DIY Network

Vespa Assembly: Scooter Inspection From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-110

	Vespa restoration expert Greg West (right) joins host Kevin Tetz to inspect the DIY project '74 Vespa Sprint Veloce.
	For the project scooter, the VIN number is located in two spots -- the front-left leg shield (seen here) and up under the side cowl.

In the first segment host Kevin Tetz introduced DIY's new Classic Rides restoration project -- a 1974 Vespa Sprint Veloce -- and discussed the history of this "fun and carefree" ride. In this segment he's joined by Greg West, a Vespa restoration expert.

It's time to get into the restoration project and see what Kevin is up against.

Inspecting the Project Scooter

• To verify that the project scooter is actually a Vespa, Greg says to look at the vehicle identification number (VIN). The first three digits (VLB for the project scooter) will indicate the type of scooter it is.

• The project scooter is a larger frame scooter that also has a larger leg shield.

• The engine side cowl is removable. (The side cowls are "not" removable on smaller frame scooters.)

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	Figure A -- This is a frame that Greg brought from his shop, not from the project scooter.
	Figure B

• Not all vintage Vespas have turn signals, but in 1973 (one year before the project scooter was made) the United States mandated that all scooters should have turn signals, which is a good safety feature to have.

• For a good "project" scooter, you want to make sure that it has not had any major damage, and you want to examine the fuselage to make sure there isn't rippling and bends in these areas (figure A), which would indicate there has been some kind of impact to the scooter.

  Tip: A good test you can do to the scooter to see if it has any major damage or any body fillers put in would be to use a magnet to make sure you get good adhesion to the scooter. That way you know there isn't a lot of fill that has been applied because the magnet will "not" stick to the plastic. The magnet also won't stick to rust!

  You'll save lots of time and money if you inspect the scooter thoroughly -- so be sure to go over the entire frame with a magnet!

• Kevin and Greg examine the project scooter's seat (figure B), and the foam looks like it's in good shape, so it's probably a candidate for a cover replacement only.

• Some of the light is missing on the project scooter, and the condition of the paint job is salvageable. If Kevin has to repaint, he will.

• When inspecting the tires, check for rotting, cracks and pressure. Tires for Vespas are inexpensive and readily available.

In the next segment Kevin and Greg strip the scooter to inspect the mechanicals, and the engine is removed in preparation for painting.

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