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| The prototype finished in December, 1990, is the fourth model built by
Hardwick Hideout. Like the three vehicles before it, it is made entirely of
aluminum except for the axles, springs, and railing around the seat. All
fasteners are stainless steel. All the hardware such as shaft tips,
holdbacks, hubcaps and whipholder are made at the 'Hideout'.
This vehicle was built with the intention of building an affordable vehicle that is not only lightweight but durable enough for cross-country driving and be of a contemporary design that would not only be accepted in the show ring but also be pleasing to the eye. The versatility and fair price of this vehicle has made it my best seller. Incorporating the same frame and seat this vehicle can be modified to fit ponies and up to draft size horses with minimum changes. As with all 'Hideout' vehicles, the wheels have roller bearings. The wheels also have grease fittings so that the wheels may be greased without removing them from the axle. The vehicle sets on 300 lb. springs, which as far as 2-wheelers go, gives a very comfortable ride. The main body is of slatted construction which keeps down the weight. The shafts have 6" of adjustment in length in 1 ½" increments. A heat shrink material is added on standard shafts. The seat cushion is zippered so that if it gets wet the foam can be removed to dry out. The back cushion is not zippered but withstands quite a bit of moisture. It has a hard back made of plastic since I found that a wood back will eventually rot. Though this vehicle can be painted, the majority of customers leave them unpainted. If a vehicle is to be painted, all the parts are sanded before welding. When all assemblies and parts are done they are sent to a powder coating shop, brought back, and the vehicle is then assembled. All Hardwick Hideout vehicles are cut out, machined, shaped, TIG welded, and assembled by myself and one other person. The only purchased parts are the springs (modified here), bearings, and cushions.
Vehicle weight ----200 lbs
Price unpainted stock vehicle ------ $2700.00.
Standard Equipment:
Options:
Polished Brass ------- Add $100.00 Chrome on Brass ------ Add $150.00 Imitation Patten Leather Hand Sewn on Shafts ------ Add $100 Polished Brass Hubcaps and Whipholder ----- Add $100.00 |
Hardwick Hideout
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Russ & Eva Hardwick
10 SE 125th Terrace Rd.
Silver Springs, FL 34488
phone: (352) 625-3263
email:
rhardwick@cfl.rr.com