Monday, July 9, 2012

Sunday, July 1, 2012

1963 GL 150 (VLA1T)

Oh yes, you know you want it!
Ain't it funky!...

Side-panels to die for...

















1955 150 (VL1T)

The collection grows with 2 fine examples today : )





















Ah the Swan Neck was delivered today and rides like a beauty!





































Speedo's not original and it jumps out of 3rd gear, but seeing she's 57 years old these are small things to fix and part of the pleasure of looking after













Wednesday, May 23, 2012

1966 Vespa SS180 (VSC1T)



Many moons ago in the England there were two young mod boys. One of them arrived on a White SS180 at the others house, on the speedo it said 200cc Hurricane. When I had a go on it it scared me (I was only little). After we'd wrecked it a couple of weeks, maybe months later, I think I ended up giving the speedo to Neil Clark in Bracknell???
I've always missed that bike and considered the SS180 as a special Vespa, the old styling but fast and as modern as Vespa needed to go. OK the Rally had electronics and the big round headset improve the overall look.

Don't get me started on the P range!!! As the years have past I've warmed to P ranges most probably because of the Cosa.




The SS180 was the successor to the GS160, I read that the name was changed at the last moment the parts manual still lists it as a GS.

Anyway Vespa made the decision, so it effectively only has two stable mates, the SS50 and SS90 which of course are very rare.



Currently only frame has been prep'd for spray paint,

Frame Numbers


Looks like it was one of the three reds that Vespa used, I know they look good in the Blue but I've opted for the White which I'm lead to believe was possible with this frame number.


I've bought the following missing items, yes don't expect to pick these up for a fiver on ebay!..

Air box, Carb, Ignition switch, Light switch, Speedo, Rear light

Still need a set of forks, seat and a complete engine overhaul.

July - Forks acquired and tool box!

Lots of parts missing from the engine!

Tempted to fit a P2 until the engine is complete??? Slowly gathering everything needed, having started in September 2011 it's certainly taking a looooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggg time to get it sorted.

Also found a chip off the headset...













l

One day turnaround!!!!!!





Paint !!!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

1961 Vespa 150 GL (VGLA1T)


Been bumbling around with this one for a year with the help of Mr Udi...


Jobs to do include, removing the floor mat and replacing with floor rails, riveting the original Vespa 150 badge on the front.



You'll see I've had the panel rubbers changed to white and fitted a horn cover and single seat shortly.







Need to sort the white wall tyres out, fit the chrome tailpipe, restore the speedo...


Vespa 150 badge fitted and front suspension and brake renewed, slowly coming together...


Here's some details on the European Pre '63 150 GL (VLA) also known as Vespa Touring, note 10 inch rims and seamless front mudguard...