Calling all Terraplane Owners

[VoodooRed_KZ1100_A-3]

Here's what I know: Vetter literature shows the Terraplane started Sept of 1979, went through at least 1981, maybe later.

If this is the case, there is a distinct possibility that the Terraplane might have been installed on at least one KZ1100 A-series, somewhere, somehow. Finding any info on such an install? That's the $64 question...

Mark

 

[Ray-Paige]

After a busy summer, I have started working on my Terraplane again. I have run into a major problem. I have removed every bolt and every rivet I can find, in order to separate the body from the frame, in order to accomplish some major refinishing to both, and I can't get them apart. I am afraid to use too much force, as I may crack the fiberglass or the plastic. Has anybody done this, or have any ideas?

 

[roncar]

Wont be fun.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Vetter_SC/conversations/topics/95

"There's some form of primitive adhesive inside the molding between the sections. It took a good deal of detailed sanding to remove all that hard broken stuff that looked like tile setting...

...Forcing channel molding over the dozens of rivets that hold the upper to lower section requires a rubber mallet and a good deal of swearing."

There is a lot of info on Terraplanes there, but I find the site difficult to navigate.

 

[Ray-Paige]

I've tried for months to gain access to that site without success. Will just keep trying. Thanks.

 

[Ray-Paige]

Finally gained access to the site. roncar you were right - lot of TP info & photos. Thanks again.

 

[roncar]

Finally gained access to the site. roncar you were right - lot of TP info & photos. Thanks again.

It might be better if I had an account to login. But I refuse to get "Yet Another Email Address" to be able to login. I have too many now!

You need to take lots of pics and share your restoration in a thread here.

 

[Larry Fine]

Why not use a single "junk" email account for all of them?

 

[roncar]

Why not use a single "junk" email account for all of them?

Has to be a yahoo which I don't have.

 

[doubledutch]

AND, another $400 for a tonneau cover! That totals more than I paid for the sidecar. Gonna have to learn how to sew, I guess.

 

[Richard Nangle]

Hi, folks. I have a Terraplane, currently undergoing restoration. Tom, do you mind saying what the seat recovering cost? I was just quoted $400 - $500 %(

I just paid $300 to have the seat bottom both re-foamed and covered. The foundation foam was still good but the softer foam on top needed replacing. It matches the seat back perfectly.

 

[Richard Nangle]

Suggestion - Just a thought. Since nearly all of the Terraplane technical data is already on this thread, why don't we continue to use it as the central point for T'plane info. Comments?

I think that's a great idea.
Richard Nangle

 

[Leroyal]

 

[OldFartNewby]

I just acquired an '03 BMW R1500RT with a Terraplane sidecar. Looks all original and in good condition. A member of our church got too old to ride it and had it stored, covered, in his carport for the past two years. Serial number is 07-100930 so it might be one of the last ones. What year do you think it was made? It has original wheel, but no brake. It also has four mounting brackets to the bike. Any thoughts why? This is a father/son project to get it back on the road so we're going to have lots of questions. Thanks

 

[jimselinsky@gma]

I just acquired an '03 BMW R1500RT with a Terraplane sidecar. Looks all original and in good condition. A member of our church got too old to ride it and had it stored, covered, in his carport for the past two years. Serial number is 07-100930 so it might be one of the last ones. What year do you think it was made? It has original wheel, but no brake. It also has four mounting brackets to the bike. Any thoughts why? This is a father/son project to get it back on the road so we're going to have lots of questions. Thanks

where you located, i'm in the Prescott AZ area. I've owned 2 Terraplane's one about 1980 the other just recently along with some volerex's and other assorted ones, without looking at yours the Terraplane's had a 3-point mounting system

 

[OldFartNewby]

where you located, i'm in the Prescott AZ area. I've owned 2 Terraplane's one about 1980 the other just recently along with some volerex's and other assorted ones, without looking at yours the Terraplane's had a 3-point mounting system

I'm in Montgomery, Alabama. I'll send you some photos of my 4-point mounting system later this week. Previous owner said it was attached to bike at a famous shop (forgot name) in Oregon.

 

[Mike324]

930 must be one of the last ones made. I have not seen any references into the 940's. I have one that is number 920, so was made close in time to yours. They were made and sold around 1980. Mike

 

[Alan F.]

Was Hannigan the name of the shop?

 

[OldFartNewby]

Was Hannigan the name of the shop?

Yes, the previous owner said the rig was set up with the four bar mounting system by Hannigan in Ky. www.hannigantrikes.com/product-type/sidecars/
They have been in business since 1975, so the early-80s timeline for my Terraplane fits.
Does anyone else have a Terraplane without a brake?
It may have been an option or they might have been running out of parts late in the product run.
One more thing, I see photos with two restraint straps on the canopy keeping it from opening too far. I see how they can be secured on the canopy, but how are they secured on the body?

 

[TexasBulldogger]

You probably figured out by now. Coffin lid straps attach under the body around the smaller upper frame tube.

I believe the brake was standard but I took mine off on current rig. After rebuilding brake system when I acquired TP 4 years ago (poured dust out of master) I found applying brake would rise up on the disc raising the car and throwing the bike to the left. Making it hard to right turn brake steer.

I got my original in spring ‘82 with matched Honda Aspencade silver paint. Don’t remember serial number. Current rig is #498.

 

[Tom Wright]

Here's what I know: Vetter literature shows the Terraplane started Sept of 1979, went through at least 1981, maybe later. The wheel is a Lester wheel. The brake system was made by Airheart, which is still around and sells parts for them.http://www.airheart-brakes.com/index.html Airheart is located in Minnesota, just a few miles from where I work. You can get a windshield here:http://www.bikescreen.com/proddetail.asp?prod=VetterTerraplane
As far as parts for mounting, you need 3 pieces: A front and rear pylon and a Trim-Grip. You then need the 3 mounting points for on the bike. I downloaded the mounting instructions from Craig's website.http://www.craigvetter.com/images/Vetter Fairings/Windjammer-instructions-images/Windjammer_instructions/Terraplane Mounting.pdf It has all nomenclature of the sidecar and how to mount and align it.http://www.craigvetter.com/images/Vetter Fairings/Windjammer-instructions-images/Windjammer_instructions/Terraplane Manual.pdf Any other parts I was able to buy usually at my local hardware store.
The modifications I made are: Mine was missing the serial number plate, so I replaced with an extra serial plate from a windjammer. I was the able to change the standard 3 prong plug to a 9 pin windjammer plug. I the added a speaker and amp to behind the seat. I added turn signals front and rear. I had I local upholstery recover the seat, which they did to specs. If you didn't know, you would have thought that it was original! I also had the same shop make me a leather cover, which is attached with Velcro to the windshield and side snaps to the body.

Who made your cover for your Terraplane