Modern Vespa

I picked this up for, what I felt was cheap enough.
New tires, battery, included variable belt and some seals, etc.
It runs nicely but has a water leak.
While I wanted an older model, this came up. I have other Italian motorcycles and some Japanese also, but after having a Yamaha Riva, and making a few trips to Italy, I longed for a Vespa.
The problem could be a water pump seal, Head gasket, cylinder, case? I don't know yet.
The metal was 'freshened up' with '#120 paper and a rattle can' in some places.
JB weld was used in others.
It's complete, save the side stand. All electrics work.
It's not terrible. It's a decent "20 footer". (Looks great from 20 feet)
I realize there's no such thing as a "free (or cheap)" boat, car, motorcycle. I like tinkering and enjoy projects so this will do.
I'll add details as I get going.
1) drain the oil (cappuccino?) and water and flush the engine. I'll flush a couple times with fresh oil.
1a) Find a service manual.
2) while the engine interior is soaking in fresh oil, I'm going to thoroughly clean and disassemble the metal bits.
2a) I'm anticipating having to change a head gasket and hope it's not a cracked cylinder, case, whatever.
3) Properly repair the other repair work. The PO tried and did the best he could. Nice, honest guy also. He was just over his head in mechanical, and admitted it.. to himself.

Someone banged both sides of this thing. But thankfully, it's metal!
After I figure out how to get the body off.. I'll fix that.
PO tried to repair one of them.
Got water pump parts on order from scooterwest.
Trying to fix the broken skirt clips next.

Sounds like a good project!

The body is a single piece metal construction, so those side panels don't come off.

That helps. Thanks!

You may be ahead by pulling the motor and taking off the head to check the rockers and cam for damage.

Hi, well, I'm curious where this liquid leak is....

So am I and after I get the body off and pull the water pump, I'll have a better idea.
I imagine I'll heed the previous advice and open the head.

Ive not forgotten to post updates.
I fell upon a Malaguti that appeared an easier repair than the GTS, so the GTS is patiently waiting.
The Malaguti is challenging me with its carb tuning.
As soon as I resolve that, I'm diving into the Vespa.
I've gotten a pile of small repair parts from scooterwest though.
And, for fun, last week I took this bike to a show in Monterey.

I ain't fergotten.
Life and a Malaguti..are distracting me.
(Sounds like a book or a movie: Life with a Malaguti..starring Gina Lollobrigida and Fabio.)

I've got a bag of water pump parts from Robot, but I don't have the focus to disassemble 2 scooters at the same time.

If anyone has any expertise with the Minarelli 50 or Gurtner carbs.. I would love to hear from you.
It runs..for 2 or so minutes…the. dies. I've cleaned the carb, changed and added new fuel.
I have questions but nobody to pose them to.

But I'm dying to get this GTS rolling.
Thanks.

Ok.. back to the GTS.
I got the Malaguti ripping, with some help.. input.. encouragement..parts from az_slynch and scooterwest.
Ive got all the parts to open the waterpump and drive belt on the GTS250!
Here i go!

Malaguti is done.
Now, the GTS water pump…
New bearings, seals and shaft, a la scooterwest.
I was in final assembly… the video says just tap the spring loaded seal into place.
Oookkkkkaaayyy… except it fell apart.
I found a local place that has those seals. I snagged another one and tried again.
Same damned result. I dropped off the pump cover and will pay them a small "knucklehead tax" to press in the seal for me.
I expect to complete assembly Wednesday.
Meanwhile, I'm still looking at everything else and will try to pop out the dents.
To be continued.

Update:
I have too many 2-wheelers and other aspects of life arise.
But the GTS: i replaced the waterpump seal and bearings and ultimately found a generous scooterphile that simply traded me a new cover, etc.. for my old one with all new parts.
After assembling, and feeling optimistical, i ran it around the block… came back… same darned cappuccino!
So new gaskets, seals, etc, from the block up. And i hope something isnt cracked
Pulling the motor and all that aint a snap. There's always one more cable or wire or..something..
So the GTS sits, for now.
I've got a couple other easier projects I'm knocking out in the meantime.
I'm not quitting though.