Modern Vespa

Greetings all!

I have been riding motorcycles for 50 years now and have just become the new owner of a GTV 250 that a longtime friend can no longer ride. My very first scooter! It's been sitting, under a motorcycle cover, for almost 10 years inside an old shed whose roof has finally caved in.

Fortunately, no damage has been done by the caving roof but it does have some moisture damage in various places due to it being exposed to the elements. What I can currently see can be fixed but I have one issue that is preventing me from doing much to it at this time.

Yes. You may have guessed it. The problem is that I can't get the glove box door to open. I've read numerous posts on this forum and have followed them all.

Here's what I've done so far:

* Inserted the key which pushes in quite nicely. Of course, the door cannot be opened even with a little gentle nudging.

* Removed the left knee pad and found a bundle of joy left by field mice. Nasty!

* Finagled my hand (with a plastic glove) into the nasty space and can feel the lever moving when the key is pushed in so I know that I'm in the right spot. Still no luck.

At this point I'm guessing that the local mice have created a campground in the glove box and moisture may have frozen the release mechanism. I'll continue to stay patient and not get frustrated while keeping on trying physical manipulation. I'll also see if some lubricant can be directed onto the mechanism to help loosen it up.

Which brings me to the big question: If all else fails, am I doomed or is there another way to remove the box without destroying it? If so, there's no doubt that it will surely be painful. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but am willing to give things a try.

Welcome to MV! I have no answers for you but with some love, that scoot is going to be beautiful!

Please post pics as you progress. It will be great to see her on the road again.

Mice are the worse!

Keep on trying with your left hand. The sweet spot is in there you just have to do it right.

Beware of diseases transmitted by mice and their droppings, they can also pass through the breath by inhalation of dust!
So ... first you have to remove (gently) the nests of the mice and their droppings using a mask and gloves and then clean (even disinfecting) the parts.

Disinfecting the parts is impossible you cannot remove the glove box piece.

Yeah. While doing my best to keep healthy I'm making sure that I always wear a mask (just knew that they'd come in handy for another use) and plastic gloves. Would love to attempt to disinfect it now but am concerned about creating a muddy mess in the glovebox.