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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
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Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
It's been awhile since I've been on here but I thought I would share my progress on a 1955 VL1 restoration.

I picked it up awhile back at Moto Strada. It definitely needed some love. Engine wasn't complete. Missing parts. Some rust, big legshield dents, and a hole in the front that was made to run the cables.
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Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
OP
UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Body Work
Once the frame was blasted, there were several areas that needed a lot of attention. The first was the floor panel. A lot of hammer and dolly work to get it straightened. Used a skim coat of aluminum filler to get everything smooth.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Legshield Repair
The large dent on the leg shield was so bad and stretched that it had to be replaced. Luckily I had an old frame and was able to cut out the leg shield section. The dented section was cut out and replaced with the new section. Welded in and ground down.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
More Body Work
Another problem area was at the top of the legshield. It had a large dent at the top at one time and when someone hammered it out it caused the metal to stretch. Normal hammer and dolly work wouldn't get the area back to the original shape since there was "more" metal due to the stretching. Resorted to an old school dolly method to shrink the metal. Metal was heated with a torch, hammer and dolly while hot, and sprayed with water causing the metal to shrink. Took awhile but got the bulge out and the shape correct again.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Early Primer Coats
Once the initial hammer and dolly work was done, it was time for the early primer coats. You can see that the badge area has been repaired. Unfortunately I don't have photos. This was another cut, weld, and replace area. It turned out as good as new.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Wet Sand Primer
More body work. Moved on to a color primer for wet sanding. This is where the frame currently is in it's current state. Once this is complete, it will be sprayed with a red oxide primer that is period correct to a 1955 VL1.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
More Blasting
I sand blasted all the parts. There are two parts stacks here. I am helping a friend with a VL3 and are doing both scooters at the same time. Yes the rack needs repaired . Also re-coated the insides of the gas tanks but don't have photos. These parts will also get the same hammer/dolly work, primer sands, etc. I'll be sending all this out to paint in the period correct single stage color shortly.
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Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Hardware
I want to get this scooter as close to a concourse restoration as possible, so I bead blasted every piece of hardware, sanded each piece with a dremel, bead blasted each piece to get the texture back, and then sent it out for the correct plating. A total pain in the ass but they look nice. I'll post some pictures of the CAD and Phosphate pieces shortly. I am holding out on the Nickel plating to see if I can polish out a lock. Nickel is expensive .
OP
UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Hardware Plating
Some examples of plating and case blasting.

The engine case was bead blasted. The single spring was CAD plated. The group pics were phosphate plated.

The engine rebuild will begin tomorrow. Still missing a couple engine parts. If anyone has a VL1 cylinder head, shroud, and flywheel fan that they want to sell let me know. Thanks.
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Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@brown_beret7 avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
1975 Vespa GTR 125, 1976 Vespa V90 (Resto), 2001 Vespa ET4 125 (Sold), 2009 Vespa GTS300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6064
Location: Northants UK
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@brown_beret7 avatar
1975 Vespa GTR 125, 1976 Vespa V90 (Resto), 2001 Vespa ET4 125 (Sold), 2009 Vespa GTS300 Super
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6064
Location: Northants UK
UTC quote
Doing it right, well done Clap emoticon

Some great metal work there, good reference when I get to the frame of my GTR restoration. Always good to see an old lady brought back to life.

Look forward to seeing the work come on
@gransport67 avatar
UTC

Hooked
1948 Salsbury Model 85, 1951 Allstate 788-100, 1951 Allstate 788-101, 1958 VS4, 1957 Allstate
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Ridgewood, NJ
 
Hooked
@gransport67 avatar
1948 Salsbury Model 85, 1951 Allstate 788-100, 1951 Allstate 788-101, 1958 VS4, 1957 Allstate
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Ridgewood, NJ
UTC quote
Great work Jaime. Love seeing the old school metal working techniques. Looking forward to more updates.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Thanks guys.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
GranSport I've been watching your 788.100 restore. Beautiful job! I started blasting the Pav 40 trailer and plan on making it match the Vl1.
@vader19 avatar
UTC

Mr. Clean
P,SUPER,V90, 50 Special
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10205
Location: This is't my locker!
 
Mr. Clean
@vader19 avatar
P,SUPER,V90, 50 Special
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10205
Location: This is't my locker!
UTC quote
That looks very nice.. it's always nice to see it done well!
Cheers
OP
UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
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Posts: 187
UTC quote
Engine Work
I got to work on the engine a bit today. I always like how the engine insides look. New crank, bearings, seals. Will button up the rest tomorrow. Still waiting on getting a cylinder rebore.
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@jp355s avatar
UTC

Hooked
Joined: UTC
Posts: 149
Location: New York
 
Hooked
@jp355s avatar
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Posts: 149
Location: New York
UTC quote
Great work!!! where did you get the phosphate done?
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
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Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
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Posts: 187
UTC quote
There is a plating shop near me in Akron. They do a good job and make time for small orders like restorations.
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Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Cylinder
I got a chance to get some work done on the cylinder. Everything was carefully taped off and I sandblasted the cylinder. Used multiple layers of a thick masking tape to make sure that the sand did not get into the barrel, collar, exhaust and carb ports.

Once the blasting was done, I took it to get a cylinder hone. It was out of spec for a normal piston, but I have a +1 NOS piston on hand that was in spec.

I'll be painting the cylinder soon. Hopefully on Monday. I found some high temp paint that matches the original piaggio color that is used for engine manifolds. I'll post some more pics when it is done.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Cylinder
I got a chance to get the cylinder painted. Used a product called Por-15 Black Velvet. Two coats and then an oven bake at 350 degrees. Overall, I liked how it came out.
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@jp355s avatar
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Hooked
Joined: UTC
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Location: New York
 
Hooked
@jp355s avatar
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Posts: 149
Location: New York
UTC quote
Looks Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now how do i get my wife to make me bake a cylinder in the oven?
@slowride avatar
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Hooked
1965 vnb, 2008 Yamaha Vino, 2003 Genuine Nauti Stella, '82 Bajaj truck (Ape)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 256
Location: memphis, TN USA
 
Hooked
@slowride avatar
1965 vnb, 2008 Yamaha Vino, 2003 Genuine Nauti Stella, '82 Bajaj truck (Ape)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 256
Location: memphis, TN USA
UTC quote
great work on the scoot and really nice photography. good to see someone put those skills to work.
@erniedb avatar
UTC

Hooked
300 GTS Super - 2010
Joined: UTC
Posts: 153
Location: Hyattsville, Maryland
 
Hooked
@erniedb avatar
300 GTS Super - 2010
Joined: UTC
Posts: 153
Location: Hyattsville, Maryland
UTC quote
I really enjoy watching the restorations on this site. It's always fun to watch the scooters going from their disintegrating state to brand new. You are doing beautiful work. And you bought it at Moto Strada; the same place I bought my 300!
@gransport67 avatar
UTC

Hooked
1948 Salsbury Model 85, 1951 Allstate 788-100, 1951 Allstate 788-101, 1958 VS4, 1957 Allstate
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Ridgewood, NJ
 
Hooked
@gransport67 avatar
1948 Salsbury Model 85, 1951 Allstate 788-100, 1951 Allstate 788-101, 1958 VS4, 1957 Allstate
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Ridgewood, NJ
UTC quote
This is going to be a standout bike given your attention to detail.
Your photography is pure art. How do you shoot it?
OP
UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
More Engine Work
Thanks everyone. Gransport I have a little photo studio. The set up for these is just on a white sweep background. The strobe lighting is two large softboxes on the sides and an umbrella above.

Still plugging away on the motor. Rewired the stator and put in the clutch. Bead blasted the flywheel and the flywheel fan. There are a couple of small corrosion pits and scratches on the fan, so I may sand them out and reblast it.

I've got to track down a couple of pieces of hardware still. Need the 3 flywheel shroud bolts and one of the tabbed washers for the flywheel.

Ran into a bit of a problem with the flywheel fan. When the fan is tightened down it rubs a bit on the engine case. Seems like the little lip on the back is a bit too tall. I'll check and see if I have another fan that works better or worse case scenerio I'll try and figure out a way to get it on a lathe and shave off a millimeter or two.

Waiting on some +1 rings and then the cylinder will go on. Will polish the kickstart lever as the last step since it gets used quite a bit during this process.
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Some more engine progress
I got a chance to work on the engine some more.

I had a brain fart and it turns out that the flywheel and fan were not correct for this bike. Ooops. I was able to find the correct flywheel and hope to be getting a fan soon.

Still need to put some small pieces on the motor. I got a spark but it isnt as strong as I was hoping. Will check some stator stuff tomorrow. Compression is strong. Hoping to check the timing tomorrow, but wont be able to run it long as I am still tracking down a shroud and fan.

Once it is running, I want to replace a couple odds and ends hardware to get the engine the best that I can get it.

Getting there......slowly .
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Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@gransport67 avatar
UTC

Hooked
1948 Salsbury Model 85, 1951 Allstate 788-100, 1951 Allstate 788-101, 1958 VS4, 1957 Allstate
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Ridgewood, NJ
 
Hooked
@gransport67 avatar
1948 Salsbury Model 85, 1951 Allstate 788-100, 1951 Allstate 788-101, 1958 VS4, 1957 Allstate
Joined: UTC
Posts: 163
Location: Ridgewood, NJ
UTC quote
Looks incredible! Keep up the great work.
@vader19 avatar
UTC

Mr. Clean
P,SUPER,V90, 50 Special
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10205
Location: This is't my locker!
 
Mr. Clean
@vader19 avatar
P,SUPER,V90, 50 Special
Joined: UTC
Posts: 10205
Location: This is't my locker!
UTC quote
What a great project and your pics are killer!

Nice work..
@joshzingzing avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
px200 cutdown,px180,px150. Puch SR. Puch scooterette
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5109
Location: west aus
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@joshzingzing avatar
px200 cutdown,px180,px150. Puch SR. Puch scooterette
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5109
Location: west aus
UTC quote
Re: Some more engine progress
jaimekennedy wrote:
Hoping to check the timing tomorrow, but wont be able to run it long as I am still tracking down a shroud and fan.

Once it is running, I want to replace a couple odds and ends hardware to get the engine the best that I can get it.

Getting there......slowly .
sip have cylinder shrouds back in stock supposed to be alumin ium too.

i ordered one a while ago it will be here in a few days i will get back to you on quality and fit when it arrives if you like.... part Num 15074100



might be able to help with a good second hand fan too, if you have a picture of the correct style?
@joshzingzing avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
px200 cutdown,px180,px150. Puch SR. Puch scooterette
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Posts: 5109
Location: west aus
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@joshzingzing avatar
px200 cutdown,px180,px150. Puch SR. Puch scooterette
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5109
Location: west aus
UTC quote
i picked up that shroud today, its not alumin i um, even though thats how sip describe it


its hand made,, beaten out to shape with hammers etc and painted a silver colour


it fits ok but not perfectly, will need a bit of fettling to fit snug. but then its pretty much the only shroud for vl/vb on the market


so im happy enough with it but since its going on a very original but scratched up scooter ill keep an eye out for the real deal. shit ive been looking out for the real deal for two and a half years



cheers
@sdjohn avatar
UTC

Johnny Two Tone
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9032
Location: San Diego, CA
 
Johnny Two Tone
@sdjohn avatar
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
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Posts: 9032
Location: San Diego, CA
UTC quote
Nice project, really appreciate the pics and seeing the details on a model I'm not familiar with!
UTC

Member
1970 vespa douglas gtr 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: birmingham, england
 
Member
1970 vespa douglas gtr 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 26
Location: birmingham, england
UTC quote
Lovley bike mate. I owned a vespa douglas 42l2 a few years ago. Its the same model but they were imported to be built in bristol. My favourite vespa model by far just after the "donald duck" lol. I would love to own another some day.

I
OP
UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Josh thanks for the info on the cylinder shroud. I may have a lead on an original, but I'll see how that works out. Good to know about the SIP shrouds.

I've had some issues on the stator. Couldn't get a strong spark out of it. Turns out that I didn't have the right one since the points were opening in the wrong location. Tracked down an original but had to do some work on it. To make a long story short, after a lot of tinkering I finally got it to run.

I've got to check the timing, put on the fan, find a shroud, and some cosmetic work (a few hardware pieces, wiring clean up, etc). Other than that I'm ready to move on to the paint and polishing.

I tracked down a flywheel fan and flywheel cover thanks to Joe a member on the forum. Thanks!

Here is a video link of the first engine starts.

⬆️    About 1 month elapsed    ⬇️
UTC

Lurker
vs1m
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Spain
 
Lurker
vs1m
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3
Location: Spain
UTC quote
i got a gs150 ,the engine looks like vl but never worked with ignition points
@vespa_auntie avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3406
Location: pacifica,ca.
 
Ossessionato
@vespa_auntie avatar
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3406
Location: pacifica,ca.
UTC quote
lucky devil! gonna be stunning. keep posting. Clap emoticon
⬆️    About 10 years elapsed    ⬇️
OP
UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Can't believe it has been so long since I had to put this on the back burner due to life stuff (house renov., job promos, family stuff) but better late than never. Ha!
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UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Side view.
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OP
UTC

Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
 
Hooked
1952 Allstate, 1955 VL1, 1953 VM1, GL 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 187
UTC quote
Left side.
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@killo avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
I have a few scooters....
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2229
Location: San Antonio, TX
 
Ossessionato
@killo avatar
I have a few scooters....
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2229
Location: San Antonio, TX
UTC quote
That's a thing a beauty! Nice job on the restoration!
@roland87 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1571
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
 
Molto Verboso
@roland87 avatar
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1571
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
UTC quote
10 years...
But it turned out absolutely magic!
Congratulates!!
@pigletpilot avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Gina, 1965 Vespa 180SS, Bella,1968 Vespa 150 Super, Mia, 2017 Vespa Primavera 70th Anniversary 150ie, Gabriella, 2017 GTS300 ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1944
Location: Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, NZ
 
Molto Verboso
@pigletpilot avatar
Gina, 1965 Vespa 180SS, Bella,1968 Vespa 150 Super, Mia, 2017 Vespa Primavera 70th Anniversary 150ie, Gabriella, 2017 GTS300 ABS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1944
Location: Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, NZ
UTC quote
BEAUTIFUL Scooter emoticon

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