Modern Vespa

Hello from just outside Vancouver, BC, Canada. I've been looking for a long time for a good mid-'60s Vespa and found, and bought, a wonderful '65 'Sprint' restored about ten years ago, but still in excellent (non-concourse) condition.

.....It never rains but it pours. A guy just down the street has a '62 VBB in parts that he is considering selling. It comes with the original motor--which is in poor condition--and a newer replacement that runs well. The only thing missing from the scooter is the left-hand cowel. All the little bits of trim, etc. are present and in pretty good shape. The whole thing is scruffy and mostly reassembled, but there's still lots of work to be done. Two questions: are left side cowls readily available for a VBB, and what should I expect to have to pay for a good one; 2) what should I pay for the whole project?

Thanks very much, and I look forward to a long association here.

Pictures man, pictures. Check Scooter Mercato, scoot.net, scootlist, for the cowls.

A guy on ebay is selling some for around $120 and ships from the US. Prob could find some cheaper if you look really hard. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vespa-glove-box-LEFT-side-cowl-VNA-VNB-VBA-VBB-/130480210345?pt=Other_Vehicle_Parts&hash=item1e613a01a9&vxp=mtr

Pictures of the potential purchases would be nice. Everyone loves pictures even though the price is based on many things.

Don't order any cowls yet? Go here first and ask.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/5382548626/

How far out of Vancouver are you?

Simon.

Here are some photos. I'd like to hear nit-picky observations from you experts who know every nut and bolt of 'Sprints'. Tell me anything that isn't 'right'. I live in White Rock, South Surrey.[/URL[URL=http://s292.photobucket.com/user/frohn-nielsen/media/Vespa3_zpscda08e73.jpg.html][/URL[URL=http://s292.photobucket.com/user/frohn-nielsen/media/Vespa2_zpsd5dba033.jpg.html][/URL[URL=http://s292.photobucket.com/user/frohn-nielsen/media/Vespa1_zpsae4291f1.jpg.html]

It looks nice, but a few alarms are going off in my head.

Two tone color.
Sprints don't have leg shield glove boxes.

I know this bike. It is a scoots r us bike. Back in the early 2000's when they were just getting off the ground, some of there first bikes were being sold through a Vancouver scooter shop called Scootermd. This is one of those bikes. Although Asian "rebuilt" scooters are generally to be avoided, these bikes weren't too bad all things considered and had new motors. Not my cup of tea, but hopefully not bodged.

Ack! The guy assured me he had it restored in Ireland before immigrating to Canada. I'm wondering if I've been royally ripped off.

yeah, that "sprint" is totally a South East Asian resto. while it may have been to ireland for a pint of the black stuff, it's about as Irish as my american arse!

we could pick apart that thing for days, but what is done is done. so ride it and enjoy it. hopefully it's safe and doesn't break.

now, let's see some pix of the '62

-g

I hope to be able to get back to you all with more news next week. 'Till then, thank you all for your expertise. Can you please point out those issues with this scoot that prove it to be a Vietnamese 'restoration'. I am in touch with the seller and I must tread very carefully here. I need specific ammunition.

......I have to say that I've been involved in old automotive/mechanical stuff for decades now, and have never been ripped off. Thus this whole episode stinks. Having said that, I will get an honest Vespa. A Vespa 90 was the first vehicle I learned to drive--at 14--and I love the aesthetic. Forums are so great!!!!!

peruse both of these threads:
bodge spotting-
Bodgespotting

deal of the day-
Deal O' The Day

both will impart knowledge from individuals that are far sharper than i am.

as to specifics of your bike:
two tone paint
trap headset
ign switch in the legshield glovebox
legshield glovebox
the seats are very aftermarket SEA quality looking
chrome/stainless buddyseat mounting plate
rear rack/tire mount & square plate frame w/ duck bill is typical of a SEA resto
the wtf 'performance' pipe that's on there.
the brake pedal is incorrect and has been adapted to a later P-series style
(this is the single biggest flag that the bike is not properly restored and more than likely a spootRS bike)

there are several other small things but i don't have clear views in the photos.

also, i hope you didn't just buy this, seeing that the tags are from 2010... if it's sat that long, there's a reason for it.

look, i've been involved in vintage cars for a long time too. just because you've spent some time spinning wrenches and got dirt under your nails doesn't preclude you from getting taken by somebody that is betting on your ignorance regarding a very specific niche product.

if you can get your dough back, do so. if not, well chalk it up to a learning experience.

-g

Quick update: the seller is willing to take back the scooter for a full refund, and I can also get my registration taxes back. Thus if all ducks end up in a row next week, I will not be out of pocket, and will have gained a 'good' story. Thanks, everyone, for being my 'expert witnesses'. Much appreciated--though I wish the story was different.

This does mean I'm back in the hunt for a good '60s era Vespa. I'll have to follow up on that VBB down the street--and post pictures BEFORE I purchase.

Yes, bring on the pics. Good man.

Here's an update: my (non) 'Sprint' is now back with its original owner and I received a full refund for my purchase price. Turns out that he is a prominent member of the local public arts scene and, I suspect, did not want the bad publicity I promised to rain down on him if he stuck me with his misrepresented scooter. I have also discovered that I can receive a full refund for the tax I paid to have it registered here in British Columbia. Thus I am now Vespa-less, again, but have gained a good story, I'm not out of pocket, I've (maybe) learned my lesson, and I've discovered this forum. I'm happy.......

Still haven't been to see the VBB down the street, but will report (hopefully with pictures) once I do.

I'm checking Scoot.net and ebay for vintage Vespas for sale. Are there any other sites you recommend? What am I looking for? Ideally a GS, but with a GL as a good second, but I suspect everyone is looking for those. Thus one of the earlier, more rounded-body Vespas, but post-handlebar. Condition is negotiable, and I will consider a project (within reason), but all the bits must be present.

You're gonna seriously come outta pocket for even a basket case GS. Find yourself a Rally, or a Sprint Veloce.

Check scootlist.net as well. Read up on the different models on Scooterlounge - Den of vespa.

Thanks for the recommendations. Will check 'me out.

Buy my vbb. original MA title. mechanicals done by local restoration couple (Tom and Anna G). less than 1000 miles since then (they bought from original owner).

like he said, buy that one mate