Modern Vespa

I've had an Ape project in my garage for well over a year, and I'm finally getting started. Actually I have two Apes, one is a 1956 and one is a 1957. I am using the '57 as a source of parts for the '56. Here is the before picture. It looks pretty good from this distance, but when you get a little closer, you can see how much work it's really going to take.

There is some pretty significant body rust in the roof area, particularly at the rear near the support columns. The repair of the roof will take someone with skill that is far beyond my own, so I'll be having someone with the proper tools and experience handle this part.

The first thing I had to do to was just get it mobile. The tires were rotted, and the hubs didn't want to spin, so it was hard to move it around the garage. I bought some new wheels (I'll be blasting and powder coating the old ones) and removed the old, only to find the the area between the wheels and the hub were completely packed with the remains of a community of spiders. I got all this cleaned out and put the new wheels on...it moves great now. Below is a picture of the Ape with the temporary wheels on, and the spider stuff has all been removed.

Next I removed the box from the rear of the Ape, to make it easier to get at all the parts that will need to be removed and rebuilt. My next task was to remove the transmission from the parts Ape and the motor from the '56 (which is now done). Then I removed headset and front fork from the donor Ape.. My plan is to rebuild the front fork, the transmission, and the engine first, because they are the simplest steps.

I'll be using the front mudguard from the donor, only because I like it better. The '56 has a split/welded front mudguard, but the donor had a one piece mudguard.

Once the front fork assembly is removed and cleaned, I'll be getting some of the parts blasted and powdercoated prior to reassembly.

Most excellent!

That thing is freakin' awesome !

I made a comment about the glass before, am i correct that all the glass is good.?

Love the headlight and bracket, cool.

Hi Jimmy,

Between the two Apes I have one complete set of windows. I'm going to have to buff out the curved sections to get rid of the haziness.

Len

Got the fork stripped down for rebuilding.

Once apart, I inspected the parts and noticed that a small bit of the collet thru which the shock bolts is broken off. You can see it at the bottom right corner of the picture. I'm wondering if this will affect the performance of the fork when rebuilt? It seems to serve more as a stand-off for the shock to bolt up against than for actual strength of support. I have another fork I could poach a part from, but would rather use/fix this one if possible. What do you think, fixable?

Sweet!

That's where the dampner sits, correct. Do you have someone close that can just build that area up and then you shape??

I think I do know someone who could build it up. Will find out tomorrow.

That is awsome. Keep the pics coming!!

Looking forward to watching this one. Good stuff Len.

If this turns out half as nice as your last restoration, it's gonna be frickin awesome. Keep the pics coming, Len.

Can i ask where you found those 2 gems in the rough?

Very nice.
I'm looking forward to seeing the end result.
What's the engine in an Ape of this age?

A Vespa guy in Temecula had them in his garage, he put them on Craigslist. I bought them both for $1,500.

It is a 150cc, similar to a Vespa scooter engine except that it attaches to a transmission (differential) that sends the power to sprockets and chains that drive the rear wheels. It also operates in reverse.

With all the gears?
I like the idea of doing 40mph backwards!

Motor

Differential.

Welded and repaired.

Looking good. Living vicariously.....in your garage.... Thanks!

Cleaning old parts

Emerging from the corrosion...

What kind of cleaner are you using? I have completely dismantled my P200 and am in the process of cleaning and evaluating all the parts. Solvent and carb cleaner aren’t doing as good a job as whatever you are using is doing.

A light touch with a wire wheel.

You will become the Ape Expert.

I dunno, I only know of two of us, and the other guy has been at it longer than I have. Maybe I can become the assistant to the Ape Expert?

....we'll have to ride down just to see the completed project. Good reason for a trip.

That would be awesome!

Fender blasted and etched. Also got fork parts blasted, etched and painted. Will be getting fork assembly back together so it is ready when needed. Next up after fork assembly is motor, then differential.

Please keep up all the threads & photos to document your restoration -- this should fun!

Putting fork back together, and dismantling motor for rebuilding. The piston didn't look to bad for a 54 year old.

Also, I re-posted some Ape technical manuals on my website after the data was lost. will also be updating a page there with more pictures (but will keep posting progress pics here.)

http://www.brooktownclassics.com

Love it Len, your work is awesome!

Agreed

Will you be keeping it or selling it when you are done ?

You have been pretty busy Len!

Great job, makes me want to get back out in the garage to work on my small frame.