Hickey Sidewinder and Desert Dynamics Winches

[wazzabie]

Here is a picture thread and some info on the Hickey Sidewinder and Desert Dynamics winches. I don't know which winch is better then the other. They both are hidden winches. The Desert Dynamics is a worm drive. Pictured below is the original mounts for a 73-78 chevy. The Desert Dynamics uses factory holes in the frame. I held up the Hickey mount and it also matches to some factory hole locations. I don't often see the Desert Dynamics winch on this forum.

Here is the controller/ solenoid box for the Desert Dynamics winch. Its made of plastic. The controller for the Hickey winch is in the same box as the control for the Desert Dynamics. The bottom control is for the Desert Dynamics.



Desert Dynamics got bought out by Pierce Winch which is still in business today in Texas and still has parts for the winch. I think Desert Dynamics bought out Thor Winch.

Pierce has the manuals for the Desert Dynamics here:
https://www.piercearrowinc.com/hubfs...amics_T200.pdf

Here is the cool Desert Dynamics logo that has the cattle horns. You can see how thick the metal is for the mount.



There is also a Thor marking on the winch.


Here is what the mounts looks like for the Hickey Sidewinder. The winch on the right came out of a 74 K5 Blazer, along with the brace below it and the rock guard. I don't know what make of vehicle the Hickey winch on the left came from. It has a different style mount. Perhaps a Ford Bronco.





On the Hickey the solenoids are covered by metal. Also pictured below is the controler mount.



Missing from the Hickey Sidewinder is the metal engagement rod and knob that runs up into the engine compartment. This was accidentally left on the 74 K5 when it was removed.

You can see on this thread below the engagement rod and knob which was from a Bronco. This part should be easy to make.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...5&postcount=13

[ShortbedClayton]

Nice pics on the winches! Thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

[farmall]

The Hickey was very slow, hence hard on the battery. I never saw a DD in action. The Hickey was perfect for a CJ.

[wazzabie]

Something else about the Hickey winch that I just noticed. The outlet for the cable is longer on the winch on the left. The outlet is smaller on the winch on the right so it will fit into the rock guard.

The Desert Dynamics would operate much like this Ramsey worm drive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82kbJCiPzQQ

[wazzabie]

Here is a bubble out window for the K5 Blazer the Desert Dynamics sold at some point. I don't think I've seen this in the Hickey catalogs.

[wazzabie]

Vic Hickey baja racer with a Desert Dynamics sticker.

[wazzabie]

According to this article Vic Hickey also was a owner in Desert Dynamics.

According to this article here in Desert Magazine.

http://swdeserts.com/index_htm_files...-1969-July.pdf

"The Chevy Blazer, latest entry in the off-road vehicle market really made a good showing at this event under the capable preparation of Vic Hickey and his Desert Dynamics Company with Drivers Donnie Bayer of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Johnny Diaz, Los Angeles. Carl Jackson, Hemet, winner of two previous Grand Prix, lost his first round in a mud hole, as did actor Steve McQueen."

[1774btcrew]

Is the main gear on the Desert Dynamics aluminum or steel? I know at least on of my Sidewinders has a bad gear

[wazzabie]

Originally Posted by 1774btcrew

Is the main gear on the Desert Dynamics aluminum or steel? I know at least on of my Sidewinders has a bad gear

steel - the manual describes the material used for the various components.

https://www.piercearrowinc.com/hubfs...amics_T200.pdf

[1774btcrew]

Originally Posted by wazzabie

steel - the manual describes the material used for the various components.

https://www.piercearrowinc.com/hubfs...amics_T200.pdf

I would prefer it over the hickey for that reason