DIY Network

Vespa Assembly: Research Methods and History From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-110

In this episode of DIY's Classic Rides host Kevin Tetz begins an exciting new restoration on a 1974 Vespa Sprint Veloce.

With 15,000,000 Vespas sold worldwide in the past 50 years, it's safe to say the scooter is special and popular, and it has continued to reinvent itself over the years while still retaining its original integrity and classic look (figure A). Be something that began as basic transportation has now become associated with a sense of freedom and carefree attitude, as seen in the current movie, Alfie.

This particular project scooter had been stored and forgotten for a number of years, and it's in need of some serious body and mechanical work. During the restoration a number of projects will be covered, including painting to mechanical work.

Host Kevin Tetz taking the project '74 Vespa Sprint Veloce for a spin before the restoration begins.

Figure A -- Vespa with a Sidecar

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Figure B

Helpful Research and Resources

Before Kevin gets started with the restoration, he goes over some helpful research you'll need to do and resources you'll find invaluable.

• For a primary research tool, look to a history book that will give you a general overview of not just the scooter but the whole design, the concept and even into the subculture of scooters.

• A workshop manual can serve as your bible throughout the restoration. These manuals walk you through every procedure from nose to tail -- and even tell you what tools you'll need.

• Getting involved in the vast scooter community will help associate you with people who have been where you are getting ready to go. There is basically a scooter club in every state, and there are loads of people willing to extend a hand and help you with your restoration project.

• Keep your eyes open for scooter rallies (figure B), which take place throughout the country. They're a great place for swapping parts getting restoration ideas and connected with the scooter community.

Figure C

Condensed Vespa History

After World War II roads throughout Italy remained badly damaged and the economy was a low point, and automobiles were scarce and those available were extremely expensive. Most Italians rode, and sometimes even had to push, bicycles to work.

Meanwhile, with his aeronautical plant in ruin, Enrico Piaggio set out to rebuild his family's company. He asked his top designer to come up with a new, practical mode of transportation that was affordable for the Italian masses.

The result was a motor scooter that was no only economical, reliable and easily operated, but was also fast and stylish.

Upon seeing the final design of the new scooter, with its sleek look, narrow waist and rounded rear (figure C), Piaggio remarked, "Sembra una Vespa," which means it seems like a wasp. The Vespa name stuck and the Vespa motor scooter quickly became popular throughout the world.

When compared with other restoration projects such as cars and motorcycles, scooter restoration can be extremely inexpensive -- $2,000 can go a long way, in fact.

Whether you have a scooter or just want to learn about restoring one, Kevin will be demonstrating professional procedures, sharing tips for this great do-it-yourself project in this and the next three episodes.

In the next segment Kevin is joined by Vespa restoration expert Greg West to help evaluate the project scooter.

RESOURCES :

Eazyrizer Big Blue Motorcycle Lift (Driven Gear)
Driven Gear Inc.
Website: www.drivengear.com

Vespa Restoration Parts (Scomo)
Scomo
Website: www.scomo.net

Air Compressor (Bend-Pak)
Bend-Pak, Inc.
Website: www.bendpak.com

Stock Photos, Videos, CD Rom and Timesurfer (Piaggio)
Piaggio, USA, Inc.
Website: www.piaggio.com/

Vespa Stock Photographs
The National Archives and Records Administration
Website: www.archives.gov

GUESTS :

Greg West
Scooter Restoration Expert
E-mail: wheelsX2@yahoo.com