Modern Vespa

Hey all!

I've been getting an old Primavera back on the road. I've finally got it running and able to move on it's own after 45 years, but I'm missing a few bits.

One thing I'm trying to find is a replacement headlight. I got this bike as a frame and a box of parts, so it's been a challenge finding everything.

This is what I found in the box. I can't find one like it at all the parts suppliers I know of. Anyone know where I can get a replacement?

Thanks so much!

Dig it!

That's an old sealed beam headlight with the lens broken off, which I don't think is correct to the bike.

Someone else (SoCalGuy) can say for sure. I have a Bluebadge smallframe which uses a lens with two tabs on top that slot into the headset:
https://www.scootermercato.com/Scooter-Parts/Headlight-Assemblies/144773

Yours looks like it might be the same as a mid-70's sprintV which *did* use the sealed beam lamp like that, with special mounting screws that would match the hole I think you have at 9 o'clock in your picture.

Can you post a close-up of the headlight area of the headset so we can say for sure?

Thanks so much for the reply!

Don't mind the wiring, it's a work in process. 😂

I also have this chrome rim stamped with CEV 1C973.

This should be a 1975 or 1976. My ex's grandfather bought it new and gave it to her mom. Now I'm getting it running for our 15 year old.

It took a little doing, but I think this is the bulb you need (you'll want to measure and make sure):

https://www.scooter-center.com/en/headlight-universal-clear-lens-120mm-12v-3535w-hs1-vespa-pv125-vma1t-vma2t-et3-vmb1t-super-vnc1t-vbc1t-ss50-v5ss1t-ss90-v9ss1t/p-12555.html

(I'm assuming you converted the electrical to 12 volt)

Edit: I just realized you have the two square holding nuts and screws. I'll leave this here for anyone else who finds this while searching for this same question.

You'll also need two of these dudes to hold it in place:

https://www.scooterwest.com/screw-and-nut-set-for-usa-style-vespa-headlight-015543.html

That crusty nut you have in the picture goes on the bottom to adjust headlight aim (and drive you crazy in the process of fitting it)

Then a couple of (I think) M3.5 screws to hold the chrome bezel over that.

Here's how I fixed mine without buying a new headlight.https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic192015

Although mine is a smaller size, I believe yours may be easier to replace with a new housing.

Edit: disregard the post above ^. I'm currently oxycodoned out

The link i posted is still helpful for someone with an intact sealed beam.

Awesome! Thanks for the links! It is actually still running the 6volt system, I had the stator rewired by Scooter Mercato, and the regulator worked still, so I just went with it. I'll look and see if they have a 6V version.

Gives a good idea though, I might look around and see what I can find that I can bodge together.

Thanks!

The sealed beam headlights on the US models are hard to find an expensive. You can convert to a replaceable bulb system. Keep CEV bezel, that's a nice piece, much nicer than the reproductions. Bar Italia has what you need.

http://www.baritaliaclassics.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_2_193_35&products_id=47

Nice scoot. And take care of that battery door!

^^If this is still available, snag it asap.
The sealed beam was a curious 70's to early 80's USA DOT requirement.
Stupid requirement that Piaggio had to deal with, in terms of practicality.

And don't lose those mounting bits! That 6 o'clock clip you have alone is worth more than that headlight kit.

Hears one
https://scooterrestorations.com/products/late-spanish-serveta-head-light-unit-cev-spanish-n-o-s?srsltid=AfmBOopTFx8b0-DXwTUrvMYvkScxNRdSPP7rkGZMIKGO4ZNBkyHfFS8D

That's what I bought, got it yesterday and it appears that it'll work.

Haven't actually wired up, but it does fit.

Thanks so much everyone!

Nice find! Mind if we ask what the shipping cost?

Nearly as much as the part itself.

Headlight was £16.67, shipping was £12.40.

So, almost $40 USD for the whole thing.

That is a nice find!

*Will not order one*
*will not hoard*

I'm glad it worked out for you.