue with it, is the fiberglass shell & seats, which are in exceptionally poor shape. I'd like, eventually, to convert it from a tiller to steering wheel, and had thoughts about recreating the fiberglass shell/body in aluminum or stainless steel sheet, for durability, but also for the look.

Had no previous background or interest in carts, prior to the Taylor-Dunn, now... I can't stop. Have no interest in cars/trucks, but carts... something about them... Got away from the opportunity to work on them for a few years, moving, new house, etc., but now the 4-wheel HD has found me. I can't say no- that would be rude. ;]

Lochlin

You'll drive yourself nuts with these carts.

That being said, I actually have 6 carts now; 3 Club Cars and 3 HD / Columbias (I have a big family and like to have a lot of carts around when people visit the camp). The Club Cars are truly amazing. Those things run and run and run and rarely break down (knock on wood).

However, I am drawn to and prefer the HDs. I think it's because they are antiques and not many people are driving them anymore. When they look good they turn a lot of heads. Perhaps I am egotistical and like the attention these carts bring but, all in all, they are worth the aggravation.

Radius

Somewhat off the side of the topic, but has anyone replaced the fiberglass shell on the 3-wheel D's with something more durable, like sheet metal?

Am thinking again about other members of my "herd", and wondered if anyone else had already done what I'd been considering.

Ray~

tew45

have seen a few metal angle iron welded frames covered with plywood, sheet metal, custom fiberglass, or small pick up beds. Imagination is the only limit!

Radius

Yes, I've seen pictures of many like you describe.

What I would like to do is recreate the fiberglass shell, in sheet metal, with a riveted, industrial deco feel- sharpening some of the curves, etc., and am wondering if anyone has already measured out and lain out, the whole of the shell, and if such a layout might be available?

Ray~

tew45

It is possible but I haven't seen any. The only thing I have done is to recreate the gas door in aluminum sheet after I had to replace a few. I have used all my material and might get more this summer.

Yttermayn

Haha, you sound like me! I got my first 4 wheel hd/Columbia hybrid last fall, and now I am messing around with it again as soon as our snow melted enough. When I got it, I immediately found an old hd 3 wheeler to get parts from. Now, I was just talking to an old timer customer of mine and we were sharing hobbies, and he mentioned he'd give me his cart that he doesn't use anymore! I am so hooked.