Hello all,
Well, I pulled the trigger last night and bought a used hack to put on the side of my GL1100 Goldwing mule (hope I got the terms right!).
It appears to be a Gemini from the original Auburn Sidecar Company. It prolly looks a lot like the old TwinStar from Texas Sidecar Co. as my research shows that TSC got the Gemini (TwinStar) molds when they bought up Ride-by-Side from CJ and Ardis Foust. The molds were unfortunatly lost in a fire and the model(s) discontinued.
The frame is a bit rusted but appears to be structurally solid. The original GL1000 mounting hardware is all there (I think). Hopefully these pics will display.
As you can see, it needs paint and an interior. The original seat came with it, but is beyond use. The OP said it was originally mounted to a GL1000. I think the GL1000 and GL1100 frames are close 'nuf, but if the experts know different, please let me know!
Plans:
- pull fender, wheel and tub off the frame
- derust & paint frame
- replace wheel bearings
- inspect suspension
- new tire
- paint tub & fender
- marine carpet for the interior
- add foamboard subfloor
- build a seat or drop in a Captan's chair from a conversion van
- mount up to my GL1100
- cautiously learn to drive this rig! (are there any classes in Michigan?)
- Load up the Mrs and the 60# dog & go exploring!
Futures:
- find/fabricate a cover for riding in the rain
- upgrade wheel with electric brake
- add car battery as ballast
- add speakers
- add rollbar (wife's request 😀 )
If anyone can offer up some sage advice, I'd very much appreciate it!
Looks like a killer find.
I found a good interior guy who did some awesome work for the seats on my bike and hack. But he also knew how to glue down the right kind of carpeting and he could make panels covered in nice material as well, in whatever shapes you need. Look for a local interior/upholstery shop and I bet they could do all sorts of stuff to make it look new on the inside.
As for the paint, mine looked pretty much like yours. It was new, but it was delivered in rough fiberglass. Anyway, this guy smoothed it all out and painted it up sharp as can be. It cost me about $1100 for the work. I didn't go to a big shop, I went to a guy who just runs his own small place, had tons of experience, and lots of pictures of past work.
Here is a pic of the hack as delivered and as finished:
EDIT: I cannot get the pics to work for the life of me. But here are just plain links.
snip
Once you get it cleaned up it should something similar to this:
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
