Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongoing

Update 11/08/10: I grabbed my 4th (and final?) $40 fairing the other day. Its a WJ4 with a Cycle Sound shell and speaker covers. [The radio shell often sells on eBay for $40 alone]. It will need to be repainted eventually. However it is FINALLY installed and all electronics are working. Other than the poor paint job, this is the best fairing I have acquired yet, and it will accept the lowers I got earlier in the summer. Check out page 5 (and beyond) for details and possibly pictures.

Update 10/11/04: Grabbed another 4pc touring set for $100 again off a CB750A that has sat for $15 years. More info starting on page 4.

Well I was out of town this weekend and hit up 2 Craig's List sellers while on the road.

Stuff is still in the SUV and will check and take pics tomorrow.

For $100 I got:
White Windjammer V with vent plugs in windshield - NEEDS repair or stripping of usable/sellable parts - Missing headlight lens, bulb socket and ring and ??? TBD
White Hard Saddle Bags - Needs cleaning and ?? TBD
White Hard Trunk with all 4 Taillight Lens - Needs cleaning and ?? TBD
Fairing and bag brackets that came off an 83 750 Maxim so I hope they all fit.
All bolts and wiring necessary is in the box I think...
Have Keys for all items above

For $40 got everything listed below - Better deal perhaps?
Black Windjammer V with all headlight parts (the headlight is the reason I stopped) was listed for $25 - with a key
White Lowers that came off a BMW - They might fit...
Extra headlight assembly - WIN WIN
Extra WJ V turn signals (PAIR ?? TBD)
Extra fairing plugs/connectors and bits and pieces and not exactly sure what else
Extra fairing pocket covers - A pair I think with key hole drilled out
A 3rd Fairing Windshield not attached to anything

My questions before I check everything out better in the daylight are:
A ) Anyone know a good link/post about someone who replaced the 82 750J square headlights
B ) Will these fairing fitting with the Atari attached??
EDIT: YES - Per installation pdf
Or would that be an even bigger project requiring other gages and moving the Atari computer?
EDIT: http://craigvetter.com/images/Vetter%20 ... -XJ750.pdf
C ) Can windshield be "reconditioned" or do they simply need replacing for minor scratches

If/when I decided to attached the fairing (was mostly interested in the bags/trunk), I'll definitely buy a new fused box and rewire alot of the bike!!

BTW: My tank is black as are the side covers - But I was considering a Black/White/Aluminum color scheme anyways - WIN WIN
It kinda helps that my jacket and helmet are Black/White/Silver

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Maybe Square Light removal project soon

cool.
hows kankakee?
i grew up near there lol

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Maybe Square Light removal project soon

Kankakee still depends on what neighborhood/street. (Like any other city I suppose). To bad it didn't get a casino to spruce it up with tax money like Joliet.

Only been here 10 years and rarely have a reason to go all the way into Kankakee.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Maybe Square Light removal project soon

yea was a rat hole back then to. i went to school in wilmington im sure u know where that is lmao. lived out by mobil oil in the DNR off blodget rd. still got alota family out that way, im glade i left there lmao.

craigslist is the best thing since sliced bread, for finds. i use it constently. good luck with the bike.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Maybe Square Light removal project so

I'm not sure if I got a complete or compatible fairing bracket. I'll have to check some old instructions. Also no one answered yet if I'll have to take off the Atari to make it fit anyways. I'm pretty sure I could make one complete fairing with all the parts I ended up with.
EDIT: Looking at the instructions, I got the right bracket. Just not sure about all the nuts and bolts

Below is a link to my initial pictures as I unloaded them from my SUV.
Vetter Parts as Purchased

I picked up some paint, primer, dremel sanding kit and PB to work on restoring the luggage. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do color/paint wise with the white but rough metal lids. I'm planning on painting the metal bracket and formerly chrome trim pieces pieces a metalic silver color.

I'm open to suggestions or tips - Especially for restoring/repainting/remounting

Sample pic just for idea about size/color


All 4 white pieces from the first purchase

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Maybe Square Light removal project soon

I'd fit all the parts and put 300 miles on, then check all the brackets for cracks before painting anything. The tubing can rust from the inside.

You can polish out some haziness, but it's alot of work. If it's fogged, forget it, plan on looking over it.

Good score !!

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Maybe Square Light removal project so

Good tip

After a trip to store to get some wire and new connectors/splices I can probably try to "test fit" the set. (My rear blinkers need to be moved).

I have to see if the yard sale pop riveter is sufficient so I can pop out the original rivets eventually.

Other than the rivets I've fully disassembled the trunk, just so I could clean and paint the plastic. I'll probably rewire the tail lights and reassemble it for the test fit/riding.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Maybe Square Light removal project soon

For others interested installaion instructions

Fairing - SS, 4, 5
http://craigvetter.com/images/Vetter%20 ... -XJ750.pdf

Generic Trunk mounting
http://craigvetter.com/images/Vetter%20 ... t704kb.pdf

XS1000 Saddle Bag Install
http://craigvetter.com/images/Vetter%20 ... 20bags.pdf

Goldwing Saddle Bag install but detailed
http://craigvetter.com/images/Vetter%20 ... 01.1mb.pdf

Another good detailed bag install
http://craigvetter.com/images/Vetter%20 ... 20bags.pdf

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

I figured out how to take the saddle bags off the brackets - Gotta love directions.

One set of the "spring rod" is broken - This acts as the locking mechanism for the bags. When broken, you can't removed them w/o removing the lock assembly. Craig Vetter is selling replacement kits for quite a bit of $$. Some I'm gonna to try to find some metal rod at Menards and make my own.

Overall the saddle brackets will/do fit the frame. The are a little out of whack and will need some gentle bending to make them even/correct.
I'm not 100% sure I'll be able to mount the trunk. If I do, I will probably have to be creative with the bracketing/bolts.

I picked up several connector packages and some wire. I grabbed 14 figuring bigger is better. The exisiting rear tail wires appear to be 16 or 18. I may match the wires, or I may just make temporary connections with what I have for testing purposes.

From the side I like the look of the bags. From the rear they look quite wide. If I don't end up liking them, I'll restore/clean them and resell them perhaps.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

I doubt if you can get the proper wire to replace your spring catches - needs to be high tensile and strong enough to hold the bag/contents just by the tip of the "bullet". I think I'd just get 1 set of replacement wires from Vetter; probably less aggravation/running around in the long run.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

I will probably buy the proper wire when I get some more spending $$.
Store 1/8 wires are just a tad to thick. Probably a metric wire thickness.
For now I used a wire coat hanger - Perfect size though a bit flexible.
It does lock the bag in place. But I doubt I'd trust it long term or when the bag is full.
For now I'll probably just use a bicycle chain thru both bag's handles to ensure one doesn't fly away. Or I'll get creative.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

I remembered the hard way that I suck at rattle can painting.

Oh well. I'll sand and touch up later. It was a small test part anyways.

I did find reflective top coat can a Menards. Any one know if its any good before I test it on a silver painted trim piece? (Rustoleum brand)

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Brackets schmackets! Photo # 3 shows bungies! Looks good.

Seriously though, don't you think the trunk is a little large for the bike?

Hard luggage is very nice and you'll love it.

loren

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Yes the trunk may be to large. I did like the 4 brake lights on it though when I first saw the trunk on Flickr.

I haven't attached it yet. The bracket I got may not work with the 82 Maxim - Either wrong bracket or the built in sissy bar might interfere.

I'll try it again soon.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Update: 7/11/10

I went to the Annual Peotone, IL Motorcycle Swap meet and scored an appropriate trunk bracket! The guy wanted to much for the bracket and trunk, so I just bought the bracket off him. He wouldn't let me have the 4 u-bolts, cause the buyer of the trunk might want them. :evil: So I'll have to buy at least 2 from the store - My trunk has 2 on it.

I couldn't believe that the 5th vendor walking in had the trunk with the bracket I needed just sitting there totally unloved/unwanted. I guess it helped that is was 99.99999999% HD parts and rides at the event - with plenty of classic HD hard saddle bags/trunks.

I waited till I was ready to leave and made my purchase - So I zipped tied and bicycle chained the bracket to my rear end for the short ride home.

Oh yeah I also got a nasty sunburn on my neck.
So work on the restoration might be slow this week.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

You can totally redo the fairing....sand it down, bondo or fiberglass gouges, scrapes, etc.....then prime, repaint, clearcoat. You can get all the replacement parts directly from Craig Vetter at: www.craigvetter.com

You can also reuse the windshield. Be ready to do a lot of sanding. Start w/ 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a sanding block. sand in on direction. light pressure, w/straight lines. Then go to next finer grit and sand at 90 degree angle til all coarser scratches are gone. Go to next finer grit, sand at 90 degree angle til coarser scratches are gone. etc...etc..... once down to about 1000 grit, switch to Maguire's PlastX and use a drill w/ buffing pad until crystal clear. Then wax by hand.

If you want to get an idea of how it will come out, go to my gallery and check out the black full-dress maxim. That's how I redid my Windjammer IV fairing. The windshield was "toast" and had pretty deep scratches. couldn't even see through it at all. Now, it's virtually new.

Dave

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Thanks for the tips on working on the windshield. The fairing probably won't go on any time soon, but I have 2 to work with and 3 windshield and what appears the be an appropriate bracket.

My major annoyance now is finding out the luggage is made of PE plastic which apparently is next to impossible to paint.

I guess I'll try the back to black first and maybe test paint the interior with krylon fusion eventually.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

When I did my fairing, I took all the removeable parts off of it, fed a rope through the turnsignal holes and suspended it from the ceiling. I was able to walk all the way around it, and crawl under it, and the rope allowed me to tip it up when I needed to. Make sure you peel off the old windshield gasket and get a new one from Craig when you're ready to re-assemble.

Dave

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

My Vetter project has been slow going - Mostly do to me sucking at spray painting and/or bumping/dropping non-dry parts, as well as the paint not sticking so great.

I've "Back to Black'ed" the right saddle bag and the trunk.
The luggage/trunk rack has the final layer of paint and clear coat I'm going to attempt to put on it this year. I'll finally install it after a short vacation this week.
I painted the right saddle bags trim a shiny/sparkly/metallic silver and top coated it with reflective spray (JUNK).

Originally, I was going to rewire the original 4 tail/brake lights on the trunk and put bright LEDs in them. Upon inspection and testing, some or all of them might not be working and would require some dual filament "guts" and proper grounding to make them work. All that work and the approximate $40 or more for quality LED 1157's, t his was going to be an expensive project that might not be as bright as expected.

So I ended up getting 2x Oval LED trailer lights that flush mount and are BRIGHT!!!!!!!!!! (They come with a 12V test button in the package - Great for testing other MC bulbs ). So once I figure out how to partially plug the holes where I need to mount the new lights, I'll have a pair of BRIGHT tail/brake lights that just might blind people! I'm still seeing dot from looking at it straight on

Updates and pics (if I remember) once I start working on it again next week.

EDIT: Page 2 in catalogue (page 8 in PDF) - Bottom oval assembly with the chrome trim. $20 at my local Farm and Fleet.
http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/64 ... il%2blight
They will also make great normal brake lights for some models as discussed here:
http://www.650rider.com/phpBB3012/viewtopic.php?t=50433
Which is where I got the idea for these EXACT lights.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Sounds like progress! Doesn't matter if it is slow, fast, or snail's pace, or even stalled at times. Keep us posted, and show a pic every now and then.

Dave

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Here are some in progress pics of the saddle bags.





Pics stored here:
http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz27 ... 0Progress/

I'll try to take pictures of the trim paint I used and the trunk LED lights I bought later.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

those are some good looking bags.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Thanks.
I thought so also when I first saw them on a flickr picture of someone else with my model/year.
If you dig thru my public folders you can see what the trunk looks like.
Its a bit big and will stick out in the back, but it matches and will add ALOT of braking light when I'm done.
Although I got the set for $100 (with a white fairing), I bought a luggage/trunk rack for $20 at a swap meet, and lots of paint and misc stuff so far. It adds up, but I know hard trunks are/were not cheap. Best part is the original brackets (and the fairing bracket) came off an 82 750 Maxim so I knew they would fit.
I'm just not sure why the trunk bracket didn't fit - Maybe it was never installed by the bag's OLD owner.
Another great thing is I can stuff my jacket in one back and a decent sized cooler in the other and still have room for some tools, towels, sun screen etc.
I haven't "toured" anywhere but the space is GREAT for even short store trips or biker events.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Looking really good there, Bob! I have hardbags on mine (yamaha equipment) and a trunk. I'm actually getting ready to put a larger trunk on. You'll appreciate all the room you get with your setup. I keep my raingear right on it, too.

Dave Fox

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

More unlabeled pic added to above folder link.
Once I find an inner backing material to help mount and seal the led it should be an easy job.

Other than size, looks and extra lights I like the age appropriate luggage.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

Those Chrome Trimmed LED's are very attractive and will look great.

How you doing with the Case Guards going on the Bike.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Upcoming

I bought mini case guards off the use whose collection burned in neighbors fire (forget name).
Those need painting. The full size one piece off a members 650 will probably end up in the sale forum.

So many projects so little time and cool weather. And bigger projects prevent riding.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Mini Case Guards: Did initial wet sanding with degreasing spray bottle to remove surface rust and charcol from the fire it was in. I probably should test mount them before wasting my time sanding/spraying them. (See the trunk issue below).

Saddlebags: Order replacement lock spring parts from Craig Vetter's site. I don't want the bags falling off because of the 1x 30yr old spring and the other one made from a metal coat hanger (by me). Should take about 10 min to install...

Trunk: ARRRGGHHH
So the VERY RUSTY luggage/trunk rack I bought at a swap meet and spent over a week painting and repainting, apparently isn't a perfect fit either.
The holes line up very close but the angle and length of the bolt hole flat area does not quite work. Since I have no welding/manufacturing tools at home I'm going to have to get creative. THEN I have to try to install the trunk and see if that actually lines up. SIGH.

I'm thinking bare minimum I need 4x long oval pieces of metal with 2 holes one on each end of the part to move the bracket away from my MC frame just a couple of inches. Next store visit I'll look for some metal I can try to cut/drill with out a drill press or vise.

As far as the trunk goes, I have not modified it yet to accept the LED tail lights. Why bother if it never gets mounted to my ride...

My other creative project will also require me to make/find 2x small brackets and some spacers - Try to make cheap caliper or fender bolt mounted driving/fog lights using the $16 lights from walmart and some led bulbs off fleabay. If I make any progress on that (other than opening up the lights) I'll post more about it.

My projects would be a little easier with a garage and my old job (lots of metal fab machines/tools and scrap metal).

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Based on what I could find there probably never was an Xj750j bracket and/or people use close enough brackets.

Regardless I picked up some bar stock, a small vice and longer bolts.

Time, energy and weather will determine my progress.

I really wanted that bracket on today. Grrrr

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

1 Step back 2 Steps forward today! 8)

With the help of my wife I lined up the bracket I was trying to fit for the trunk and set the trunk on it. Damn it sits back WAY to far. GRRR. So I started looking at, thinking I could partially cut it and fabricate a additional support bars w/o a welder some how. That would work EVENTUALLY...

Then I grabbed the smaller brackets that actually came with the trunk when I purchased it. Still not a perfect fit, but wait... Hmmm just maybe... Lets install them and see how it lines up... Time to take off the grab bar... Wow with a hole drilled in the aluminum side rails on each side this just might work. EUREKA! A test fit and visual check... Yup this might just work. I'm not sure how comfortable it will be for a passenger, but I'll be able to make this work!

So other than painting the brackets. I need to drill 2x holes in the side rails. Get a grade 8 threaded rod or long bolt and my trunk brackets will fit. Then I have to wire up my new led lights and paint the remaining trim. WOOT.




Sometimes patience, cooler weather, cooler head and my Engineering and manufacturing background DO come in handy

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Not sure if I'm going to have a lot of tinkering time for a while.

I'm tempted to get some HIGH tensile zip ties to hold up that trunk bracket for the summer. I hope to ride a lot to save gas the next few weeks/months, and the space would be nice. Maybe I'll have 1 free day this week.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Some progress today. Finally had a nice weather day to my self.

After 2 trips to Mendards I got appropriate bolts to mount trunk bracket to my grab rails. I still need to drill 2 holes and that part will be done. (Unless I take off the brackets for a de-rusting and painting.

I also finally wired up the inside of the trunk (well 80%) and tested all my splice and bullet connector connections. Both lights light up together as desired/expected.

I picked up some molex style male/female connects so I can repair the 3 wire quick connector that came with the trunk. After dinner I may try to work on that. The annoying part is removing the original pins w/o damaging the plastic (with a proper tool that is).

The trunk still needs a few new holes to mount the led tail lights, but that should be relatively simple. I will probably need another Menards run or dig thru older screws/nuts that will fit.

The initial goal is in sight. Later on I'll repaint/pinstrip the white panels.

I'm really looking forward to the brighter brake lights and extra trunk space.

Pics or diagrams later.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Finally some visible progress. A few more sessions I'll finally install the trunk...

One really annoying part of setting up the wires, it is very difficult to get anything to stick to PE plastic. So wire clips/holders don't always stick the first time.

I forgot a picture of both lights installed. But I can post that during the next session.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

did you try some Silicone thats what i used just rough up the surface with a small peice of sanding paper where your going to place the item

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Bob, keep up the good work! This project has dragged you through the wringer but you will really enjoy the finished product when the rainy season comes.

Nothing beats hard luggage when you need to keep things both dry and readily available.

Have you considered Krylon Fusion paint formulated for plastic? http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/ If it will stick to those white plastic chairs it should stick to your luggage!?

It's amazing how perfect the brake lights fit on the trunk. They look like they came that way from the factory. Are you going to use black RTV to seal them from the elements?

If you are looking to add a little reflective visibility to your project take a look here http://www.reflectivelyyours.com/?gclid ... gwodCHuNvw Poke around a bit as there are a lot of products and ideas here. I have been looking at this stuff for a while. I followed a guy for a few miles on a 500 mile ride. It was 3:00 am so it was obviously dark. He had a patch of reflective tape sewn to the back of his riding pants just above the heels of his boots. I'm guessing the patch was about 3" X 4" but it was blindingly bright in my headlight. It was so striking that it encouraged me to investigate further. For more sites just Google - reflective tape motorcycle A number of hits will come up and they are interesting sites with lots of ideas.

Keep up the good work. You have proven that you have the drive to see this project through to completion.

I am really enjoying this thread as I have a lot of the same tendencies as you. Why pay a fortune to buy retail when I can backyard engineer an attractive solution for a lot less money and a lot more time. The fun for me is the engineering and implementation of the project. And the satisfaction I feel after the fact when the project is complete.

One last thought: You only need one more solution than the project has "opportunities" in order to get it finished.

Loren

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

I have roughed up the surface using rubbing alcohol. The greasy back to black residue is not helping either.

I'm used to backyard engineering but now I'm even more limited in $$ and tools than when I worked at a manufacturing company.

I will use rtv servant, but I want to finish the install and test rides first.

I am considering adding more reflection, but see previous sentence.

Hopefully more progress tonight or wed.

I also ordered an led cluster for my tail light from customdynamics. Perhaps another picture thread for that custom fitting.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

More Progress:
I drilled into the grab/sissy bar aluminum and finally finished mounting the trunk brackets. I didn't paint the brackets, but that could be a nice fall/spring project.

Hopefully the stainless steel bolts hold up to the weight and the grab bar doesn't crack over time. If necessary I'll get some grade 8 bolts later.

If I was willing or planning on moving/removing my original plate bracket, I MIGHT have been able to flip the brackets and used much shorter screws.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

FYI: Removing, resizing, rewiring and replacing 30 year old TIGHT molex connector pins is NOT fun.

It was hard trying to force out the old pins w/o breaking the 30 year old thin plastic connectors.

The scary part was reaming out the holes to fit the modern pins. But it worked out 8)

The "quick connectors" for the trunk are now finished. Three quick snips, 3 butt connectors and final wire holders stuck to the interior plastic and the interior wiring will be DONE!

No pictures this time. Nothing really special about crimping molex pins w/o the correct tools - Other than making them as tight as possible and tossing on some heat shrink tubing.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Finished wiring the trunk. Testing of lights shows all connections are good. Any additional tidying up of the wires will be after some test rides.

I also found where the OEM tail light wires connect the wiring harness. I haven't figured out the exact way I'm going to wire it in (for quick and easy disconnecting), but I have a general idea.

I'm a bit behind on de-rusting and painting some of the trim pieces, but that's only a day's delay. I hope to finish up the project by Sat. there is a semi local event I'd like to go to.

After the trunk I'll start on the the fairing. That might be a quick or another drawn out project...

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

So close, yet so far. I finished all the wiring for the trunk and tested it. The "on the bike" wiring today took longer than I wanted, but its all done neatly exactly like I pictured it would be.

Unfortunately the U-Bolts I bought awhile ago do no fit around the trunk bracket tubes. ARRRGGGGHHH. Another delay and trip to the store. After its mounted I still need to repaint (or at least reinstall) the trim parts and put the trunk lid back on. I'm not sure I'll finish by Sat. since I won't be home tomorrow. I also got some new sunburn on my neck :evil:

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Good job Bob!

Wow, you could go into the piano-moving business with the size of that trunk......

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Yes it is a beast. But after all this work and $$, its going on damn it!!!

Grabbed some U-bolts. I'm going to have the cut them down in length. Then find 2x grade 8 1/4-20 bolts. So yet another shopping trip... So no trunk installed tonight

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Sigh... Things come full circle on this whole original bracket that came with the trunk when I purchased it from an owner that had the same Maxim model as me...



I dug out the U-bolt that was on the trunk when I purchased it. It's the same bolt I just bought only cut down. At least now I know how far down to cut my new u-bolts. Somewhere I also have the straight bolts, but I can figure that out on my own with a tape measure.

I just wish the PO had pictures of the trunk installed, and I probably would have know how best to install it a few months ago. /shrug

At least now I have more tools, nicely wired/rewires and a good idea on where alot of stuff is at the rear of my ride.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Well other than the Texas Trim (which needs to be sanded and panted) the trunk is fully reassembled.
I have all the screws/bolts needed to fully install it.
Now if it wasn't so dark and SUPER BUGGY outside I might have gotten it installed (w/o the trim) tonight.
Oh well.
Pictures to follow soon enough.

Oh yeah I need/want to trim the chrome trim that came with the LED lights, but that will require some patience with a dremel and sand paper. Not necessary but will improve the look of the lights.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

I quickly bolted on the the trunk this morning to ride to a swap meet type event. Unfortunately the external quick connector wiggled free. I'm going to need some RTV sealant or similar. Some scotch tape for now made the connector a little snugger.

For other reasons the wife happened to follow me home tonight after it was dark. She said the trunk running lights were good and the brake lights were BRIGHT. So no missing me when I hit the brakes.

If my phone wasn't acting up, I'd post a pic or two of the working lights with the trunk properly installed (sans the trim pieces).

So next, I have to finish the trim then start working on the fairing.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Some installed shots (sans trim) and various comments.

My next major project will be to make one good Windjammer V fairing out of the two I have (and 3 windshields). The matching white one is in bad shape as was sort of repaired. The other one is black, so I will look ok until I repaint all the parts and possibly fuel tank.


1st picture thumbnail missing comments /shrug

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

FAIRING PROJECT:

Chapter 1 - Some prep work

I partially stripped the paint off the fairing mounting bracket. In order to get into corners and cracks I sprayed heavy and wet in a few areas. Of course this led to runs. Since I ran out of paint, I'll sand the runs in a few days when the paint is dried/cured.

Not shown is an additional arrow shaped bracket part I already painted a few weeks ago. You'll see it again when installation begins.

This fairing project ties into a few of my "Electrical Projects" I'm currently working on.

The fairing bracket will hold the two new Fiamm Freeway Blaster horns I purchased. The placement of the fairing will partially dictate where my semi-custom LED "driving/fog" lights will be installed. I have also installed a modern fuse panel already, which will help with all these electrical upgrades and/or just keep the bike running.



P.S. I'm also considering adding some amber LED light strips to the top of each saddle bag. This should improve the turning light visibility to larger/higher vehicles, semis and people perpendicular to my ride.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

For those with Vetter Luggage and/or fairings with working keys/locks, DON'T bother trying to replace them.

Instead just go to an OLD locksmith if you need keys. (I only had 1 set and almost lost them).

The square "lug" is smaller than modern cabinet locks and the flats on the shaft are also cut for a slimmer barrel. So either the standards changed in 30 years or they were semi-custom made for Vetter.

Here is some information about MY AFTERMARKET keys:

Fairing right side cover from a Windjammer V: ILCO #1527 key

Hard trunk (the kind with the 4 round tail lights): Illinois brand key - Common brand but not a common key - Thickness had to be ground down some to fit my lock

Hard saddle bags that match the above trunk - 4 total locks - Mine are keyed the same: Key is only marked Y12.

Original Keys from PO info:
Fairing - No markings - Took one of the "older" locksmiths to find it
Trunk - Illinois key
Saddlebag - Hurd Lock brand
All 3 Stamped with a number that probably matched their lock tumblers

Just an extra FYI: My 82 XJ750 Maxim keys are ILCO Yh50 and Yh47 and only cost me $3 cut.

Hopefully this will help someone in need of keys from a locksmith who can't seem to find the right keys.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

How do you like the hard bags vs soft throw over leather bags? I have a set of those up on the shelf in my shop and I have a guy who wants them but I'm not sure if I want to part with them just yet. Also did you check with Vetter to see if parts lik lock cylinders and such is still available?

MN

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Vetter is not selling the locks currently. There is a FAQ about it and he basically said modern locks don't match up and you'd have to get creative.

I've never had soft bags. This is my first bike. But I love them and the amount of storage. And if I want I can leave the bags at home and just ride with the trunk, with 2 quick key turns.

I'm crazy enough, that I'm trying to get a better condition Windjammer SS fairing and possibly another 4pc set (with the wrong brackets).

The Windjammer V's I have are a bit rough and they (by redesign) do not fit lowers unless they were specifically made for the "V". Thus those lowers will be very rare.

If I get the extra luggage, I'd probably mix and match the best bits and pieces and/or have a 2nd colored set. LOL. Maybe even resell it locally on CL or to my neighbor would liked my "large" bags.

Ideally, I'd like to bring a fairing, full luggage set and my replacement tank to a (family/friend) painter and let them do them all with some simple matching pattern. Then I'd have a rough working set to drive around with waiting for paint.

Yes I'm crazy and impulsive at times.


As far as YOUR set, keep them if you think you might want the larger storage and/or hard bags. Or if the price is high enough, enjoy the money you'd get for them. May I ask what you were offered and which pieces do you have laying around?