Its a 1974. . . a work in progress. We found it in Grandfield Oklahoma, and paid $250 for the Vespa, assorted books on how to fix it, and a useless battery. Oh well, it’s very complete, down to the mirrors with only 3,000 miles on it. Poor scooter doesn’t run yet, but its nice and clean. The paint was a horrid shade of blue with “Mary Lue” and bouquets of flowers painted on it. I hope to show the restoration from beginning via this blog.
TechnicalSpecifications
Speed:85 Km/h (52.8 m.p.h.) (CUNA standards)
Fuel Consumption:(2% oil mixture) 1lt/50 Km. (118 miles per U.S. gallon – 141 miles per Imp. gallon) (CUNA standards)
Range: 280 Km. (174 miles)
Maximum Climbing Gradient: 35%
Engine: single cylinder, two-stroke with rotating type distribution – bore: 55 mm (2″ .16) – stroke: 51 mm (2″.01) – displacement: 121.17 cc. (7.39 cu. in.)
Gear-box:4 speed with constant mesh gears, twist grip control on handlebar Electrical equipment: a.c. flywheel magneto – electrical horn
Suspensions: front and rear suspensions with helical spring and hydraulic shock abosorber
Brakes: expansion type
Wheels: interchangeable 3.00-10″ tyres
Speedometer: on the handlebar
Maximum Length: 1665 mm. (65″)
Maximum Width: 670 mm. (26″.38)
Wheel-base: 1180 mm. (46″.2)
Maximum Height: 1015 mm. (39″.96)
Dry Weight: 73 Kg. (160 lbs.)
Week 1:
We brought the Vespa home, and tried to get it to run.We discovered that no gas was getting to the carbeurator because the small tube in the gas tank was clogged. After blowing it out, cleaning the carbeurator and air filter, still no go.
Week 2:After pulling the spark plug, we discover that the reluctance to start probably has something to do with the fact that the PO was running about a 15% oil/fuel mixture in it. So we ordered new gaskets and seals and proceeded to tear the motor down. What a mess! Black gunky nasty stuff everywhere! I now understand how animals in an oil slick feel. But after much simple green and elbow grease, we have a shiny new clean engine. We are currently awaiting some new piston rings.
What we learned: Piston rings are so much easier to put on when you learn one little secret. Inside the groove where the rings fit, there is a u-shaped piece of metal, a “bump”, for lack of a better word . If you squeeze your piston ring together, you will notice that there is similar notch cut into the ring where the ring meets. When you put the rings on the piston, make sure that the notch cut in the rings fits exactly with the “bump”. Then get 2 screwdrivers, flatheads work best, Place one tip on top, and the other tip below the piston ON the ring. Have someone squeeze the ring together with the screwdrivers while you slip the cylinder over it.
Ok this baby needs a little more work.. will update you guys on the latest updates when we get some more time to work on it.
Watch this space!
We just got a 1965 Allstate for a hundred. It had been spray painted and needs a new shift selector box, but after about five kicks, it fired up. this is my first Vespa, and I am excited to start the restoration project.
Hi there,
I live in Bangkok and own a working 1974 vespa 150cc. They are an absolute blast. If you need any info or parts just contact me as the parts here are in abundance and dirt cheap. You can contact me on carl@ahlstromconsulting.com.
Hope your restoration project is going well and nearing completion.
Regards,
Carl
When it is time for you to choose your k&n air filter it really does pay to do lots of research
Enjoy the restore!
I wouldn’t invest in paint. Get it running and dependable mechanically and call it quits, unless this specific model is sentimental to you. The rust can be treated.
Check out my restoration at:
http://www.vesparestoration.blogspot.com
It should prove very helpful on your resto.
Best of luck and have fun!
Jeremy
Nice to find a blogspot that mixes scooters and music. Right up my alley!
I’m looking forward to the restoration project posts. I’m always into learning little tricks.
Have fun,
Bill
Welcome Jeffraham!
A hose clamp you say? Hmm that does sound like it could work.. may look into that when i next get round to work on her.
Cheers for visiting
I’ve heard of others using a hose clamp to compress the rings while inserting the piston back into the cylinder. I’ve never tried it, but it sounded like a good idea!
.
Really! that would make life a hell of a lot easier.
Do you have a link to where I could buy such a tool?
Thanks for visiting the blog Ron!
There is an actual tool to compress the piston rings as you slip the unit into the cyl. If you are serious about doing major engine repair work…it is worth the investment.
And then you can be the hero and lend it to all your scooter friends.
Hey thanks for all your kind comments! I will look into the Continental Zippy 1 tires… maybe i could even look at posting a review of a number of different tires on here.
I will hopefully get some free time to look at her at the weekend so will keep you posted.
$250, eh? She looks pretty straight. Low miles. Seems to be a great resto scoot! Keep us filled in on the progress!
(good lookin’ blog by the way)
Well done.
Prepare yourself to sweat like dancing northern soul craziness.
Buy good tires Continental Zippy 1, our choice and a great secure/excelent ride advice!
Don’t forget find a good guy who work on especialized in Vespa range. Sometimes you save more money=fiability and they know all the tricks of this super unbelievable perfect scooter.
And have a good ride.