Modern Vespa

Hi - first time poster here.

I just picked up a 1965 VBB and am trying to address some of its minor issues. The tail and brake lights are funky and unreliable, so I'm attempting to install a new housing with better connections. Taking the old one off and comparing it to the new one, the mounting holes are in completely different spots and of course don't line up with the bolt holes on the Vespa. I have no idea about the originality of the old housing, but was wondering if anyone here could check out the differences and share some knowledge. My plan as of right now is just to drill a couple of holes in the new housing unit so it can at least be attached - I definitely don't want to drill new holes in the Vespa fender.

Aaron

both are asian junk.

Ok, but new 'Asian junk' will work better than old and crusty. I just wanted some improvement in lighting until I can get things more dialed in with 'correct' parts.

My question in any case is about the location and mounting of the tail light. The new assembly seems to be closer in line with most every other example I can find - where the holes or screw posts are lower on the housing body and farther apart. The holes in the bike appear to be stock though and are in a position to where the old assembly lines up to mount just where it should, right above the license plate.

Also attaching a photo of the inside of the fender - there were never any other holes in there as far as I can tell.

If you don't want to spend the money on the real deal, at least get a semi-decent repop with correct holes.

Otherwise, pull up some pics of VBB's and drill holes in the light you've got to fit the current holes in the scoot.

http://www.baritaliaclassics.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_2_195_34&products_id=36

Yeah, I'm happy to spend money on the right stuff, just confused that the holes on the frame are not in the locations that the mounts on the 'correct' taillight housings would accept, and there's no indication that the holes were drilled later or that other holes were covered up.

I would not be surprised if the original holes are filled in. . . As the tubing for the rear light wiring has been completely removed. That generally tells me there has been a lot of rot and a lack of fucks given in the repair area.

Grabor (India) makes a "SIEM" type that is probably the best in the market, but far from original. I recommend purchasing this one if you are looking for new.

Hm do you have a pic of how the rear light wiring would normally or originally be, or can you describe it? (Google search isn't turning up much.) I assume you mean there is something inside the fender that is missing on my bike?

One other question I had is if the acorn light is the right one for the bike. This is a VBB but from 1965 so on the later side of the run. Could it possibly have come with this style light?

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The tubing is still there. It looks weird. But it's definitely there.

It's not there. What you see is the plastic outer sheath of the wiring harness.

Thanks, and yeah that piece definitely isn't there.

Ahhhh that's why it looks weird. I zoomed in as far as possible to be able to make that out. Good catch.

You might check the connections under the tape. May just be bare wires twisted together. On the one on the left, either of the two screws holding the bulb contacts should work as grounds as the brass contacts are isolated/insulated from the screws.

The wiring isn't awesome but the main problem with the old one was with the housing itself. The bulbs were held in with some kind of plumbers putty (seriously) so the ground was intermittent at best. I installed the new one this weekend and it works much better.

Grabor India ?
It is an Italian company, parts are made in Italy.