Modern Vespa

I'm looking at the possibility of rebuilding my water pump using an overhaul kit. One thing I'll need is a press to do the bearings. What size press would I need? 1 ton, 6 ton, 12 ton?

Thanks!

a 10~12 is about what you'll need for any vespa work.

however, that being said... just buy a new pump. it's cheaper, easier and faster.

I almost never use my press, truthfully.

you'd be better off spending that 100+ on other tools: a decent work bench, a good vise, a parts washer or putting it toward buying a lift.

however, if you want to undertake this endeavor, buy two water pump rebuild kits in that you're sure to break one of them.

^^^^ This, every time.

If it's only for the water pump, I would say it's probably not worth the investment or the space. However, a 12-ton press can be handy for other things -- like pressing out the final drive gears.

That said, my 20-ton press mostly sits in the corner taking up space. I probably use it once a year or so.

I have a 12 ton model I got from NAPA Auto parts and it has been a good tool for me. I needed it to rebuild an old 1941 Southbend lathe. It's an Evercraft Model and is black but I don't see it online anymore only for the Canadian market. I would check your local Craigslist and see if you can score one that way. They are great tools for the home shop. Indispensable when you need one. A simple one will just be a bottle jack mounted on the frame that you pump but I like to use the remote reservoir style. The later if you have some extra money burning a hole in your pocket.

The idea to just buy a replacement pump isn't bad unless you are also looking to add to your shop when needs pop up. That's how I roll.


If you want to talk tools post up the Q's and well get you sorted out.

Even those who have presses (dealers etc) tend to buy the whole assembly. Far quicker, easier, and cheaper overall for the customer.

That said, if you're looking for an excuse to buy a press...

Cracking walnuts and almonds ...?

I’ve used it to crush things on occasion. I had a very, very old Motorola Razr with a dead screen, and so I had no way to properly wipe it. The press took care of that.

I’ve never used it to crack nuts, though.

A righteous ending! I've used mine to straighten lots of things that were bent. I bought a used 8mm Snap on wrench to fill the spot in my toolbox that never had one. It said "Canada" on one side of the wrench and it was oddly oversized, almost 9mm. I never figured out if the previous owner opened it up for something or if Canada has their own metric system!

Any decent shop has a canister of MAP Gas so I made it red hot and over to the press we go. Couple love taps at 6 tons and a quench and all good!

Unless you're dying to get a press for some other work, I would look for an independent machine shop, or a retired machinist who can press the new one in for you. less than 5 minutes of work. Maybe the cheapest option?

Years ago I connected with a retired machinist who posted on CL looking for small jobs. He was tickled pink to manufacture a jig to turn/true warped Old Vespa hubs.

Agreed this is a great option.

... then it was a canadian and not an english key ... Yes, it is.

Looks like scooterwest rebuilds them for $40.

https://www.scooterwest.com/water-pump-rebuilding-labor-waterpump.html

Excellent advice all. While it wouldn't be a single use item, I don't really have plans for it. I love the idea of finding a retired machinist. I wouldn't have thought of that. I'm sure they would bring a lot lot of ways of building a better mousetrap for whatever is the issue at hand.

You can use a hydraulic truck jack as a pressure system.
For automotive use it's fine, instead of raising the car to change the wheel ...