desertrefugee
Grasshopper
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2016
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 4
- Points
- 3
I absolutely could not pass this up. Deep down, I have always wanted to run a hack and admire many of the rigs out on the road. But, they are pretty uncommon (not counting the ubiquitous Ural). A design that has always caught my eye is the old Vetter Terraplane. I didn't realize it, but less than a thousand of them were ever produced! Anyway, I happened across a decent example here in Phoenix, owned by an octogenarian ready to let it go. He'd had it for years, but it unfortunately got kicked out of the garage relegated to his side yard. Luckily, it was covered on a Phoenix north-facing side of the building. Rough around the edges, but it should clean up nice. The paint is oxidized, but I believe will shine up decently. There are a few farkles that I am not keen on (lights and riveted birds), so I have work to do that will leave the holes behind meaning I could end up with new paint.
I have already ordered a replacement windscreen since the one on there now is badly cracked. The seat needs to be recovered and although the paint is oxidized it will cleanup and shine nicely until I decide what I'm gonna do with it.
It is hanging off a titled '78 GL1000, but the bike has early 1000 shelter and motor. I got the bike started - it had been sitting untouched for "a couple of years" he said. Could be 10 as far as I know, but it did run...sort of. Compression was between 110 and 130 on all four. Very encouraging. For now, the known "need" list is, belts, battery, carb freshening, left side cover. Three new tires are already installed and an extra carb rack was included. Did I mention the original tonneau cover is in perfect shape?
I am pretty stoked to have one of these in my possession. I bought it to hang off of my café 78 Goldwing, but I may end up keeping this rig intact after some serious spit and polish.