Modern Vespa

I haven't tracked down a decent 9" replacement, and wouldn't mind staying small. It's definitely getting hopped up, as I have enough 50cc options in moped form.

I am going to focus on powerplant rebuild first, and work my way into the periperals. Certainly wouldn't fight the bump to 10" wheels and hubs, if it's necessary.

I'd be tempted to retrofit the lock in place of the lever for that battery door, the doors being so rare and all. At least then it won't rattle open on you as they are wont to do.

Already ordered!

punch a hole in the door and a hole in the frame, zip tie and done. it's not like it's OG paint or anything....

wait...

Just wanted to follow up with a question, given V oodoo thought this may be a 50N, although judging by the VIN/Engine numbers it seems this chassis is a 50R, with a 50 Special powerplant? Attached some photos in case someone more well-versed can chime in, but according to Scooterlounger/Mercato/Scooterhelp cross ref, that's the case.

Last digit engine number a 1?

That isn't showing up on scooter help engine number search.

Dirty,
You probably have a 50R, similar to the 50N from what I recall w/ 9" tires, but I've never seen one - just read about when I had the 50N.

I'm really pleased you have no plans to paint it, you WILL be amazed how nicely that tuff old original paint buffs out.


Who knew all that old shine was still lurking beneath the gloom ???

Lovely blue VooDoo. Great example of what can be done to save original factory paint!

The PO had sprayed a "clear" over everything to stop an oxidization, so for now I am going to simply try to buff what I can and build something I don't mind riding. The frame can always be stripped and resto-ed later should I ever decide, but I would be honestly more inclined to do a full an original paint restore on my Lambretta and let the 50R be what it is.

As for the 9" wheels, I will try to stick with them until the bike outgrows them and the brakes.

Besides, 9" is pretty decent compared to another one of my projects.

Everybody loves how an 8" bike is more nimble than a big 10" model, including me on my old AllState, what a 'go cart' it is! I felt the same on those old nines vs the huge normal tens on a smallie, but lucky I didn't blow the antique original Ceats. New owner Nuttmeg found new tires somewhere and rides it as originally intended.

Project in the making! Fresh out of the shed pic. Thanks to a nice MV member V oodoo, this patina project (125 primavera) will slowly become whole again! Updates to follow, happy 4th all.

That's a LOT of patina there, but it does look to be solid & straight. What are your plans, and does the motor run?

Thanks! It is straight but weathered.

Plans are clean up as wholesome as possible, neutralizing where needed without sacrificing look. There is a spot on the rear floor that needs some metal repair. Patina paint doors as best as can to blend in with finish, same with USA holes and floor repair. Plan on running euro/german harness for bar end signals and no battery (USA blinkers are broken in several places) to have a smooth but tasteful look.

Engine was running recently, points system heavily worn though, however a stock rebuild is as far as I will go, simple and factory is fine with me. Will of course convert to et3 flywheel, stator cdi setup.

Going to be fun for sure!

do you have the elusive battery side door?

Working on that 😀!

Open wallet wide….

Maybe this will be useful to someone?

https://www.facebook.com/johnathan.sanchez.395

Roland, have you seen this? metal smallframe / elestart "left" / battery door
This member has been working on this for a while, tooling up for modest production runs and he should be getting close soon.

I actually have a NOS battery door that I had planned to make into a pattern to cast aluminum repops for the starving market, but then Mr Saturn began tooling up to make them in steel more like originals. So now I'm letting it go to a worthy cause (sad beat up blue Primavera ).

I've abandoned the casting idea because it would require a fair amount of rework to my original door to convert it into a master pattern, including lagging most of the thickness up ~3/16" or more from the inside except where it fits to the frame, modifying the spot welded hooking tabs so they can draw out of the sand and then making a follow board or better, a matchplate pattern. There would then be some machining required for latch hole and hook mounts... It could be done, but stamping them out makes a lot more sense.

Not only is the primavera thankful, but I am as well extremely grateful . 😁

You are very welcome, yours is just the sort of project that I had hoped to connect with.



I would have lagged the green taped area up to 1/8" thick, about same same as now w/ the small flange. The rest could go up to 3/16" to help castability.

The yellow tape shows the hook lugs filled in to draw out of the sand and to gate into to fill the mold cavity. They would be milled out to fit like the originals.

Wow, very good visual of what would be needed, makes you think where are the original die or dies I would assume as wear and tear of stamping would have seen several. Probably scrapped and repurposed. Man it does fit perfect!

Yes I seen that thread. I just thought that FB post can also be useful as Saturn's case has been going from 2021 and still not results.

Best video I've seen today...

https://youtube.com/shorts/tFuLScg6XTI

Not bad too)
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM2C9TDSX/

Picked up this '67 50s.
Cleaned the carb, split the cases and new seals, new tyres and tubes and it was a goer.
Polini 75cc top end and pipe.[/img]

Is that OG paint? It looks like new!

White Japanese 50s at the back…!

It's original, these two have been looked after very well. Sitting in a shed for the last 10 years. I only bought the red one. I should of bought them both looking back.
They were for sale for $500 NZD each with registration on hold.

Damn…! I would've paid triple price and still been happy…

Here is my last work. 50 Special chassis with Primavera engine and handlebar.
Before and after.

Very nice transformation.

The guy who owns red Special Primavera was so tempted by Vespa that he buy one more.
This is 1980 50 Special for Deutschland market. In very good condition and original paint.

Getting another Vespa after getting one is like having another beer after having one.

Truth.

Update on my '66.
Took the polini 75cc top end off to use on another project and replaced with a SS50 top end which I have raised a bit and widened the exhaust port. Replaced the 16.16 with a 19:19 and associated manifold. What a pain to jet. But I've got it where I'm happy 😊.
Reason to lower the capacity was to see what incan do with only 50cc. Happily does 70kph on the flat with an 85kg me on it. I wanted the polini 75 for a SS50 I'm getting running.
[/img]

Hahhahaha

I hadn't seen that post…
Gold.

Not sure if anyone posts here anymore? I have a 77 primavera 125 and am putting the DR 130 top end on it. Would you do it in place, lower the back of the engine, or take the engine out to do this?

In place since just replacing the cylinder is enough with DR. No work on cases needed.

^^^ This, just pull the gas tank & carb and lay it engine side down on a couple of fat cushions, pull the muffler, flip it over then pull the shock bolt = the easiest way to do it IMO.