I documented the work on the fairing in this write-up including removing the headlight assembly, turn signals and repairing cracks and the broken wiring harness tabs that held it in place.
The bike has a Vetter Windjammer II model, serial #14231. According to Craig Vetter’s web site, the Windjammer II series started with serial #13648 in October 1973 and ended with #43986 in May 1974 with a little more than 30,300 units produced. This fairing is the 583rd in the series so it’s an early unit.
Name Plate With Hole for Wiring Connector – 583rd Windjammer II made
Vetter manufactured Windjammer III and SS models and sold the company in 1978. The bike itself was manufactured in May 1973, and purchased in California by a mechanic for United Airlines based in Los Angles. I think the previous owner added the Windjammer either at the time of purchase or soon thereafter. He put just about 50,000 miles on it before I bought it in August of 1978 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In keeping with the restoration goal of “close to stock”, repairing this one restores an accessory that was often found on a /5 bike. The previous owner painted the fairing the same color as the bike, Monza Blue. I’m going to do the same and ordered enough paint for the fairing. But first, I need to dissassemble it and make some repairs.
As I started work, I made an “archaeological” discovery.
Orphan Glove From Storage Compartment, Circa 1976
It was from the first pair my wife wore when she started riding with me on her first bike, a Honda 500 Four. She used this pair in the winter and it was part of her riding kit when I bought the /5 as her wedding present. Memories.
The fairing had two cracks, one pretty extensive as I found out, and a broken wiring connector where the mounting tabs had broken off. And, the headlight chrome parts and turn signals needed cleaning, rust removal and polishing. Last, I stripped the paint and primer down to the ABS plastic in preparation for painting.
Here are a couple of the photos I took with many more details in the write-up.
Barn Fresh in the Work Shop and Ready For a Face Lift
Turn Signals-Aluminum Oxidation and Dirt
Adjuster Bracket Inside Headlight Frame
Removing Damaged Trim
Polished Chrome Trim Ring & Headlight Bracket
Turn Signals-Aluminum Oxidation and Dirt
Restored Turn Front Turn Signals
Left Storage Pocket Crack, Lower Edge
The True Size of the Crack at the Bottom of the Storage Pocket
Hotcha Adhesive On Back of Patch Piece of ABS
Clamping the Repair While Hotcha Hardens
Fairing Wiring Connector Mounting Tabs Broken
ABS Patch Attached with Epoxy to Fairing Wire Connector
Repaired Connector is Very Solid
Using 150 Grit Disk on Flat Surfaces
Fairing Ready for Painting