Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongoing

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

I forgot to post pics of my test fitting of my fairing. The fairing nearly fits with the headlight bucket still installed (not the aux light).

I know the fairing should be pushed back as far as possible but I'd really like to leave the headlight on for wire storage.

I asked Vetter about pushing it forward, but he didn't get back to me (yet?).

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

Ok I have a fairing off of a 79 XS750 and the lower parts too. I was thinking about putting it on my 1100. The guy wants to give me 250 for the bags.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

$250? WOW are they like new? Just the bags or bags & trunk? What about the luggage brackets?

I'm not saying they are not worth that much, I'm just cheap and got lucky with my purchase. (FYI Prices are all over the place on CL and Ebay - But shipping really kills it on Ebay unless REALLY want them). Or just give them to me dirt cheap ROFLMAO

I know NEW bags are expensive from dealers/aftermarket...

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing

They are a complete set of Vetter sport bags for an 82 1100 Maxim. All the brackets and hardware to install. It seems like these are kinda rare to find for the big bike since Vetter did not make many brackets for them. Yours however are more plentyful. The 750 frame is different than the 1100.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot and Restoration Project Ongoing



Well I grabbed another steal of a deal - 4pc Vetter touring package for $100 again. White Windjammer III and White hard trunk & saddle bags.

They came off a 1976 Honda CB 750 Automatic that ended up with a fried wiring harness over 15 years ago. The CL seller implied the bike/parts have sat around for at least that long and survived at least one move.

I got the WJ3 Fairing, Fairing mount for the CB750 (eBay/CL here it comes), the front signals from the CB I believe mounted to the fairing, the trunk mounted to a CB750 luggage rack?, the 2 saddle bags, the saddle bag mounts and the CB's rear signals. I got one set of keys which barely open the locks which are in rough shape. I also had the seller pull off the wiring harness plug for the fairing and trunk from the CB frame.

So as best as I could tell I got the FULL set and 4 matching (and possibly working) signal lights.

Because the fairing is white like ALL of my luggage pieces, this is the fairing that will probably get installed initially. That is assuming it's in as good a shape as I hope. I had to purchase it in early evening in a dim backyard with the sellers flashlight. Fairing damage/scuffs looked minimal and the luggage looked solid.

My long term intend is to mix/match all the best parts, paint them and my Ebay gas tank together. Then I might resell the left overs on CL or possibly to my neighbor who liked my "big luggage". I believe he has a 82 750 Kawasaki with just small leather saddle bags and a tiny handlebar windshield.

P.S. Though dark out and dusty, this fairing may have the best windshield of all FOUR that I now have. So bonus!!!

I will know more and probably have more pictures in the am or early afternoon.

P.S.S. I retitled this topic (x3.5) because I ALMOST had a silver Windjammer SS for only $25 but the CL guy sold it the night before I was going to his house. And he was gonna hold it 2 days for me via long email back and forth conversation about the best time for me to get to his house. For $25 the guy sold it out from me (or re-listing higher). What a jerk. :evil:

Oh and if anyone wants that CB750 Automatic frame the guy is on the north side of Chicago near 294/190/90. He wants to keep the engine/trans unless someone offers him ENOUGH $$. His original listing for frame and parts plus vetter stuff was $300. PM if you want info/CL listing.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpot (x3.5) and Restoration Project Ongoing

I finally after about 2 months of looking online and at a few truck, farm and trailer stores, found some RED led marker lights that:

Fit where the trunk's rear reflectors are by default (mounting holes SHOULD line up perfect or nearly)
Flush mount
Had reflective surfaces as well as LED lights

I found them at superbrightleds.com for those who might consider the same replacement.

 

I still need to make the wiring permanent but I have added amber LED light bars to the top of my saddle bags. (WOLO LTB-20 via amazon.com)




Video of Light Bars in action

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

More progress on fairing install.

After I disassembled and upgraded the lights in my gauge cluster to LED, I started to tackle the mess of wires hidden behind the headlight.

Per OEM directions for installing a Windjammer on my Maxim, I'm suppose to totally remove the head light bucket assembly. Then I'm suppose to tuck the bundle of wires SOMEWHERE.

Since the head light could not remain on the bike w/o rubbing the fairing or making modification to one or the other, I came up with another idea.

I purchased a $2 storage tub that has 4 locking side tab and a gasket ring.

I spray painted the outside white (better interior visibility of the wires) then top coated it with black.

I grabbed a some new bolts (same length) and some extra washers and nuts to install my container to the original headlight ears.

Two mounting holes were drilled. Four wire pass holes where drilled (hole saw bits). After test fitting, I also created a hole/area for the speedometer cable to pass thru the top of the container.

I will need to repaint the container eventually, but it holds all the wires and should fit with the fairing.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

More side lighting added to the Vetter trunk:

The trunk normally comes with two red reflectors riveted to the rear side of the trunk. I wanted a "running light" AND reflector to replace the originals.

After 2-3 months of occasional searching online and at truck/trailer/farming stores, I found some red LED side markers with reflective surfaces that were flush mount and would fit with (minimal modifications).

To install I had to drill out the rivets, enlarge and slot the holes, drill large center hole for the wiring, shave the width of the lights and metal shape (aka bash into shape) the trim to make everything fit.

Although the wiring is not fulling installed, I did test them and they do work. They will be wired to be always on via the taillight's wiring.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Another test fitting. This time its my white Windjammer III from my second jackpot purchase.

The headlight bucket area is a bit rough and there is a small crack in that general area. There is a little bit of road rash on the right side's black/chrome trim piece. That can be replaced when desired. The fairing needs a good cleaning and the windshield could use a buffing eventually. The windshield height seem correct for me if I sit up properly.

The attached round turn signals are a bit odd looking after having the Maxim for a while, but I have a matching setting to put on the rear end when I get a chance. Ideally, I'd like to replace the yellow side markers lights with LED bulbs or new LED assemblies.

I took a short test ride around my subdivision. I didn't get a good idea of how much wind it blocks, but I did like the overall feel at low speeds. It was a bit odd making turns and having the fairing & windshield NOT turn with the handlebars. But in the long run this is better for the rider, because the fairing is mounted to the frame. This will be alot less fatigue than a handle bar mounted fairing/shield driving in the wind at 65mph.







FYI: My home made wire container worked great and just barely touches the fairing when making FULL turns. This shouldn't be a problem. After all who makes years worth of U turns over and over and over.

NOTE TO SELF: Don't work in the shade (waiting for the sun to move towards you and it never does) when its 55F out. It felt like 45 with the wind. :evil:

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Reaching the final lap of INSTALLING a Windjammer fairing. Eventually, I'd like to repaint all my Vetter stuff and my frame and the rest of the bike.

So in my insanity, I purchased my 4th and (probably final) fairing. This time its a poorly purple painted WJ4 that was originally a dark blue. I grab this one for $40 because:
a ) Its a WJ4 and my lowers I already have will fit it,
b ) It came with a Cycle Sound housing, grill covers, cassette radio and laminar antenna. The housing alone often goes for $40 on ebay!
c ) It has a shorter windshield with functional circle vents.

EDIT: This fairing probably in the best shape of all the fairings I've gathered. With the exception of the poor paint job (and color), the fairing only has a few small nicks and scratches.

Since my non-budget is basically empty now, the marine radio, speaker & amp upgrade will have to wait quite some time.

So this weekend I took out the windshield, the radio housing, the pocket covers and trim, the turnsignal housing and the headlight bucket (big mistake). Then I proceeded to clean and black-to-black multiple parts including the fairing itself.

I continuity tested all the wires on the fairing wiring harness and the harness that leads to the bike's headlight. Luckily I did this, because one of the bike harnesses was fried. I believe that one came off a bike with a fried main wiring harness. Then I cleaned, greased and taped up the fairing's harness wires.

A few weekends ago I modified two of the SS/IV/V turn signal light sockets from 1157 to 1156 style. I wrapped them up real good and they were ready for this weekend.

Since I took apart the headlight's adjustment rod's assembly incorrectly, I had a hell of a time putting it back together. I think some PO installed the knob itself with loctite, or just tightened it way to much. When I repaint the fairing, I will have grind down a spare wrench so it is thin enough to fit under the knob for PROPER uninstall.

After lunch I hope to finally install the fairing. I have all the mounting bolts necessary waiting for final leveling and tightening.

I'll post some pictures later, I'm to busying eating atm.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Well after an annoying day, I FINALLY managed to install a Windjammer IV fairing.

My first final attempt resulted in gravity pissing me off again. The fairing fell and one of the turn signal cover broke off. It is fixable, but I did not have any plastic epoxy on hand. So I grabbed an extra (less good looking) spare from the shed. After cleaning and prepping it I installed it with a new bulb (which also broke when the fairing fell).

Speaking of signal bulbs, my effort to make 1156 sockets was a waste of time. I forgot the 1157's pins are off set so the 1156 bulb did not fit in the holder. I think they make offset single filament bulbs, but I'm not going to worry about it. The fairing is wired to ONLY light the bulbs when turning. In the future I suppose I could wire them for running/blinking. (To clarify I toss in some spare unmodified 1157 sockets and bulbs).

I don't have any nighttime photos, but I can take a few pictures sometime this week.

Weather permitting, I'm going to try to ride tomorrow 80miles round trip while I do some errand near Chicago. I'll test it the hard way seeing if I like the fairing and if all my screws and hose clamps are tight enough.

On a side note, I may also trim the height of the windshield when I get a chance. I"ll know better after a real test ride.

One thing I did notice on a short test ride tonight, the fairing vibrates a bit and reflects the engine noise (expected). Hopefully the effort was worth it once I hop on the highway and do 65MPH in sub 50F weather.

EDIT: Turns at stop signs w/o the light following the wheel is a bit weird and will take some getting use to. Alternatively, my driving/fog/aux lights I want to install might help with that if I can mount them on/near the calipers.

 

The light thing does take some getting used to but its well worth it to keep the wind and cold off of you.

 

Waldo - Good to know

I also just ordered a Euro Style AutoPal headlight lens/reflector, rubber boot and white 55/60 H4 bulb kit. I hope to have it and installed by next weekend.

My goal has always been to get this fairing installed before to cold and before Dec so I can ride in my first Toys-For-Tots in Chicago

I have a bag full of Hot Wheels motorcycle & trike models to donate

 

keep that "back to black" stuff far away from anything your going to paint, silicone and paint don't get along

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Polock - Good to know. Fyi gas is good at removing back-to-back (don't ask).

I took my first 40 mile test ride (one way so far). The fairing works great on wide open highways surrounded by farmland (extra windy). It also did great on two lane 55mph roads as multiple semis drove by in the opposite direction.

It was very easy getting used to driving and taking curves at speed.

You can definitely hear the engine reving more while in town. But I love the angry hive of bees that my engine sounds like.

Fyi: The frame mounted fairing also meant less fatigue from fighting my way thru the wind at highway speeds.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

http://www.finishing.com/399/79.shtml
or
this
or
this

 

I installed an H4 White 55/60W kit into my fairing today. I have not had a chance to test ride at night, but it does appear to be brighter with a tighter (Euro) pattern.



Other than painting/repainting luggage and the fairing, I'm about out of things to do/update.

I made add some amber LED running/marker lights to the side of the fairing. I did not want to use the incandescent blinker bulbs for this.

I'm thinking about full LED turn signals (4) all around the bike, but I have not made that final decision yet. There is no major lighting reason to do this. I'd only do it if I need to save even more amps for the charging system.

I do have a lead on some nearly NOS saddle bags, but I'm not really sure I want to drop $80 on them. I can repaint one/both of my saddle bag sets and have them look nearly new (except for the chrome).

I don't personally know any painters less than 3.5 hours away, so I'm not sure how good my repaint will turn out. It depends on if I do it myself or can afford a "pro" come spring.

I will answer questions about my projects if you have any. I'm also open to any comments/suggestions on improvements.

Later for now.

 

Anyone know how hard (other than cutting a large rectangle) it is to modify a Cycle Sound or Vetter Sound housing to accept a modern non-shaft head unit?

Just cut the hole and all good to go? (I haven't messed with head swapping in about 20 years and they were shaft units replacing shaft units and/or DINs replacing DINs.

 

there just plastic arent they bob

 

Yes. But do I just need to cut a tight hole and hope it all stays put?

 

you would mount radio to the bottom piece then put the top cover back on it has to be attached somehow someway

 

Just some pics so everyone knows what the housing looks like. They were designed for shaft radios. So I'm not sure how to secure a modern radio in there.

 

I would get some L shaped brackets and attach it to the bottom or top

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

M_B I would say your best bet would be to cut the rectangle and be done with it. Crutchfield.com includes all measurements of their radios in their catalog. The free install kits include a bezel to cover the sins of your minor cutting errors. Should look factory + 25 years!

I would screw the radio mounting cage to the shelf that supports the radio.

Loren

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Cycle Sound Project: Install and updating - Day 1 with only radio, speakers & shell

Although I'm may start a new topic (because I have a few questions), I'll give readers of this topic a preview and some initial pictures.

I ordered a "marine" (so it claims online) radio and speaker kit from Amazon. Surprisingly the price was about 1/2 vs. eBay for a change. I also purchased a matching marine antenna to stuff inside the Cycle Sound shell and a marine flip up radio cover. (The original flip cover did not come with the shell :cry: )

My Cycle Sound shell came with an internal laminar antenna (which is falling apart). Therefore I have no external antenna hole area (with out making my own). That is why I went with the marine antenna to layout inside the housing. [Price similar to eBay but with free shipping].

I purchased the radio cover because I do not have a garage and sometimes I don't cover up the bike. Any additional water protection would be helpful. I'll caulk up the seams as needed as well. [Price similar to eBay but with free shipping].

On a side note, nowhere on the manufacture's website or the product box does this claim to be a marine/waterproof radio. So I'm glad I didn't pay much and grabbed the cover. If it last a year or two I'll be happy. If not, hopefully I'll have more cash to buy a real radio later!

NOTE: If searching for radios on eBay don't pay $60 for the ones that look like this:


The exact same radio is included in a kit with two 4" (cheap no name 15W) speakers in the PLR13MKIT for about $30 on Amazon:


Installation will be rather straightforward, but I have not messed with radios in about 20 years and my soldering skills suck.

I may use a relay or I may want to direct wire it for parked listening. The radio has a seperate "memory" power wire, but I'm not sure how much it draw and how quickly it would kill a battery (during riding seasons).

Anyone know if it is relatively safe to temp hotwire radio directly to battery to test it? (It does come with its own fuse). I don't see why not as long as I don't ground the hot wire

Any who here are some day 1 pictures - Cover and antenna have not arrived and it is cold/wet/windy out.





On another side note:
The kit's speaker covers are also very cheap and not very secure. Unfortunately one of my cycle sound speaker covers is a bit warped and does not sit flush. However, I can use the round cheap speaker ring AND the cycle sound cover together to make an acceptable assembly. Worse case I will need longer screws. (I'm missing a few anyways, so no big deal buying more).

Side note 3:
Cycle Sound shells were developed for Vetter Windjammers and Vetter Shells were copied later on after Craig Vetter sold his company. There is some size variances in the speaker holes, so you might want purchases in-hand before you buy new speakers.

 

Awsome Bob! I'm curious to know how funcutional at speed it is, If you can still hear is at higway speed and all. keep us up to date. Also I'd love to see pics of it installed on the fairing.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Cycle Sound Install Project - Day 2: Inside Assembly and testing

Today I was home and it was sunny and dry out - Though only about 20F... Glad I was layered up for my test COLD ride.

Bad News: Cracked my old (and cold and barely long enough) fuel line at the gas tank. Tomorrow with involve some repair work/replacement.

Good News: My radio works (only test FM so far). Quality is crappy (and I may need to figure out how/where to place antenna. Speakers are not very loud (as expected at 15W) but I hope they will be loud enough for parade speed.

More Good News: The screw set I ordered for my lowers arrived and test fit shows they work as expected. My marine radio cover also showed up today. I haven't opened it yet though. So I have all the parts I need.

I managed to find enough screws in the house to replace the missing screws from my cycle sound speaker grills. (SS one in the spring probably).

NOW SOME QUESTIONS FOR OTHERS:
My cycle sound assembly came with 2x pieces of foam that were stuffed behind the speakers inside the shell. I reinstalled them, but I'm not sure if I need them and if they are helping OR hurting the sound quality/volume.

Any ideas/experience? I can take them out and retest as needed, but daylight is limited now...

I will try to post some pictures tomorrow or Monday at the latest.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Cycle Sound Install Project: Day 3 - Final install

I didn't take WIP pictures of the actual install. Gravity is not my friend when it comes to unsecured parts on my bike... :evil: So no pics.

If you actually have a fairing and shell in hand, installation is rather simple.

* Make sure your wire hole is large enough (mine was not)
* Install/Reinstall windshield - Do not install/remove the plastic screws closest to the windshield clip (or 2nd highest on both sides) - Do not install/remove nut onto the windshield clip (or highest on both sides)
* Push wires thru the fairing, set radio into its pocket on the fairing, and bring the wires close to the wire harness
* Remove Left speaker grill cover top left screw and right speaker top right screw
* Loose or remove the remaining grill cover screws to help with install.
* Loosely install windshield/shell brackets onto the clip bolt. Don't tighten the nut yet (RUNS OUT SIDE TO TIGHTEN HIS NUTS). [These clips install into the top left and top right screw holes I mentioned above]
* Install the 2nd highest plastic screws thru the windshield and the holes in the corner of the Cycle Sound shell. Tighten up the screws.
* Reinstall/tighten the grill covers with the windshield clip bracket. (I'll post pictures later).
* Tighten the windshield clip nuts.
* If you didn't already install the 12+ and ground wires from the radio to the fairing's wiring harness.
* Reconnect battery and/or install the fuse for the radio

Notes:
* My shell came with some kind of noise filter with + and - connectors so I used it.
* The radio came with its own inline fuse. I left it installed inside the shell. I should be able to reach it by just removing the left speaker (I hope).
* The fairing's wiring harness came with a 12+ Red wire and Black ground wire sticking out of the bundle. Originally this was often used for the cigarette lighters. My red 12+ also came with an inline fuse. I chose to not use it since I have a separate fuse in my upgraded fuse block from Chacal.
* I don't expect this radio/speaker combo to blow me away, I just want to hear it while cruising in parades, rides, etc. If I can hear it at 65 mph I'll consider it a bonus. I may upgrade to a better radio/speaker/amp later if needed (or when the crappy radio/speakers die).
* I did not install my radio with a relay in the 20F weather, but I did add a M/F bullet connector for the 12+ line so I can disconnect the radio (with a memory feature) from the battery when not it use. Other wise it is wired directly to the battery (with fuses).

http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz27 ... EO0001.mp4
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgi1eSgx9so

NOTE: That was just some random Christmas song on a local channel.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

My Painting Adventure Begins:

This week I have done the following:

Outdoor Disassembly:
* Taken my fairing & lowers off the bike
* Taken the doors off the saddle bags - Then I took they aluminum trim and weather tripping off the door - Removed all the Vetter badges - Removed the locks
* Taken the doors off the trunk lid- Removed the riveted latch so I could remove the trim - Then I took they aluminum trim and weather tripping off the door Removed the locks
* Taken the side panels off the trunk - Removed all the Vetter badges
* Removed my side panel for possible insert painting

Lowers:
* Removed edge trim with heat gun and screw driver
* Still need to remove some of the excess glue
* Cut and sanded the edges closest to my header pipes so they would stop melting (they were touching).
* Cut and sanded other edges to even out the fairing. (One lower had an extra notch that needed smoothing and mirroring on the other lower).

Fairing:
* Removed Cycle Sound radio shell & windshield & headlight ring plus lens/bulb
* Removed wiring harness and bulb connectors
* Removed LEL turn signal assemblies - Ground and pulled off the lens from the housing (Lens is one molded pieces of amber plastic with sections painted black).
* Removed pocket trim pieces - Drilled out rivets for the snap buttons
* Removed windshield foam strips (3 - probably not original or OEM) with a heat gun and scraper
* Removed edge trim with heat gun and screw driver - Scraped off most of the excess glue
* About to remove headlight and assembly rod assembly - Had to grind down a 7/16 wrench to make it thinner - Also needed one of those rubber strap wrenches to hold the knob to break the double nut lock
* Need to remove/replace headlight plug and its grommet - Bulb connector is a little damaged and pulling the bulb out was a nightmare - Rubber is old and hard - I hope the heat gun will help - I do have an extra grommet/connector in my shed

eBay Tank:
* Received hole blocking kits from Chacal for painting and eventual inside treatments
* Stripped, scraped and sanded bad and OEM paint layers from around petcock and fuel sender holes.
* Installed blocking panels (with included gaskets)
* Did my best to clean up around and inside screw holes/threads without thread chasers/tappers
* Stripped, scraped and sanded bad and OEM paint layers around the gas filling hole, the inside and outside of the lip and around the screw hole area - Also did my best to clean up those threads

Some pictures of the disassembled parts likely to follow and obviously finished parts.

I have another thread asking for help tweaking my pinstriping patterns. The parts will be painted gloss black and I intend to use white pinstriping tape. I'll be installing the tape while my brother-in-law will be doing the painting. (He's worked at a collision/repair shop as a painter for years and still does). The paint will be some kinda heavy duty (thicker than normal) paint used on semi truck trailers.

 

Bob - after you installed your radio did you have any issues with radio noise? I have an inline filter installed already and the stock yamaha caps are resiter style any ways but I still have alot of engine noise coming through the speakers...

 

There was some type of inline filter inside the shell so I used it.

As far as I know I have stock caps/wires. I didn't notice any excessive noise.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

I'm still (impatiently) waiting for my tank, fairing and luggage to be painted gloss black. Then I get to travel 3.5 hours 1 way to pick it up. At least it is getting painted at cost by a relative.

In the mean time I found this vintage jacket and just finished paying for it on eBay.





It may not be a daily jacket, but it was cheap enough and I liked it. Hopefully it fits. If not my "diet" needs to be started

- - - - - -

:idea: I'm going to try to repaint my original vetter, yamaha and maxim badges. If they don't turn out, I'm going to order some stick on letters. Below are regular and italic samples I found.

:idea: I'm still considering rear LED turn signals and LED bulbs in my fairing. Additionally I'm pondering some additional LED rear running/signal lights probably mounted on the saddle bags and/or the trunk.

:idea: Additionally to complete my LED madness, I'd love to buy the Truck-Lite LED 7" headlight and the Denali LED Lighting kit to mount on my front fender (replacing the semi-custom ones I made).

:idea: My pin stripping tape pattern won't really be finalized until I complete the installation. But this image is very close to my current plans. I MIGHT paint my fenders black as well.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

WOOT WOOT... I just won a NOS (so they claim) pair of Vetter Hippo Hands.

http://craigvetter.com/pages/Motorcycle ... -page.html


The last pair I saw on eBay were definitely used and sold for a bit more than I just bought mine for. 8)

Hopefully I can use these early spring, late fall and during the December charity ride in Chicago. (My current gloves were not enough to keep hands warm in winter).

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

The project moves on slowly.

Cycle Sound System: Although you can barely hear the max volume speakers while riding 60MPH on a windy day, it was not enough for me. The CHEAP speakers that came with my radio distort very bad even at low volumes. So I bought some Polk Audio DB401 Speakers and a Pyle 4channel cheap amplifier (might be a mistake spending so little). They have not shipped yet, but I hope to have them installed within a few days of them arriving.


Eventually, I plan on installing a rear pair of speakers into my hard saddle bags facing towards the front. This is why I got the 4 channel amp. (My radio is 2 channel but I have a plan 8) ).

Fairing: Brother-in-Law had some issues painting it, so I don't have it yet. I installed a backup instead. :cry: At least it is black. :wink:

I'm not sure yet if I'm going to buy "Windjammer" decals directly from craigvetter.com or be creative/original.

Luggage Pieces: Painted a nice gloss black. Not a perfect job but good enough from 5 feet. 8) I have installed all the REFLECTIVE pinstripe tape to the luggage panels. I like the overall look.



Then I wire wheeled the soft aluminum door trims I took off. I removed the chipped paint from 2 of 3 I managed to paint last fall. The finished look very close to the metallic paint I had on it. This is good because the non-aluminum Texas Trim is/will be painted to match. NOTE TO SELF AND OTHERS: Be sure to put the saddle door retaining strap back on at the same time as the trim. NOT after risking your paint job partially pounding off the door trims. :evil:

FYI: The rubber T-Channel weather strip pieces are rather difficult to reinstall. So take you time and/or leave them in place if your door trims are in good condition.

Today I clean and removed the remaining chrome finish from the Vetter logo pieces. Painted them with white Krylon paint for plastic. After that I used some "reflective" paint. It's not the best and doesn't really reflect much, but the finished effect is similar to the white pinstripe tape. After that, I wet sanded the plastic pieces to remove the white paint on the VETTER letters and logo exposing the black plastic. Later I will clear coat them to protect the paint and bare plastic.



Final assembly can't be done until all the logo, trim and bracket pieces are painted and dry/hard. Otherwise I'll be repainting them AGAIN next spring.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

MB - insulation (foam or fiberglass) is often used in high fidelity speaker enclosures (especially sealed design) to reduce mid-upper frequency echos within the speaker enclosure. Given that this is a motorcycle fairing, I'd guess that it doesn't matter either way if you include them or not given all the other sounds present. What you might run into is sympathetic vibrations - especially if you go to a more powerful amp and speakers. Sections of the fairing will start buzzing in sympathy with certain audio frequencies at higher volume levels (think huge subwoofers in Jap car trunks at a stop light). There are sound deadening self-adhesive asphalt sheets sold for car interior panels (doors, kick panels, etc.) that you could use if the issue crops up.

 

New speakers installed.

I started a new thread to get tips on improving sound and reducing distortion.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

04/26/11 - Luggage Finally Reinstalled and out of my Livingroom

My luggage panels are pinstripe taped, have door trim and gaskets reinstalled, side panels reinstalled with VETTER badges and I added some foam gasket around the door openings to help keep the water out.



Upcoming:
I intent to paint the above speaker grills gloss black. Also need to install an amp and eventually some rear speakers into the saddlebags.
If they are in fact identical, I will be swapping out "straighter" saddlebag frames, along with a different luggage rack/backrest assembly (not VETTER).
When I eventually get my painted fairing, I'll install the pinstripes, new edging trim, painted headlight ring and eventually install it.

FEEDBACK Wanted:
I have this trunk rack on my "parts" bike's trunk. What do other's think of me putting it onto my VETTER trunk? I do have a few weekend rides planned this year. The rack may come in handy. Might also make a nice helmet holder. FYI I'd repaint it to match my luggage's trim and not have to worry about old chrome.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Cycle Sound radio shell semi-perm installed till I swap out fairings.

I repainted the speaker grilles a gloss black. Eventually I will Satin topcoat them so they look more like the fairing and radio shell.

Shell was stuffed with memory foam to help reduce vibrations and to hopefully improve speaker sound a little.

Then I drilled 2 holes thru the shell into the fairing to further reduce vibration and add a little theft deterrent/hindrance.

Amp installed and adjusted so I don't blow out the speakers. Currently it is turned up to about 65%.



- - - - - -

Next project: Swap out luggage racks and remount my trunk. (2nd rack also has adjustable backrest). I also want to redo the wire plugs on the trunk (with brake/tail lights) and the saddle bags (with turn signals). At the same time I'll be adding LED front and rear turn signals with a new LED flasher unit.

The rear LED signals are DOT approved and the front ones are 68 LED 1157 Bulbs that will be inside the fairings LEL (Leading Edge Lights) so you'll never know they are not DOT approved.

 

Hi Bob. From the pics I have seen you have done a great job on the fairing and bags. I picked up a Vetter fairing a few weeks ago so was going over all your posts and pics. I saw the bracket you made. Very nice. I noticed you were going to put some dimensions of the fairing "bracket" on and I have not been able to find them. Am I looking in the wrong place.
Thanks.

Hugh

 

Never taken back off. Will soon to put on painted fairing

I also have some season 2 pics and info to put up.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

I collect Vetter gear myself.
Keep an eye out for riding boots on eBay.


You'll love the Hippo Hands. Mine are the lace-up style.



I've got a few jackets as well, with a matching pair of the Rex Martese Design ones.



All of the riding gear came out after he sold his company, but no matter to me. It's still Craig Vetters name on it. You'll find some Vetter wireless intercoms as well if you keep looking over at eBay.

I like the WJ III's. I've a Vindicator also.
Bravo to you.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Another update finally. I've started installing my painted, pinstriped and decaled Windjammer IV fairing. Time is limited between waking up and going to work (2nd shift) so I hope to have it done by Friday.

Click for larger versions:


Those who might have followed my pinstripping brainstorming thread might wonder why I didn't put the "swoop" on the fairing at the top of the triangle. Once you see the lowers installed (with their pinstripes), I think it will look better and more consistent.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

I've recently won a Black XL (should fit not that I'd ride with it) full face helmet with a white and red design on it.

I also won a "Bagman" 18L tank bag, which I believe at one time was manufactured by Craig's brother. (If not it from the same era).

I missed my chance to ride to OHIO and meet Craig Vetter (vacation with wife the same week), but perhaps he'll do his mileage challenge again semi-close to me.

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

I FINALLY got around to finishing the install of my repainted and pinstriped Windjammer IV fairing, Lowers, Windshield accent piece and NOS windshield.

(CLICK for larger versions)




Things still planned:
* Sand/Paint fairing's Leading Edge Lights (turn signal assemblies).
* Eventually paint headlight bucket (not the lock-on ring)
* Replace Trunk and Saddlebag Vetter emblems with reflective decals that look nearly identical
* Take one of those emblems and replace the current rear of the trunk emblem.
* Clean, seal, install and decal my repainted gas tank.
* I may add more side marker LEDs - not necessarily a Vetter project unless I install them onto the Vetter pieces/brackets
* Repaint the Texas Trim on all the luggage that has chipped or gotten scratched over the last year

Some Night Shots showing the reflective pinstripping and decals:

(The orange looking strip is red in real life).

 

Re: Vetter Jackpots, Restoration and Upgrading Projects Ongo

Today my newest ebay package arrived.
I won a set of 6 matching keyed locks for my vetter set.
I paid more than I wanted but less than my Max bid.
Four total keys. (Looked at is as a long term investment for my paint and piece of mind vs struggling with 3 different keys).

With a little cleaning and graphite lube and the locks should be good to go!

Once I swap out my bike's keys as well I'll only NEED 2 keys to ride and load up.

 

So it looks like you took off the trunk backrest and added an adjustable backrest. Why did you do that and how did you attach it to the bracket?

 

Why 1 - I got the backrest with my parts bike and thought I'd want a back rest. It was not comfortable for me but perfect for passenger.

Why 2 - moved part way forward, backrest is perfect to hold one helmet (parked) and or jacket & a sissy bar backpack.

Had to remove trunk backrest to occomidate passenger.

How - mounted to bike bolt points (adjustable universal vintage backrest and rear deck). Then used ubolts and tubing as needed to mount to vetter stuff.

Note: I still don't have a piece for the TRUE floating trunk assembly but it all worked out.

New pic requests will have to wait for now...

 

I wish I could find one of those.

 

I maanged to pop the rivets off the vetter saddlebags does anybody know what kind of rivets are the original ones? I have only measured them as 1/8 inch diameter about 1/2 inch long.