How to Restore and Maintain Your Vespa Motorscooter

by Darnell, Bob; Golfen, Bob

• ISBN13: 9780760306239
• ISBN10: 0760306230
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-12-27
• Publisher: Motorbooks

Summary

Your number one Vespa restoration resource! With plants in 15 different countries and sales numbering well into the millions worldwide, Vespa is the make among scooter marques. Return your Vespa to its original glory with this complete guide to restoring your prized scooter to 100% original. This information-packed, authentic restoration guide covers both the mechanical and cosmetic restoration of all Vespa motorscooters from 1946-1996.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	7	(1)
Introduction	7	(1)
Vespa Scooters: Small Frames, Large Frames, and P-Series	8	(2)
Small Frame
Large Frame
P-Series
History of Piaggio and Motorscooters	10	(11)
Necessity, the Mother of Vespa
Small Changes
Vespa Scooters in the United States
Scooters and More
The British Scooters
The New Breed of Scooter
Vespa Models and Development	21	(14)
The Early Years: 1945--1949
Vespa Scooters Mature: 1950--1953
The Classic Scooter Arrives: 1954
Major Upgrade for the GS
Return of the 125-cc Scooter
The Model in the Middle
Getting Small
A Faster Small Frame
Bigger Displacement for a Small Frame
New Model, New Look: 1964
The Sprint and the Super
Bigger and Faster: 180 and 200 Rally
Electronic Primavera
A New Generation: 1978 P-Series
The Last Vespa Scooters in the United States
Vespa Motorscooter Care and Maintenance	35	(6)
Daily Inspection
Weekly Checks
Monthly Maintenance
Every Three Months
Adjustments and Lubricants
Filling the Glovebox: Helpful Things to Carry with You at All Times
Roadside Repair Tips
Storage
Restoring and Rebuilding	41	(5)
Rebuild or Restore?
Getting Started
The Right Look
Estimating Costs
Engine and Driveline	46	(30)
Crank Seal Inspection and Repair
Two Styles of Fuel Induction
Why Won't It Start?
The Three Basic Systems
Engine Variations
Removing the Motor
Cleaning Up
Checking the Shock Mount
Dismantling the Engine
Checking Engine Wear
Checking the Crankshaft
Inspecting and Rebuilding the Primary Drive
Rebuilding the Gearbox
Rebuilding the Shift Selector
Piston and Cylinder Rebuilds
Oil Injection Gears
Rebuilding the Clutch
Reassembling the Gearbox
Installing the Transmission Gears, Drive Axle, and Clutch
Rebuilding and Installing the Stator Plate and Flywheel
Installing the Piston and Cylinder
Final Assembly
Vespa Carburetors	76	(8)
Carburetor Location
Removing the Carburetor
Carburetor Disassembly
Carburetor Reassembly
Vespa Fuel Tank and Lubrication	84	(4)
Fuel Tank Problems
Removing the Fuel Tank
Cleaning the Fuel Tank
Reinstalling the Fuel Tank
Vespa Front End	88	(14)
Fork Removal
Front Suspension Disassembly
Reassembly of Front Fork, Brake, and Trailing Link
Suspension Reassembly
Headset, Gauges, and Controls	102	(7)
First Cast Headset
Disassembling the Headset
Headset Reassembly
Vespa Rims and Tires	109	(4)
Wheel Disassembly
Choosing Tires
Reassembling the Wheels
Vespa Trim	113	(6)
Renewing Trim
Straightening Bent Levers
Floor Strips
Finishing Trim
Legshield Trim
Reinstalling Floor Strips
Final Reassembly
Vespa Paint and Bodywork	119	(10)
Assessing Chassis Damage
Painting Methods
Preparing the Surface
Painting
Making It Shine
Vespa Electrical Systems	129	(5)
Wiring Harnesses
Electrical Problems
Vespa Performance Tuning	134	(10)
Limited Performance Parts
Carburetors
Exhaust Systems
Engine Modifications
Performance Brakes
Suspension Modifications
Vespa Accessories	144	(3)
Appendices	147	(12)
1: Vehicle Identification Numbers
2: Vespa Specifications
3: Bibliography
4: Vespa Scooter Shops
Index	159