Modern Vespa

I picked up this 788-101 locally here in NJ. It was originally found in a storage unit in really nice original condition. The prior owner decided to restore it to non original specs. My plans are to restore it back to original specs.

Here are some pics of the bike when it was found several years ago.....with a little clean up this would have been one of nicest early unrestored bikes in existence...

It is interesting to note all the original Allstate accessories on bike. The buddy seat, grab handle and spare tire mount were bought new with the bike in 1951.











Last edited by GranSport67 on Sun Dec 11, 2016 6:03 pm; edited 2 times in total

Here are some photos of it when I got it home. Plans are to take it back to the original color.

Thanks for all the great pics w/ so much detail. Great find and amazing collection that shows your dedication - I hope you are able to ride them regularly, if very carefully of course.

I don't think this one's an Allstate, scene looks too Europey & wrong headlite but thought you might enjoy it regardless.

looks like the fork is bent.

prior owner had sprayed a heavy coat of clear on the bike so it needed to be sand blasted. Fortunately the body is super straight. Other than the cowls and front fender there is little body work needed.













Last edited by GranSport67 on Thu Mar 02, 2017 4:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

Ready for paint

Paint - Single Stage PPG Allstate Green

New Pascoli wiring harness installed.

Assembly begun...

Wheels assembled with NOS Allstate Cruiseaire tires.

Badge attached. I re-created the original inspection sticker that was on this bike. The prior owner took a picture of it before he sent it to the sandblaster. I used 32lb paper which is heavier than normal paper.

looking fantastic what a soothing color nice job on the inspection sticker looking forward to more photo's

great thread

First class work, I'm excited to see the finished scooter.

Fork Assembly. I installed a high tension front spring from Andreas Nagy to help with normal Allstate dive. I will ride this with a sidecar attached so I will need a firm front suspension.

Other small accomplishments

I am restoring an original Meyers Allstate Cruisaire Companion Sidecar to go along with the bike. I will be restoring this as close to factory specs as possible.















Last edited by GranSport67 on Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:19 am; edited 1 time in total

Sidecar bodywork

Ready for reassembly

Sourced correct NOS Goodyear tires. These are the same tires that were on it when sold new.

Assembly started

WOW!! Just W.O.W.

Coming along very nicely, the matching AllState sidecar w/ even the proper tire is the perfect complement.


Do you have the original tire pump that fits here?

Like this? If not, I might be persuaded to part with this one, PM me.

Thanks for the offer. I already have one. I would be curious to know which is an earlier model?

Progress update...

drop dead gorgeous.

It's a fantastic job as I like them ..

Incredible, jaw-dropping work. So happy to see an update; I was just reading through this thread last week wondering when an update would come along!

Assembly continues

I recently sourced an original Allstate Accessory Speedo. It will need restoration so I will take it on when the bike is done. I am also intending on restoring my original accessory windshield for the bike.

So a perfect restoration isn't enough - you have to restore a sidecar, AND era-correct accessories, too?! Unbelievable work! I can't wait to see this completed.

I have another weekend worth of work to do to finish it. Still needs the wiring sorted out and cable sheathing installed.

Simply incredible. Waiting with bated breath for the photos of it finished up 100%.

Neat bike, I've got a Meyers side car that probably deserves to coupled with an original bike.

The scooter is finished. Still need to restore the speedo, windscreen and fabricate a sidecar windscreen. Soon to be sold to fund the restoration of the next project...