Modern Vespa

Ok... actually only Dumb is Going to Tulsa, followed by Dumber going to Dallas to meet Dumb for the twofer. Or vice Versa? We are still sorting out who is Dumb and who is Dumber if you will.

Anyway... we are both full up on projects, but we have both made friends with an absolute legend of a human being named Armando. Armando made his way into our intellectually challenged orbit by way of buying one of Mark's flips. A cosmetically ratty but mechanically well sorted P125.

In a few short weeks Armando had paint matched and resurrected the cosmetics of the China Blue P125 to showroom floor newness. No corners cut. Turns out he had shot single stage automotive for VW for like 20 years before opening his own shop. A shop that he recently retired from.

Armando likes to stay busy so much so that he keeps asking me and Mark to sell him one of our project bikes. Mark and I have discussed this and decided the best path forward was not to sell him a bike, but find him a bike.

As Mark and I are both moths to a flame anytime a deal pops, we figured it would just be a matter of time. And so from the mean streets of Tulsa (Cue the Don Williams) we found Armando a scoot that we can just give him.

The deal is a P200 and P125. The 200 will be flipped to make Mark and I whole money wise and the 125 will be given to Armando gratis. Mark and I will do the mechanicals for him and make sure he's sorted there, and Mr. Armando will do his own paint magic.

Fun stuff. Note we will update this with the projects progress. (And maybe even video the surprise when we give him the bike?)

Targets have been acquired.
H/T Poi Dog for the effort!

One of the repaints held a surprise…

I love everything about this adventure. The serendipity. The Don Williams. The paying it forward to Mr. Armando. The Stripper Dust which fell out of your hair and clothes and onto that PX during loading after the all-you-can-eat buffet at The Million Dollar Saloon.

I can't wait to see the Smallie in paint, because I sense it's going to be amazeballs.

Win/win! You boys rock and I like Armando already.

Love this you guys.
Restores my faith in humanity.

this pleases me.

How very cool - I LOVE this! Good job gentlemen. I'm following along

You guys are the cutest. Can't wait to hear / read more.

Good score and I think a good deal for the 2! I been watching that 2fer Ad, as I have family in the Sooner state; so I keep an eye out there just in case. Glad they got scooped and rad story!

We delivered the purple, glittery p125 to our friend Armando Saturday. He said he felt like he won the lottery. He actually loved the color-way and seemed like he wanted to keep it. Now that is some punk rock bonefides. I mean…

We willl help him do the engine rebuild (we were told the engine was recently rebuilt… but yeah… naw) there is no kick start cog engaging so splitsville it is.

Anyway he loved it and is beyond stoked.
Smiles all day. Biggest hat tip to Mark for the pick up AND the delivery.

Edit - subsequent engine tomfoolery here:
Splitting the cases in situ.

'Gong show' motor with no starter cog has been sorted. Leak test success and shipped back to Purple Nurple. Thanks to Jeff, Greasy, Kyle, for all the bits, bobs, blood and sweat to get here.

Motor in, rewired stator installed (Armadito, Armando's son, rewired the stator, now he has some skin in the game), gas in, oil in, cables installed, check for spark, couple of kicks, and it is ALIVE!.

Engine has quite a bit more 'oomph' than a normal P125 motor after test riding. 60mm crank, 1mm packer bottom, .5mm head gasket on top, LML 150 cylinder and head. I am quite sure Mr. Armando will be pleased when all the niggly stuff is done, ie wiring, lights, etc.

Mr. Armando found a couple of pics of him in his earlier years. Turned out he worked assembling Lambrettas in Columbia when he was younger. He had stories of failed kick start assemblies and shift tube mechanisms on the old Lammies. His first scoot was an LD. Good stuff.

We met as he was looking for an older Italian scooter to work on and he bought a P125x from me. He has it looking brand new now! Can't wait to see 'Sparkles' when done.

Happy the silver trim is off the side cowls.

Obligatory firsts…


First start-

https://youtube.com/shorts/yMPR8UnxlZM?feature=share

Smiles for miles.

It has been awhile to visit Armando and Sparkles. Been meaning to get over to help with some electrical gremlins. Basically, no lights. Armando has been busy addressing many little details of getting the bike up to his specs.

With the help of his son, Arnamdito, we checked all the electrics from stator output, to regulator, to proper grounding, and good/proper connections. Blood sacrifices were made by Armandito, and the Vespa gods rewarded us with lights. Main culprit was found in the headset. Wiring of a 1980 harness/5-pole regulator system which originally had a 3-position ignition switch to an earlier 2-position switch needed to be addressed. Got it figured out with a few bridges. Scoot now has headlight, taillight, brake light, and horn. Turn signals to follow.

Fantastico!

Purple Nurple looking quick fast! And soooo good to see Armando grinning.

A welcome bit of cheer in a gloomy world!

Hello Everyone, I will address myself as "Armandito" since this will be my first post and it seems fitting since I have been addressed that way by my friends.

First off.....my father and I want to thank Mark and Jeff....you know who you are......for assisting with this new adventure with my father....and now well....myself.....

As an update of "Sparkles" or the "Purple Nurple", this fantastic little gem is finally completed. All of the electrical gremlins were all sorted out and she runs BERRY BERRY FAST....

Images will be posted in due time but my father and I have been "scooting" her around the neighborhood and this little scooter is so much fun.

Soon once all the paper works are finalized, this will be my future little transportation and I will enjoy this for a long long time.

Of course my father, not being one to stop anything he does, is now once again looking for the next project.

Again, I cannot express the amount of individuals that my father and I have met, have made friends with and will continue this fantastic organization to be a part of.

Once again a GRAND SHOUT OUT to Mark and Jeff for there assistance and passion that they brought.

Go MODS and follow your Italian Scooter Adventures.

Armandito!!!

So good to see you post.

I have that seat post in my car! I forgot to give it to you guys at the Rally last month.

Looking forward to seeing you both soon!