I am looking at a vetter terraplane that I am serious about buying.It is a fixer upper,but the price is right and its close buy.
One issue with it is it is missing the wheel.
How hard is it to find a replacement wheel?
Does this mean the brake rotor is missing?(attached to the wheel?)
How difficult would it be to use a 4-bolt trailor hub on the 1" axle?
I have not yet seen this sidecar and am waiting on pics.Just know what the present owner is telling me.Was just hoping some other terraplane owners,or those familier with the wheel assembly could shed a little light for me so I know what to expect.Thanks for any help
Tory
Check out the albums. Here's a link to one.
http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=221
The earlier Vetter Terraplanes used a rather large wheel (as shown). These wheels are not easily available.
The vintage disc brake was not much force when new and may not be rebuildable.
If a trailer hub and wheel is used a 13" wheel with a P176/80-R13 tirewould fill the fender nicely.
The Studebaker Terraplanes built in Rosalia, WA in later years used the modular wheels and tubeless tires.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Thanks guys.
Lonnie,that tire size will probably come in handy if I buy this one.Only fitting,since you are the one who convinced me to look for a terraplane in the first place.
What holds the wheel on?Is it just as basic as a castle nut?
Tory,
I have no experience with a Terraplane, but when I wanted to find a better wheel for my Dnepr sidecar, I went to a salvage yard and found the wheel I wanted, measured the outside diameter of the bearing it had, and measured my axle. I then went to a NAPA Auto Parts store with those two dimensions and they were able to sell me bearings to adapt the chosen wheel to my sidecar axle. The wheel I chose had a disc brake rotor on it so I bought the complete front brake assembly with it. That way I had a caliper and hose if I decided to use the brake. In my case, the motorcycle handled the sidecar fine so I never did mount the brake. The complete setup from the front of an old Suzuki 400 cost me $35. I would guess the same should work for you.
