Modern Vespa

Hi to you all.
I am new to Vespas and have recently bought a 2003 GT200 which is completely standard with 5574 km from new. I want to change the rear tyre but need to remove the exhaust first. My exhaust is standard with the flange at the top which fits to the exhaust studs. My question is: What size are the exhaust studs and nuts? A 10mm spanner is too loose, but a 9mm spanner will not fit over the nut. Is there a special vespa tool? Were the exhaust nuts copper covered when new? I realise that if I break a stud it will mean an awful amount of work, so I have been spraying Plus Gas on the area each night for a week, but do not want to try and undo until I have the correct tool. Thank you for your anticipated informations.

They are 10mm copper nuts and 7mm studs. Unfortunately there is no special tool for removing them. You are best using a 1/4 ratchet drive with an extension bar and a 10mm wobble socket. A power light source is helpful to be able to see what you are doing. Good luck with it.

Alternatively, why not remove the exhaust from the header pipe by undoing the 17mm retaining bolt. That's far easier.

Also, only use a six-sided socket with one (or two!) wobble extensions. That way you won't strip the nuts, which is very easy to do if they haven't been touched for nearly 20 years. Some penetrating oil will be useful here! There isn't one on the 2003 GT200 - the original exhaust is one-piece, just like the LX etc.

Thanks for your replies. What is a wobble socket? I have tried a 10mm socket and it is a loose fit on the nuts. I am going to see a Vespa dealer tomorrow.

Wobble extensions are a much easier way of driving sockets though an awkward angle than universal joints. Not that common in the UK, but I have seen them in Halfords.

Was your 10mm socket a 12-pointer or a 6-pointer? A 12-pointer will probably fail.

Wobble Sockets:




Also, see the tips in jimc's extensions. That also allows the socket to wobble at the end.

Thanks for letting me know what a wobble wrench is guys. I have something akin to them, so will use them at the weekend. I will let you know how I get on. Thanks for your replies.