Modern Vespa

I love that ad. It's like the Marlboro Man and disco lady. Can't picture them together, or ever getting on that bike.

For sure, because neither of them would ever have Helmet Hair or the "I rode a motorcycle to Cincinnati" look.

Hasselhoff turned that job down. This guy just happened to be in the right place at the right time that day.

Hasselhoff was never in the running for that ad because of Kitt.

Kitt was always jealous AF of other vehicles and would have gone all Christine on every Vespa it saw if Hasselhoff had been seen with one.

Listen.. christine was in the right. when you get treated like shit.. you snap eventually! She was protecting her man who took care of her.

One little thing at a time.

It might be too late to help you now, but I used caged bearings to replace those when I rebuilt my GL front fork. Made it a much easier job.

I might have to redo these.

I bought the kit for the Rally, but these are really hard to do!

The bearings are very delicate. Just a thin sheet metal cage, and roller bearings that fall out.

I got one almost seated using the wrist pin puller (which has been very handy. Also worked on the rear engine mount).

I guess the washers it comes with are for other models. They show in the parts book

Like I said above, unless you're committed to doing it Old School, try these needle roller bearings. I assume they're a match (otherwise, you can just find the ID & OD you need). They pressed right in and have been working well for almost a year.

12 for $10!

Those look more substantial. They're caged, and have a heavier shell.

If I destroy these ones (possible), i'll try those!

Managed to get the bearings in!

The front end of these bikes is harder to do than the engine.

That is looking pristine! Very nice. And yeah, front ends take some figuring, that's for sure...

I think it's also the least-documented part of the bike, yet seems to have more variations than any other section except maybe the electrical system, but wiring diagrams exist and everyone *knows* to expect pain when dealing with electrickery.

True story.

Congrats on the efforting it looks amazing!

looking factory fresh enjoying your progress!

Front end almost all together now.

Some famous people on a stock white 1974 Rally.

True. Full of surprises.
But the wiring diagrams out there for that US spec bike leave a lot to be desired. The only setup I've seen so far with ?? on the diagram

My aunts and mom went to HS with Hall and Oates. Well one of them. He's originally from my hometown of Lansdale,Pa just outside Philly

I have grown to appreciate Hall and Oates. They wrote some good songs!

I got the shock. There is one that looks identical to the original, but apparently this one is higher quality.

It might drive me crazy that it's not original looking. But it's close.

Anyone have experience with these vs the Mauro Pasoli ones?

First off, what do you mean "I have grown to appreciate Hall and Oates"? No love for them in the 80's? Heck, i appreciated them when i was 6. What could be more awesome than a mustache and moose knuckle denim jeans?

they're good shocks, I've run and installed a ton of them. they've been pretty much the defacto replacement for years. there's also escort which aren't awful, but could or could not look anything like stock depending on the batch. there's also another manufacturer that is escaping me at the moment but they were the weapon of choice about 20 years ago.

anyway, snap on the Gabriel no body will notice and it'll ride way better than some 40 yr old blowed out piece of junk.

also, top marks for the work. it looks ace!

Clean shave, and a fishtail parka.

At that time army surplus stores couldn't give them away. Should have invested in those

I was too pretentious. They were "mainstream," as opposed the "alternative" bands I liked that were selling out stadium shows. 🙂

Thanks! I'll try the Gabriel. It looks really well constructed

I saw The Clash open for The Who at the Coliseum in LA back in the day.

Wait, what is this thread about again? Oh yeah, a crazy clean 74 Rally, white. Ok, back on track now

I saw the Who's Farewell Tour at the LA Coliseum. And saw them again after that, because they never stopped touring.

One complete front end. Clean enough to put on a blanket.

Hopefully. I wasn't sure about the internal spacer washer on the axle. If it's wrong, have to find one, and the wheel won't turn when it's tightened.

The Gabriel shock looks ok!

Why I'm leaning towards white.

This bike had a lot of soul. I would have kept the patina, but the rust was so bad, it had to be all repaired.

That looks amazing. My hat is off to you for bringing this one back from what was probabll going to be the grave.

As to the spacer washer, I don't see how it could *not* have one. I'd say this maybe one of those examples of how the terrain defines the map and not the other way around.

Pretty sure he's wearing your Aunts or Moms shoes.

(I can't go for that. No. No can do.)

Ok seriously, front end work is banging!
That really looks amazing man helluva job!

I like the white, most important thing is the side decals, they make it go much faster..

No spacer on the front hub. Why do you say it definitely needs one?

I think this is right.

However... I haven't tightened down the axle yet, which will pull in the axle. But it should sit on the taper the same.

My big concern: (last photo)
This washer spaces out the hub from the bearing. I had one that was the right dimension, but thinner than the one in the parts book. And it's only available from Euro parts people. If mine is wrong, the hub will have too much resistance.

The axle is strange. It doesn't seat completely on the wheel side, bc the seal is there, so it seats on the seal, and is positioned by the nut on the other side. But seems like an impact on the hub could push it in too far.

You may be correct. This is the part circled in your photo. When I get home I'll check my GL and see how i mounted the hub.

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/spacer-axle-front-wheel-34x26x3-mm-front-right_20071000

I think I put the wrong washer! It was much thinner.

Random

Love the og turn signals.

(Also a fan of the Frightened Rabbit poster!)

Yeah that Frightened Rabbit print is nice. Only got to see them a few times before Scott died.

Frightened Rabbit! That was so sad!

I saw them at the Fillmore in SF around 2010.

Are these spacers placed correctly?

The rear hub rubs on the back plate. I think they might be too thick. Or maybe they go inside?

This was a Piaggio OEM gasket set.

But the hub is also a little wobbly. All the splines look fine, though. It must straighten out when it's tightened down.

I'll try the impact wrench, and hopefully it will be ok.