Modern Vespa

Hello.
I've got my Dad's Vespa right now as I told him I'd replace the speedo cable for him. He had the motor rebuilt a couple years ago and after about 100 miles the cable broke and he quit driving it.
I've got a few questions about the Vespa, if any of you can help out.

1st- what is the thing worth? It's a 65 or 63 GL, I believe a 150. Dad says 65 but the manual says 63. I can't find a vin number. Orig owner, paint, etc. New tires, tank, wheels, muffler, seat, speedo cable, rubber bits. 4000 miles and stored indoors. Tag on it (last registration) 1980. Does have a few chips in the paint.

Next, the motor feels flat to me. It used to be more peppy. I'm thinking it's running rich as the plug was a little dark. I've drained fuel, cleaned plug, inspected air filter (carb & filter appear new). The petcock does not seem to work. What is the adjustment screw on the back of the carb for? Maybe it just needs to loosen up?

Lastly what is the switch on the pod with the headlight switch, horn and kill. Seems to have 3 positions.

wow dude, has that tag not been legal since 1980 in Virginia?
Don't get caught on the road like that in Georgia! Those cops are tough
The VIN is most likely on the frame under the enginge side cowl. It's not a tag but stamped into the metal. This website shows where to find it and how to tell what year model it is:
http://www.scooterlounge.com/Vespa/Tech/ref/vin_loc.shtml

Great looking GL! You've got a nice bike there.

FYI - That's the only color they painted GL's, that's it.

I gotta say it's a beautiful scoot you got there! Original paint and everything? Wow.

It first came out in 1963, maybe your dad bought it in 65?

yes i agree with senkun about the year ur gl have and i also add that u have a nice gl there and i think ur dad did take good care of the gl and i hope u do the same too its a nice GL

drive safe and enjoy ur ride
cheer
-ebeth-

re: the "peppy" aspect, if it's been sitting for several years chances are you've got gummy buildup in the carb and tank. rebuilding the fuel system would be my recommendation. also drain the gearbox oil and change that out as well. cleaning and adjusting the points would most likely yield results as well.

however, you may have a bigger problem such as dried out or blown seals or possibly a stuck ring.

anyway, the screw on the back of the carb is the air/fuel mixture screw. it should most likely be in the 2~2.5 turns out range for proper performance.

btw, what's that sticker on the side of the body just below the seat say? it that a dealer sticker?

best,
-greasy

noice very noice

Thanks everyone. Dad is one of those old-school types who really takes care of things and this is a good example. He purchased it in college and just held on to it.

I did see the number stamped into the swingarm 038740.... and with that website found the vin, which looks like OVLATT *037696*- so I guess it is a 63 (just b/c you bought it in 65 does not make it a 65, Dad).

Yes, the sticker is the orig dealer sticker. It also still has the break-in sticker on the fairing, and the made in Italy sticker near the petcock.

How about the switch? What is it supposed to do?
Guess as to the value of this?

Value? All original GL in good condition?

I'm guessing, but you could probably start at 4000.00 and go up from there... Some markets/buyers would pay way more than that.

It a beautiful scoot. (Don't Sell It!, Keep it in the family!)

again... more info from Scooter Lounge:
http://www.scooterlounge.com/Vespa/GL/GL.shtml

3 to 400$ tops






i'll be right over to take it off your hands

+1

If you can maintain her and treat her properly (as well as or better than Dad) it should be good for at least another 40 years! It's a family heirloom! Try guessing her value then!

Re: the 3 position switch, should be low, high beam and pilot light.

Nah, jimmy doesn't keep with the times, it should be more around $600!

If it had more chrome and yellow boots it should fetch more but I'd go $800 as I'm old skool and I like original

honestly,i have to go with senkun on this one,the worth pales in comparison to the family history.



but i'm still only given 400 on this one

Dad used to give me rides around our small New England town when I was a kid, and in high school (before I had a license/ car) I'd sneak it out to go see buddies. It definately has memories.

Trouble is I just don't see myself riding it and really have no room for such a large heirloom. If he gave it to me, I really couldn't sell it- but he is thinking about selling himself and using the $$ for something the family can use, like a jetski for the lake house.

He has not decided yet, and my plan is to get her 100% and return.

Further out, more air or more fuel? Is this the adjustment if running a bit rich?

Were the hubs painted the same color of the scoot?

i hate to be a stick in the mud,but after you get it 100% your feelings may change.

give that thing a chance to grow on you.

if you do sell,don't be in a rush.

i believe that model is a favorite amongst true enthusiast.

we have a member and moderator named rover eric.

pick his brain on this model - lots of usefull info.

the hubs are correct ie as per body color, the rims should be painted the same too. New rims maybe?

I completely agree with jimmy. Give it some time, don't rush.

To many enthusiasts it's considered one of the most beautiful designs, it's also the first Vespa to feature the trapezoid headlight.

I can dream of having one just like yours, sitting next to my smallframe with the trap headlights hmmm ok I'll go $1k tops

i had this wrong before, so now i am possitive.

left --- rich ( counter clock)

right ---- lean (clockwise)


further out is more fuel

I really think you should hang on to it...

BUTTTTTTTT...

If you do want to sell it let me know...I have a nephew in Atlanta that can hold on to it until I make a run for the border!!

Come on...y'all knew someone was going to say it!

Correct. He had several things re-done over the years. New tank, wheels, seat (rebuilt, I believe), muffler, tires, rubber bits (from my observations). The hubs are painted the same color but the paint is worn, esp on the shock side.

Next project will be having paint color matched and touching up chips.

Oh, since the petcock seems to do nothing it must be replaced, correct? Is it necessary?

Hi Sean,
A friend of mine restored the same model. His name's Eric and he's here in Atlanta, too. If you have any questions for him I cam pm you his email.

Very nice original GL. The GL is a really cool "evolutionary" model, where you really see the link between old and new model styling.

With an original paint bike in as good condition as that, it might be better to leave any chips as is. I'm of the opinion that touching up the original paint decreases the value... but then I'm an original paint nut.

If you're itching to paint something, match and paint the rims since they're replacements anyway, but I recommend making your peace with the chips. The next owner will most likely thank you.

+1

Could you run it by my place on the way back down? I'd love to see a beauty like that up close and personal!

+2

2nd motion to keep it! It will only accrue in value, whereas a Jetski will just depreciate...

Double check about the three position switch. On mine there's a three position switch which looks a bit like a lever. It has the following functions: all lights off (far right); pilot light and rear running light (middle position); headlight and rear running light (far left).

Then, separately, there's a two-position paddle switch that chooses between low beam and high beam.

Also, there's a round button for horn, and a square button (on mine on the side of the box) which is a kill switch.

Yours may differ, of course!

awsome scoot... DON'T SELL!

I live in Atlanta and have many vintage Vespa's I'm in a club of 40 scooterists. I wouldn't sell that for less than $1800 and that is a conservative estimate! Original paint with a true history.....can't beat it!

Hey ana, help a brother out!


Considering this 79 Vespa PX 150

NO DOUBT!

Ok, fair enough, I'll leave the chips but should he decide to sell the paint (I'm having it matched, to late to stop) will be included.

Thanks for the tips.

Nice GL, got a 63 too, mine has been used, but taken care of...Don't like the yellow paint, but it's solid, very little rust....
Too bad I don't know the history of mine....but love it, anyways...

I know that bike well. I'm the mechanic that rebuilt that motor and did all the cable replacements and other stuff when i worked for another shop. Don't sell, don't sell, don't sell. Call me if you have any questions. I still live in Atlanta and still work on bikes and I still think of that bike. That is the best original paint I have ever seen. 404-428-9336 Matt

Wow! Talk about serendipity.

i know this may seem odd, but could you take a close up of that dealer sticker and post it up? i am intrigued...

best,
-greasy

and while you're at it, could you also post more pics please?

It's not everyday that I get to see an original scoot in such fantabulous condition! The 2 pics you posted so far look great, diffused multi lighting and all that sure brings out all the lines and curves. Sexy!

I must be odd too...I want to get a good look at that sticker!

Georgeous scooter.

My 64 GL has been painted, had a motor transplant and got dumped at last years Amerivespa I still really like it!

you are a lucky, lucky boy.

That's one of the nicest original condition GL's i've ever seen.

A rare, desireable model. Not as much as a sport model, but certainly the next level down.