Sidecar Frame Numbers

[Ric Bolduc]

I'm restoring a 1931 VL two passenger side car and just had the frame sand blasted. I located the standard frame number which is 31 QT XXXX, but I also found another stamped frame number which is HD79XXXX. Does anyone know what this second frame number is?

[Chuck#1848]

I am not sure Ric any chance you could post a picture? does it look like the frame may have been repaired/modified?

[Rub]

Is the other number indeed stamped or is it cast in? Sounds like a casting number on one of the frame lugs. It wouldn't mean anything as it would be the same number on all frames. Where is it on the frame?
Robbie

[Ric Bolduc]

The serial number is definately stamped (small letters and numbers about 1/8 inch) and it's located on the elbow casting near the rear bike connection. I tried to attach a pic but it looks like I have to post the pic on the web then provide a URL... I'll try that tonight.

[Ric Bolduc]

The pics are located in a photo album on my AMCA profile called "1931 Two Passenger Sidecar" at http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/bbo...php?albumid=56

[Sargehere]

In my opinion, for what it's worth, those numbers are nothin'. Nada, nothing. The actual numbers on sidecar frames aren't stamped on the elbows, they're stamped on the fore & aft frame tube; the "31QTxxxx" number you reported is kosher. These here are evidence only of somebody gettin' creative with a wrong-sized stamping set, sometime in the sidecar's life; they're nothing factory, fer shore. Just bondo over um when you go to dress up the frame and forget um. Nothin' important.

[Ric Bolduc]

Thanks Sarge... Also, the sidecar tub tag is in pretty rough shape but you can make out the QT pretty well. The problem is, the first two numbers are hard to make out but look like 32 QT but the frame is definately 31 QT so... It could be an early '32 rig where they used up the stock of '31 frames...

[Ric Bolduc]

I did some more research and the second frame stamped number "HD 798887" might be a factory repair number.