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1957 Vespa Ape custom motor tool and start up.
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GickSpeed
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I fabricated the tool. what is it and why?
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⚠️ Last edited by GickSpeed on UTC; edited 1 time
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greasy125
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Weird 80's Vespas & Cool Vintage Lambrettas
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Is it for winding the kickstart gear spring?
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Bong?

Ok seriously, handle to start it?
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orwell84
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Locks the hamsters in, or lets them out when it's time for new ones.
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Trebuchet attachment so you can really fling it when frustrated.
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engine jack stand that has been (ahem) installed upside down
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hibbert
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Molto Verboso
Vespa
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hibbert
Molto Verboso
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Vespa
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Is it for locating the stop bolt in the bushing?
Nitro200
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Hooked
2005 Vespa GT200
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It's a pedal crank arm so it can be pedaled like a moped Facepalm emoticon
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Easy.

It's a turbo encabulator.
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GickSpeed
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The lever just is used to start the engine. Nothing more, nothing less.

The details were on the case itself with the selector NOT being on top. You will see the selector on top for all Vespa widebody engines. Here the selector is in the bottom making it a Vespa APE motor; 1956-1957. Mostly the same engine, just upside down and installed into a 3 wheeler. Here I had to make a custom lever with machined piece to avoid hitting the selector and starting the engine.
Selector on top for all Vespa wide body engines.
Selector on top for all Vespa wide body engines.
Selector on bottom for Vespa APE widebody engines. The selector is a bit different; though does the same thing.
Selector on bottom for Vespa APE widebody engines. The selector is a bit different; though does the same thing.
Vespa APE engine is upside down. A vespa swing arm is installed and the entire engine can be mounted into an engine stand. My fabricated lever is installed for hand-start.
Vespa APE engine is upside down. A vespa swing arm is installed and the entire engine can be mounted into an engine stand. My fabricated lever is installed for hand-start.
The lever is bent and gussets welded in. Aluminum block is machined to index into the kickstart segment. This will distance the lever far enough out to not hit the selector.
The lever is bent and gussets welded in. Aluminum block is machined to index into the kickstart segment. This will distance the lever far enough out to not hit the selector.
The backside of the APE engine gets interesting. A starter is mounted on the clutch cover and cranks over the clutch.
The backside of the APE engine gets interesting. A starter is mounted on the clutch cover and cranks over the clutch.
Highly Rated
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GickSpeed
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Engine has been installed with it's differential into the chassis.
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BajaRob
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BajaRob
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GickSpeed wrote:
Engine has been installed with it's differential into the chassis.
I've always wondered about the engine and axle layout on one of those. Already looks like a show winner.😉
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GickSpeed
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BajaRob wrote:
I've always wondered about the engine and axle layout on one of those. Already looks like a show winner.😉
They used a lot of different platforms over the years. from WB, to LF and SF, to 4-stroke stuff.

This is a great view of an early APE using the widebody platform. really puts things in perspective.

you will love this, this engine has the option of running an electric start. a Dynastart system.
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Tierney
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Such a nice, clean job! I know Vader is looking down and smiling.......
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Birdsnest
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Very cool!
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GickSpeed
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Initial startup after being off the road for decades.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tlek4mAL4K0
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hibbert
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Molto Verboso
Vespa
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Vespa
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Awesome what's going on the back? Truck bed or trailer?
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GickSpeed
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Cab.
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BajaRob
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BajaRob
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Thanks for sharing that unique Vespa with us. I've never seen an early one like that. It's also the same year my wife was born.😁
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