Modern Vespa

Hi all! Soooo I picked up a new project yesterday and to be honest, I don't really know what I've bought but thought it would make a good winter project. It does need work, probably more than I realise at this moment in time. it's allegedly a 1973 model but I don't know if it has the right bits on to confirm that. Feel free to comment and advise, I won't be offended and they will be gratefully received. Please see pictures below. Thanks

Looks like a Super. Not sure if it's from Indo. Seems like it's very original and maybe that's the factory paint.

Maybe Lookup the info at scooterhelp.com.to determine year and model.

This is one Indonesian Vespa similar to what you have being restored. If no to little rust you won't need to do all of that especially if the paint is original.

That blue is often Indian/Bajaj

Nice!

Post a pic of the speedo and the serial number when you get a chance.
That is a cool blue. Great score.

Thanks for the comments/video. I do think it has SEA origins. When I get that far, I don't think I will be retaining the blue, I've seen a nice grey that I think would be period correct, but choosing a colour is a very long way off yet.

What is the best way to go about this? Do i try to get it running before strip down or just dive into the body and do mechanicals after? I've read quite a few threads on here but I'm undecided as to where to start. Suggestions gratefully received.......

Does it look original or is it a bitsa? I will post more pictures, including speedo and frame number but just wondered what parts I will need to sourcing. The shopping basket is not staying.

I would clean the gas tank and carb.
Put a new spark plug in.
Test and tighten the cables.

And then kick it over and see how it runs. Then clean it up cosmetically while you are test riding and determine how you wanna proceed long term.

This will give you a better idea of next steps.

Unless experienced with Vespas and/or vintage restos do not do a full tear down from the jump. That is the most common recipe for Deep Fried Abandoned Project.

IMHO YMMV etc etc

PS - New tires too!

PSS- if that turns out to be a US or Euro market bike in original paint..I would also encourage you not to repaint.

I saw that one on Ebay too. It looks like a Bajaj to me. The accessories, number plates and speedo certainly make it look of Indian origin. The frame number might give some clues, if there is one.

Thanks all 👍
Please see frame number and speedo.
By my research it's a '73 Italian bike, but happy to be corrected.
What do all these switches do as they are different to my manual?

The toggle on the left of the switch controls which lights are on. It's currently OFF. In the middle setting it turns on the tail light and pilot light if you have one, don't think you do though and then to the left it's all on.
Toggle on the right controls high or low beam
Button under it is the horn.

Before you try to get it running and want to go riding around, what does the bottom of the floor and tunnel look like? If it's anything like the area above your VIN number, you may have more to consider first.

Also pull the gas tank out and the plastic 'floor' at the bottom for a good inspection. Post up more pics if you have any doubt.


Let's have a closer look here all cleaned up

Once again I thank you.
What is the little white switch for at the side? So I don't have a kill switch to turn the scoot off when it's running?
Yes, I will pull tank and check it over. Left side cowl is shot. Floor does need some patching as does front of leg shield where mudguard catches it.
This is gonna be fun I think!

White button = Kill switch
And yes...Terry is correct as usual, if there is structural frame rust... that has to be managed before riding.

Yep that is the kill switch, as Birdsnest said

nice - I think it'll be a fun project. Probably the least fun part will be dealing with that rust

I'm sure it will be fun but a PITA also. I've decided to strip it and do body work first, then paint the reassemble, which is always the best part!

Strip down started. Found the rear mudguard not in the best condition, probably why it was hidden behind some tarty shiny crap. Does anyone know if a repair panel is available for a VBC? I've found a PX one, could I use some of that panel and just bastardise it a bit or is it totally different? I assume the chances of finding a frame cut will be nil as they will rust there.

VIN's definitely restamped, handlebars / speedo combo says Indo origins…

Yeah but that's ok. I'm happy to throw some love and cash at this and keep it on the road. I'm not in it for any resale profit. It's more about the tinkering in the garage as it is totally different to my day job. it will occupy me over the winter with a view to it being ready for the road in the Spring. It's cool.

This is typical for an SEA or South Asian bikes. The combination of years of riding during the wet seasons have profound effect on the sheet metal. You will want to pull your fuel tank out and check the metal below the fuel tank on the chassis.

Good to see another 150 Super owner here, I'm sure the engine and frame serial number will tell you something.

VBClT 1001- 554808

Yes defo. Frame will be fully stripped and assessed and repaired as required. Should hopefully be fully stripped by tomorrow night

Thanks for that. Comes back as a 73 with both numbers matching.

Whilst the frame and parts are away being blasted, i started to work on my forks. Had a bit of trouble freeing of the mudguard bolts which had sheared, so thought I would remove the rest of the bolt. Had an issue when the aluminum casting part sheared off so ended up locating a good used fork. The more i dismantled the original forks the more I thought well, I might as well replace the stub axle bearings, damper and spring, which are all on order. Pictures below of damage and strip down.

I was discussing colours with a mate and he is firmly in the resto camp and wants it back to original Azzuro blue, I think it is. I'm leaning towards either Audi Nardo grey or VW Pure Grey, what do you peeps reckon?

With all that rust, is the frame away being blasted or is it more accurate to say that the frame is being blasted away?

More than likely! I must admit I am a bit nervous about how much of it I will get back!

Sprayed a smallie for a friend in Audi Nardo Gray. It's an attractive color.

Another good thread to follow. I'll be watching this one closely as I do my Super 150.

So this is a gift that can't stop. New damper cam today so took the bolt of the old one and found this damage. Now need a new suspension link/hub assy. Yay!

Any idea where I can get one in the uk? Only ones I can find are in India and not sure about the quality though.

I would be scouring classifieds and even eBay, as you did with the forks. I find that good used parts trump brand new in most cases. You're a brave man going to these lengths with an SEA imported 150 Super!!

I just want it to be done right as I plan on keeping it so might as well sort all the stuff out now as I probably won't go back to change parts once it's finished. I'll might have to sell my PX after it's done.

Tha'ts a nice colour and it looks like you got a really finish on that paint. Think I might want mine a slightly lighter shade. Pure grey is looking favourable now I think.

Body back from blasters and its not too bad considering. I have decided to get rid of the legshield and floor and have already got the replacement panel. See photos' below and feel free to comment........

Whilst i was waiting, I have rebuilt the replacement forks with new new bearing, shoes and cables. Hub and wheel looks good in fresh powder coat.

I've been carrying with this little project and have split the frame and floor. More spot welds then I thought and I'm positive they all aren't original. Hopefully, deal with the rust on the frame and get my new floor and leg shield panel on this week. Let me know your thoughts.

What's the tunnel look like?

I don't have anything constructive to share, just encouragement.

It looks like it has been patched in a couple places. It's doable but would need a fair bit of welding and some fabbed or replacement sheet metal.

I'm guessing you missed the step of welding a bar from front of seat area to top of cowl/headset to ensure everything stays straight while replacing floor/skirt.
Ensure its nice n straight when putting it back together.
Do a search to finD the distance between the 2 points to ensure you have correct rake angle