Refreshing Glenlivet's ride

There are still a few little details to resolve, but the rig is rideable now! There are still a few loose rivets to drill out and replace with tiny machine screws (field repairable), and I need a new banjo joint so I can transfer the brake line from the old bike to the new, but the big issue is the replacement windshield. I had sent the old scratched one to Hannigan so they could get the proper curve and size, and I specifically asked that no holes be drilled in it as at that time I wasn't sure if I was going to glass over the existing mount holes and start fresh. The new one arrived all bubblewrapped and I really ought to have compared old and new. It had mounting holes and of course since Hannigan is not big on using standard templates two of them were in the wrong place. But it was also a bit larger than the original. In the photo below you can see the replacement extends back about an inch past the last mounting hole. Since I have the ragtop that last screw would be replaced by a twist lock, so the extra hole would be covered by hardware, but I was a bit concerned that the extra bulk might result in such a tight fit that the ragtop wouldn't reach the mounting points. The only way to find out was to mount the windshield and give it a try.



Well, it fit. Barely, and with some foul language and several grunts. Unfortunately, the extra length also covered the forward edge of the zippered window. In heavy rain it would definitely allow water to enter the tub. It was such a PITA to mount that I really don't want to take it off to shave a bit off. I'm thinking of making multiple light passes with a angle grinder but if I damage the windshield I won't have time to get a replacement. Decisions, decisions.

BUT OMG it looks awesome!

Rinty said:

Is that a Testa Rossa under the red cover?

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Post 172 has a picture.

glenfiddich said:

Unfortunately, the extra length also covered the forward edge of the zippered window. In heavy rain it would definitely allow water to enter the tub. It was such a PITA to mount that I really don't want to take it off to shave a bit off. I'm thinking of making multiple light passes with a angle grinder but if I damage the windshield I won't have time to get a replacement. Decisions, decisions...

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Pete:

Maybe have a convertible top or a boat cover place rework the ragtop?

Post 172 has a picture.

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Thanks, Lee. Those cheese grater sides are distinctive, indeed.

glenfiddich said:

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I'd been dealing with a mild head cold for a week, but Sunday morning I rolled over in bed and my head spun so badly I fell to the floor, crawled to the trashcan and spent several minutes trying to empty my already empty stomach while being jostled by three very worried golden retrievers. That was the day I was supposed to have toured the shop with all those antique cars in it, but I was in no condition to go anywhere. Just turning my head or getting up too fast had me staggering around like a drunk! Spent three days battling vertigo from an inner ear issue.
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I also had a nasty bout with vertigo. The stress of worrying it might be permanent touched off another bout of atrial fibrillation, something I am now dealing with by switching to a different cardiologist. My sister got an ablation for it which is what I am hoping for.

Here is some reading material on vertigo: https://www.webmd.com/brain/home-remedies-vertigo#1

Good luck with the vertigo. Mine affected me for quite a few weeks.

Happy trails with your newly refurbished rig.

Brakes have been flushed and bled, every fastener checked for proper torque (save one important set as it turned out), and the finished rig rolled out into sunshine for the first time in four and a half months! It is most definitely a high visibility rig!

I fired up the engine, slipped it into gear, and moved slowly down the dirt hill to pavement. My efforts to listen for loose rattles were defeated by all the supplies and old parts being transported in the tub a la Beverly Hillbillies. I turned onto our one paved road and scooted up the S-curve hill to our driveway; Glenlivet spotted his rig and came running to give me an escort.




Some major excitement as Glenlivet, Kazoo and Tulliver gathered round with my wife worried that they would scratch the paint. I'd intended to park the rig inside the warm shop and give it a good coat of wax, but Glenlivet was so excited I retrieved his memory foam dog bed and took him for a ride. My winter concerns that he would forget how much fun riding was proved without merit. Though I often gave him reassuring touches, he clearly was having a good time!





We had to pull over at the Craftsbury Garage due to a pronounced CLUNK sound coming from the rear. Remember the one set of fasteners I had overlooked? Well, they were the lug bolts for the rear wheel! Jesse from the garage is a real dog lover, and took care of us in less than a minute. Back on the paved road, up to the Common, then back home.




Glenlivet rides again!

Dogs are a hoot! We had a Papillion that would bark and nip at my ankles while I was getting the bike ready. I would get my fill of the harassment and pick her up and set her on the passenger seat. She would sit there quietly and wait until we were ready to go.

A guy I ride with has a hole in his top case and his dog rides in it. While riding through town the pup will put his paws on the passengers shoulders so he can see. The pup also wears goggles and will slide them up on his forehead in town, the slide them back down over his eyes when the hit the highway. Funny as hell how smart they are.

Congratulations! I am so pleased that you and Glenlivet are back on the road and so happily. Great!
I followed your project, as have many, I'm sure, and was eagerly waiting for you to be back on the road. It has been an interesting and enjoyable thread to follow. Hopefully, you won't be too overwhelmed by well-wishers at the national.
Best to you.

Your pics with your dog in the sidecar made me smile. Great work!!

The dog pics are choking me up, Pete....

You're going to be toast of Lebanon.

Congrats on the completion of the project...gorgeous! That last pic where Glenlivet is looking in your eyes is beautiful...our pups have such unconditional love for us, I always just hope I can live up to it with my own Fynlee.

Seeing the dogs - especially Glenlivet - enjoying the experience so much really underlines the point of the entire project. You have extended your shared experiences by years and it is obvious that that is worth the great deal of time and effort. Beautifully done.

One more followup before I move on. I took Glenlivet for a 60 mile ride today to start building up his miles before setting off for Tennessee June 1st. He did very well.


Ready to go!


Pulling over to check on him


Play stops are essential


Barley used to ride this way. I encourage it as it keeps his face out of harm's way of flying debris

So we're doing a series of rides both to reestablish our rhythm and to check for wear, loose fasteners, or other post-rebuild gremlins. We leave on the 1st so will have plenty of time to meander through West Virginia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, northern Georgia and Tennessee before arriving at the rally in Lebanon. Hope to see you there!

Pete and Glenlivet

The application of dog slobber; the final and an essential step in the refurbishment of your sidecar.

Pete:

What did you end up doing to cure the fitment issue of the top?

The application of dog slobber...akbeemer

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I used to call them "dog smellin' prints". The never ending cleaning project.

Nobody loves you like your dog does.

Rinty said:

Pete:

What did you end up doing to cure the fitment issue of the top?

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I sanded down the outline of the windshield. Not wanting to mar the paint I stopped about an inch above the end, and that part will also have to be carefully removed so that last fastener isn't a battle.

BTW, I call those smudges nose art.

Great thread on a great job for best friends. Thumbs up.

I have really enjoyed this thread. Thank you for taking the time to document the process and sharing. Happy Trails to you and Glenlivet.

indiana_jones_i said:

I have really enjoyed this thread. Thank you for taking the time to document the process and sharing. Happy Trails to you and Glenlivet.

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I concur. Thanks for taking the time to document and share with the rest of us. Well done.

Thanks for a great post

Your post was enjoyable and informative. Thank you for taking the time to make it.
Enjoy the ride!