1963 Harley Gas Golf Cart Questions

oldfarmall

Hello-

New to the site and world of Harley gas golf carts. I am looking to purchase a 1963 Harley 3 wheeled gas powered golf cart. I have grown up around Harley stuff and want to have something unique to add to my collection. Already have Harley snowmobiles and some Aermacchi Harley motorcycles. My Father used to work at Harley-Davidson from 1960-1976. He worked with Willie G. Davidson, who I think designed the golf carts.

My questions are:

1. Are parts for the 1963-1966 Harley carts harder to find versus the newer 1970's/1980's Harley 3 wheel carts?

2. I see the 63-66 carts had a different drive system, with the reversing transmission and driveshaft to the rear axle, anything I should look out for there?

3. Are engine parts for the 1963 readily available?

It looks like the newer 1970's Harley golf cart parts are easily obtainable. I just want to make sure that if I buy this 1963 model, that it was not an oddball that I will have trouble getting going and put back together. Thanks for the help in advance!


-Jesse

BGW

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Scooter_Trash

Welcome to the site!
I've owned my 64D for about 2 years now. I've never actually seen a 63, so the first year would be cool. What model is it?

Since you're familiar with Harley, you know some parts are used for many model years, some are not. So availability really depends upon which part you're looking for, and whether you are looking for NOS harley parts, aftermarket, or used parts. Also it depends if you want to restore to OEM configuration. Some body parts are more difficult to find. Some drive train and engine parts are difficult also. Ignition parts are difficult. Original accessories like awning, windscreens seem difficult to find. The front emblem on 63-65 is difficult to come by, as is aluminum Harley embossed cover over the tiller attachment point.
There are probably lots of these in little golf car grave yards around the country, but fewer every day as stuff like this gets scrapped.

The 66 model D and DC added rear suspension (which would be nice) and also introduced a different drive shaft system to accommodate. The earlier driveshaft components are more difficult to find.

But I think if you have some time (and a little cash) you can find most of what you'll need to re-hab a single early car. As with any old Harley, I find the hunt is part of the fun. (Note I stated a lot of parts are difficult to find, but not impossible)
Oh, and post some pictures if possible!

raydhd

I afraid I don't agree with that. A lot of the very early HD parts are made of unobtainium. Just try to find an exhaust system,primary and secondary clutch parts and rear end parts. All the harleys things like crank shafts, crank pins and bearings are super scarce. The pre columbia 80 HD's seem to have the best parts supplies but even there much of the bottom end engine parts grow scarcer each year. Vintage carts used to be the last ditch place for many engine and exhaust parts but a whole of the items there are listed as NLA. Now longer available. By no means am I saying don't do it but rather look at what is available and what whatever cart you buy needs.

oldfarmall

Thanks for the replies. I think I may have to pass on the 1963 cart. Really don't want to drop the money for a machine that doesn't run and one that I wont be able to keep running. Will have to look for a 1967-1980 model. I spoke with a Harley golf cart salvage yard owner in Wisconsin yesterday who said "don't buy it". You can't get the points or cam for it anymore. Guess I will have to look for a newer one

-Jesse

Scooter_Trash

That’s a shame. So where is this 63 located? Do you have a contact for it that you can share? PM me if you like.

mikeasis

what do the points look like?

Scooter_Trash

They’ve got a yellowish/ brown lead about 8-10 inches long riveted to them.

Attached Images

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mikeasis

darn, I bought some parts and a few sets of points was in there, doesn't look like these though.

sorry