Modern Vespa

What was to be a straightforward little job has turned into something a tad bigger...
My Vespa was bought second hand - one original owner to me. It appears that he had mounted a windscreen of some sort in the past. But when it was removed, the "inners" of the mount were left in place. So, instead of simply pushing the mount in and setting up the new windscreen, I first have to remove the old mounting system.
Any ideas on how to do this?
Assuming the mounting system is the same as the new one, it relies upon pressure when the "expander" joint is compressed. I assume that is still in place. I can, I think, get the metal end piece out, and in theory that should free up the joint and allow its removal.
It would be great is one of those here took a pic of the windscreen mounting hole to show me what it originally looked like as a guide. I don't want to remove too much, or too little.
Thanks, guys...

Willow

It's difficult to imagine how windscreen mounts could be removed and leave any part inside the mounting tube.

The receptacle in the headset (or mounting tube) is just an open-ended smooth metal tube, like a section of pipe. As you point out the windshield mount is a compression fitting. You insert the mount until the tightening bolt is flush with the receptacle then tighten. It's the same principle as the stem for the handlebars on a bicycle.

Assuming there is a compression fitting in the tube, and that the tightening bolt and the windshield mount are not present (though as mentioned that seems unlikely), the way to release the compression part is to press the fitting into the tube further. For instance I had an all metal Cuppini mount that would tend to get stuck. Once the tightening bolt was fully loosened gently tapping the mount towards the headset would pop the compression joint loose.

I suspect something funky was done to mount a windscreen on your bike. You may have to completely remove both the front and rear headset covers to get full access to the mounting tube to figure out what is in there and how to clear the tube.

If you do try tapping the obstruction in, go gently to avoid damaging the back half of the headset.

Good luck!

It was probably a Faco screen - their metal expansion system is notorious for getting stuck inside. You may find it easiest to remove the headset and 'attack' it from the rear.

I think you are right - it looks like the monster I have to destroy!

I might be able to help when we get together on June 1. I have a Faco that I swap between two scoots. I might be able to get the bolt into it, then get it to release its grip. That's maybe but it is possible.

Yes, I managed to separate the expansion part from the mounting bar. Had to remove all the handle bar stuff to get it out. It was a bit of a fuss but I won't let that happen again. Lesson learned.

So, if I remove the handlebar cover, what will I find? Is the tube for the windshield mounts open when th cover is removed? Can one access the back and push it out? Is true rear of the tube open?

Open it up and find out.

Well, That's helpful...

Hi Willow,

I'm not sure if you were able to identify the hardware that is stuck as the Falco screen JimC indicated, but FWIW I had a similar issue with old hardware being still in place when it was on the showroom floor.

Here is the post:

A Different Kind of Windscreen Help

I was able to get it out with a long flathead screwdriver. Maybe you are in the same predicament?!

So you're suggesting someone else should take off their headset just to find out, for you, if the backs of the mounting tubes are open and accessible?

C'mon.

Dear JiimC...
No, I was not suggesting that anyone do that, silly. I assumed that some here may have removed the headset in the past and could provide the answer from their past experience.
Really. Was it that hard to explain? You seem to assume the worst when a reasonable answer is easy.
I thought this was a friendly place, but perhaps not.

There are many friendly people here on this site. I hope you don't get disheartened by one response. Jim is a nice guy. He might have had a rough day or something. Please accept my apology in behalf and stick around.

I'm not very friendly.

Bill x

Lol. Who are you kidding.

Mostly myself.

Bill x

I played musical windscreens, two fulls still for sale BTW, and have had just about every possible glitch, including yours. You should be able to thread the proper bolt in a few turns and lightly but sharply tap it with a mallet and get it free. A good dose of antiseize first, please. WLeuthold has got the idea and I'm certain it will work. It may take a few tries with the bolt threaded to several different depths.

Bill L. was passing by town on this day to the Cannonball and solved the windscreen issue in a few brief minutes. He has a Faco on his GT. Removing that, he then had the bolt which matched the old mount on my 250. Insert, screw in a bit, and then wiggle and pull. Suffice to say, the old mounts were out in a twinkle. The Issota windscreen will be mounted this afternoon and pics posted.
It is NOT necessary to remove the headset or pound the old mount out from behind. Using this method, the problem is solved so very quickly...
An easy solution to an otherwise dificciult problem...
Bill is a very nice fellow and we enjoyed a few relaxing minutes before he headed west and then north to Alaska...