Repairs, think outside the box

[Adam Wright]

Hey everyone-
Recently I stopped at a garage sale and on a whim bought a 1962 Vespa 150 scooter. Don't ask me why, it was cool. But then I get it home and have to try to figure out what was wrong with it. It would fire right up but not stay running.

I looked and the last two owners had replaced the carb, the points, the condensor, and a few other small things, none of it worked.

So I get a local friend of mine to sit down with me and start messing with it. He normally deals with lawn mowers and snow blowers. He had it figured out in less than an hour.

There was a keyway on the crank that had sheared off.
it came off so clean, you could not even see where it was, But he knew it was missing, dug it out, replaced it, and i spent the day hauling ass like I was 16 all over again.

It pays to think outside the box, the lawnmower man figured put what a bunch of motorcycle guys could not.

[Mark Pribanic]

Adam,
Vespa's are very popular at the beaches down here in Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach. I've always thought about buying a vintage one myself but instead cruise around under my own power with a Felt "Little Bastard" bicycle.

Do you have any pics you can post?

[Adam Wright]

M-
Here are some pics of the Scoot.

[Roy Smalley]

You ought to be ashamed of yourself for paying so little!



Roy

M-
Here are some pics of the Scoot.

[Adam Wright]

The really cool thing about the Vespa is if you open up the side panel, on the inside of the door is all the oil changes from the 60s, written in magic marker. Very cool!

[Christian Guthrie]

Last year at Monterey, I saw one with a sidecar. I'll try to find a picture and post it. The side car will surely make it a great commuter for your daily coffee!

[Rich Behrends]

Here's a Vespa with sidecar
http://www.flickr.com/photos/indrasensi/1813598404/

vespa_volkswagen sidecar
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9351176@N03/2078112141/

Lambretta with VW van sidecar
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulsilver/432601731/

[Mike Acebo]

Sidecars are great. Look me up when your 356 is stored for the Winter, take a ride on the ice. No speed limits, no brakes. A ride you will not forget.

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[Rich Behrends]

Here's a neat Vespa








Chicago World of Wheels 1/26/08
photo's by rjb

[JOEL JENSEN]

Here's more Vespa images with the Italian's favorite 'sidecar'

[Christian Guthrie]

I finally found the pics. of the Vespa and sidecar. Pretty cool ride if you ask me!