In keeping with the informal WWWYG (Working With What Ya Got) theme. I'm somewhat of a minimalist and at this stage in life, I don't want to buy any more tools than necessary. Nine times out of ten with a little creativity you can find a reasonable work around for most situations. It avoids the "Impossible, can't get there from here" mindset. Someone call NASA, Stat! We need a rocket scientist!
Today the big bucks were spent at Harbor Freight. I squeezed in another quick run on the Honda Red Missile and forked over $7.50 for a manual fuel transfer pump and $2.99 for a small ball peen hammer. Don't tell my wife. Lol.
The fuel tank weight-wise had about 10 pounds of fuel in it. The tank mount hardware was removed but I didn't feel like completely removing it nor fight the awkward weight when the dent tapping begins. When I started to hand pump the fuel out of it, nothing happened. Must be defective, nope, just the idiot operating it. The input and output hoses need to be in the correct location. Lol See pic #1
To gain better sheet metal access the Vespa was jacked up after removing the lower shock bolt. The scooter becomes unstable once that shock bolt is removed, have your jack supports in place beforehand. One jack was used to support the frame, the second jack was used to slightly lift the rear of the body with left over scrap blocks from a deck project. Note, be mindful not to jack it too high. There are still lines and electrical harness' attached to the frame. That's cause for potential damage when trying to take a short cut. The scooter was then secured with tie down straps to hold it to the jacks. No need to set up a situation that causes a chain of events with damage and injury, millions dead. See pic #2 & 3
Right about now a real body work person is probably rolling their eyes and howling at the moon. I'm using whatever I have laying around as dollies to tap against with that small ball peen hammer. Whatever flat surface fits and works to apply a little pressure while tapping. I doubt that 4 Lb mallet will fit as a dolly but you get the idea. The large socket fits the concave portion of the right side body panel. The panel has a high spot in the concave. See pic #4