Vespa sat in Barn for 10 years | Restoration 

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I'm going on 76 years old woman from America and I love to watch your channel. It's wonderful to see you do all sorts of repair things and rebuilds. Men being Men. Almost a lost art in today's world. Thank you.

The "regulator" is your voltage regulator. The magneto in the engine provides a voltage which varies with RPM, generally higher than what you need for the electrics. The regulator takes the raw magneto output and provides a (relatively) stable voltage output. The white grease in the old bearings was probably lithium grease. Not a BAD choice, but a bit of an overkill for the application. Since the scooter is exposed to the elements, you could try the grease used for wheel bearings on small boat trailers. This is generally formulated to maintain lubrication even if water makes it in. The first nut on the steering shaft is your bearing tension (Pre-Load). It should be snugged down JUST enough to eliminate play in the shaft. Too tight and you will wear out your bearings prematurely. The second nut is the lock (jam) nut to keep the first one from backing off. WD-40 is NOT a lubricant. It is designed to carry a very light oil to penetrate and displace moisture (Water Displacement formula #40). It's great for breaking things free, FOLLOWED BY cleaning and application of the appropriate oil or grease. As stated elsewhere, Ethanol is not your friend when it comes to older engines, as an excessive amount will deteriorate the rubber components in the fuel system. I'd try to avoid anything over E10. Mix ratio on the 2-stroke oil is critical, as this is the majority of your upper-end lubrication. Best to run a bit rich on the oil mix if you are not sure. Don't know when the UK made the switch to Low-Lead and No-Lead, but if it was after your scooter was built, then you are lacking the upper-end lubrication provided by the lead compounds in the gasoline. If "Marvel Mystery Oil" is available there, about 2 capfuls per gallon of fuel will help. Depending on the original octane requirements, you may need an octane booster as well...Lucas or "104+ are good.} On the fuel, many years ago I had a 1972 BMW R60/5 which was purchased in Germany and sent back to the US when the original owner was discharged from the US Army. Thus, it was not the US import model, but the German model. This left me sitting on a bike designed for 100 Octane Leaded, with the best selection at a filling station being 92 Octane UNleaded. A local BMW group suggested the Marvel Mystery Oil and 104+. (100 Octane Leaded IS available in the US to this day...if you can figure out how to sneak the jerry can into the airport and hit the AVGas pumps).

I held my breath when you fired up that torch to soften the end of the fuel line connected to a full gas tank. 😲 💣 🔥 😅

I did the same with a VW Combi when I was 19. Honestly, I'd only just learned that you had to put oil in an engine, and didn't know which way you turned nuts to undo them! Pulled the engine, broke the crank case, replaced the big end bearings and piston rings and other stuff. It started first time and I drove it for many years. The bravery of the young!

Just started watching your videos ,as a woodworker myself ,I have to say your skill level is exceptional for your age great work .

100% not mechanically illiterate. Mechanics is about getting your hands dirty and giving it a go, the rest figures itself out eventually. You’ve certainly inspired me and thank you for that!

Hats off to you for making and posting a video of you doing something that you have very little idea about. I’m sincerely impressed by your courage to put yourself out there. We’ve all been there but don’t like to show it, yet you show it to the world! That’s unlike any other RU-vidr I’ve seen and it’s kind of refreshing! Anyway good on ya, all the best

I lived in Madrid for a year as an exchange student in 1983-84. As a result, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Vespas. As a 58 year old guy, I’d look a little silly riding one now so I’ll live vicariously through you. Nice work. I admire your ability to figure stuff out. Can’t wait to see the next installment.

Well done Mr Rogers. I remember when I was 16 I rebuilt an SX200 Lamberetta. Oh what pleasure I had running it

Excellent! As expected from you - very well edited, and terrific storytelling. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter of this resurrection. Well done!!!!

I think you are very brilliant at fixing and building your Home in France Congrats Carl

I worked on them for Years at a place called Scooterville in Anaheim California. My boss was wolf crow who his youngest daughter was Suzanne Crough of the partridge family got to go down and see them film it was always interesting. Remember always to carry a extra stoplight on those early bikes with no batteries if the stoplight element burned out when you put the brake the engine would stop because the power is being routed through brake light. It also let you know that your stoplight wasn’t working. I’ve always had a Vespa great scooter I currently have one now with ABS brakes and fuel injection I’ve gone modern but as you get older these helpful safety things are good because I am 70. I think that I would like to do a restoration on a two-stroke with the clutch cables and the interesting things were on the earlier scooters.

I love the old Vespas. I had one as my first gas powered vehicle many years ago.

Looking forward to your next project!

Love your videos - and a big reason for that is the fact that you're clearly talented and adept at fixing things but it's also that you show your process; mistakes, corrections, warts and all. Looking forward to part 2!

Many a great mechanic learned by just buying a rig and fixing it up, learning along the way. Last June I bought an OBS 7.3l diesel after growing up working on outboard boat motors my entire life and only having driven a diesel one time. Having something you don't know about forces you to learn and network. Nice work and keep it up!

Fantastic job buddy - there are a lot of people all over the world wishing you well with this project. From Australia - keep going! You're getting there!!!

Great work, getting the electrical sorted prior to assembly was a good move! It's always a blast hearing an old bike fire up after sitting so long.

Carl... you are a gem. Hauling machinery around until you can give it the proper attention. The carb would have benefitted from an ultrasonic cleaning. The foot stand needs a spring.

Great job! I wanted a Vespa when I was a teenager too. I love your videos. After watching your roof documentary I went back and watched all your videos. Your editing is amazing and I am so glad you decided to add voice commentary to your videos. Keep up the good work! Happy New Year to you and yours.

Excellent progress! I really miss riding and working on old Vespas. I once rebuilt a Vespa P200 motor for a friend at a campground during a scooter rally (she had holed her piston and I had all the parts and tools with me on my scooter). Looking forward to part 2! If you're ever looking for spares or need good advice, Alan up at BeedSpeed in Grimsby was my go-to guy over 30 years ago and he's still at it. Always did me right.

Hi! Great work, i have experience with 2stroke engines and I would go like this if I were you: If it is difficult to start, there could be diferent problems: Fuel problem: 1. Dirt carburator (Clean it, check the pilot jets and change all the gaskets) 2. Dirt in filter (put a new one) Ignition problem: 3. Check the sparkplug (Put a new one) 4. Check the ignition point (mm before piston reaches the top) Engine problems: 5. Clutch is slidding and can't transfer the energy from kickstartpedal to the crankshaft (Check the discs and change the oil (Special atention to the API normative of the oil, a wrong-modern oil can destroy the old clutches) 6. The piston and the rings have too much wear and its lacking of compresion. (Check the compresion with a tool, if it is bad check rings tolerance, check the tolerance piston-cylinder, and the cylinder wear, if it is too much you will need to bore it) Hope it helps.

Great job reviving the Vespa and good luck with the spray. Hopefully with a tune and unleaded petrol that white exhaust smoke will be gone. Brought back fond memories of fixing cars and motor scooters with my Dad, although not so much fun at the time dropping screws and parts into the engine or watching them bounce into a shallow drain pit. In the early 80s through to the early 90s, I had to repair all my cars and bikes, except for major jobs. It was just beyond the budget to pay a mechanic at the time. I remember the old push start especially with a shitty old VW Passat across the old East German border exit from Berlin. Trying to drop the clutch while getting some stick from the border guards. My wasserpumpe ist kaputt in an Aussie accent. It's a bit of a lost art. Happy 2022 for tomorrow.

A vespa in a panda is one of the most Italian things ever... Love it!

Such an amazing channel, started watching during my break from uni. Now your videos play in the background while I work. Congrats on the sponsor as well!

Wow! You've just started your first mechanical adventure and without proper tools or manual; at least that's what I can see from your vid. For what it's worth, that's the way most folks get started with this sort of project. It's proof that a strong desire to get it running is more important than tools or a lack of knowledge. Way to go. Just make damn sure the brakes work!

Well done for taking in such a project, this is how we gain knowledge and experience. You did remarkably well . Well done.

I absolutely love your video. there are NO vintage Vespa videos like this on youtube. I love the way you set did the video the issue, the fix, shown, the process shown, the narration, I love it. I'd loto see a video on fixing and testing all the wiring connections on that harness on your workbench, before you install it, to get it all 100% working. That would be awesome!

Good luck getting the old PK back on the road. Built and ridden many scooters, from my first 50 special when I was 16, through many Vespas and Lambrettas to my last PX200. Even though I ride a big 1300cc bike now I've never lost my love for scootering. Subbed because I can't wait to see the next episode. 👍

Wow there isn't a lot to those things is there? And *YES* I did laugh when you dropped that steering bearing. hehehe

Good job Carl. I really wanted one of these as a kid. Would still love one now for popping down the shops.

Amazing work! I had the best times as a teen on my scooter something to recover, your video is filled with technical intrigues to set ones.

Thanks for posting and sharing. I appreciate your content on your channel. Good luck with the restoration.

You are so knowledgeable about so much. I admire your ambition to work on your projects.

Cool! Make sure to pack the new bearings with grease on final assembly and not just lube around. Looking forward to see more. 😄

Great effort, it’s so easy just to keep it all in the box and not every get it going. Nice work getting it running. Happy New Year!

Really nice, well done.👍🏼 Even the neighbours most love hearing the sound of the engine running 😂😂😂

Great work! I would avoid using E10 petrol as the higher ethanol content can perish older fuel system plastics/rubbers. Looking forward to part 2

so cool dude! exited to see it finished

Well done Carl, now you know how to do another thing. That's me at 16 with a Lambretta. 50 years later; an E-type but you learn the basics on a scooter as it's cheaper. Great video. Happy New Year.

Nice work!

That has to be the best ad plug in a video I ever saw!

I am so impressed with your knowledge of taking apart an engine. You are a very unique and talented individual.

For someone that’s mechanically illiterate, you did a fantastic job brother. I’m looking forward to the next update, until then I’ll be watching from Panama City Florida, USA. 🇺🇸

That was great. I think you did an excellent job just getting the engine running. Can’t wait to see part two.

Great video! Nice job restoring the Vespa!

Scooters are one of the best transports, but only in places where there is low and slow traffic. I would have a scooter or a Honda 70 any day if I was living on a small island or town/village. Have fond childhood memories of Piaggio and Vespas, such simple yet practical machines.

Great job, Carl! Especially considering your mechanical illiteracy. Looking forward to seeing the finished restoration. Crack on, mate, you will get there!

im literally in the process of restoring 2 vintage vespas you can never get enough of these beauties

Way to go...... joyfully simple all analogue too. cheers Jerry

Congrats on getting her started!!

i cant avoid smiling every time i see a bike back to life. its gonna be a very satisfying proyect.

Happy new year! I used to have a Vespa, in north of Spain, green like an apple !! it was such a fun , ... the vespa was my big brother before of me, and our uncle before of my brother and my younger brother after me and .... many other in the family , is eternal, the most beautiful motobike ever!!! Cant wait to see the "new look " of this one. Love this project

Never rode a Vespa but I used to go fishing with my dad on his Lambretta,he had a couple, always remember my right leg would hurt from the vibration of the engine at the end of the journey,😳 great to see someone young doing something creative with their hands and not got a phone or game console in it,😁

Great video as always !

Great little project. Very enjoyable

Go the Vespa! Great work and thanks for sharing. HNY too you and yours. 🎊🎉🥳🎆🎇🧨👍🏻🙏🏽🦘

Tip for the next time, the autostart spray is sprayed into the air inlet of the air filter, just before you try to start the engine or while you are trying to start it. Good work, keep it up.

Very cool Vespa! Love seeing someone who isn't mechanically experienced still breaking things down and struggling through to an awesome end.

I had the same Vespa when I was 14 (1985). Brand New. Still running, I sold her to one of my father's employee when I was 16 and he is still using her everyday.

Great work, i really like your approach on working things out. Keep it up!

Great effort. I’ve been trying to restore my Vespa. This video is definitely a big inspiration

I enjoy all your videos, especially the woodworking ones. Some minor points for you to consider on this little project. Split pins should be bent right back around the pin, not just splayed apart 45 degrees, and Easy Start will damage the piston if you use it habitually. Far better to work out why it doesn't start normally and fix that. Once is OK, as you did on the video.

Awesome video! Cant wait for more progress on the bike!

Well done!!

love the fact that you are taking on this challenge! way to go

Awesome! Must have been great to ride it around the parking lot for the very first time.

Loved this restoration. Good job!

Great job to get it back together 😁👌👏👏👏❤️

Nice job refueling! Joy to watch! :))

Is there anything that you and your dad can’t make or fix? I am constantly amazed by your videos and I love everyone of them. I have binged watched and now I’m all caught up! Looking forward to the next one. Happy new year! Take care, stay safe.

Love your videos! Cant wait for more vespa restoration videos😁 greetings from Denmark🇩🇰

Well done nice to know that others have very frustrating 48 hours. Currently having issues with a 4 stroke engine on a mulcher and with similar levels of mechanical ability it is rather frustrating. Makes me feel less incompetent when others suffer similar fates.

Nice work Carl! I had one of those back in the day (and I too was mechanically illiterate) The best way to learn is to take it all apart and put it all back together again. Can’t wait to see you ride it all the way back to south west France!😉

Totaly fantastic

Yes mate! Great video! Was wondering the other day when we'd get another video. Thanks buddy. Looking forward to the next one 👍🏻

You are a brilliant young man who has many talents your parents did a great job with you

Carl, for someone still very young compared to me you seem to have a very good hand and a good eye. I had my first scooter in 1970 (my best friend had a 150 Vespa) and am still fixing my son’s motorbikes 50 years later! Nice work young man, happy new year 🥳

Super job, enjoyed it very much.

I can't wait to see how you incorporate a Vespa into milling some 300 year old oak beams or something!!

nice job carl cant wait for more on it lov it thanks have a great new year

This reminds me of my first boyfriend Terry. We were too young to drive, or get a license to legally drive, but he could get one for a scooter. The fun we had!

amazing job Carl to have that scooter put away for a decade and still seem to come up with most important parts and some you had to acquire amazing, can't wait to see it sporting its new coat...

What a great video and restoration!

from Italy...thank you !

The only way too learn is too do, it’s always satisfying to restore old stuff! Anyone can buy new. Old is better. Congratulations for keeping me entertained thanks, from St. Paul Minnesota.

Im so jealous! Cant wait for the next one

Fair play for having a go👍🏻

I started watching you with your mom and dad (I think) in France a year ago restoring that beautiful farm. I had just been diagnosed with an "auto immune disorder" when I heard you mention that you had a disorder too!. I'm glad you are taking care of yourself when your illness flares up. My doctor told me to listen to my body and that my disease is related to Rheumatoid Arthritis. But instead of attacking my joints, my "disorder' attacks my skin and organs. My skin started getting tighter and my muscles hurt. I just thought it was my age! lol! Scleroderma was a word I never heard before, and I suddenly had it! Now I'm on anti-organ rejection drugs and feeling okay I guess. . Its been a strange couple years ! 😶‍🌫 🙄. Oh well! C’est la vie mon amie!! peace!

Good presentation Carl 🥂

I came home from vacation and in the mail was my belt and coasters!!! Love it all. Thanks.

Fantastic, Vespa.

We are rooting for you, Carl! Can't wait for part 2.

Hey I’m impressed you put that much together. I don’t understand mechanics and wouldn’t have gotten that far. I love that you’re refurbishing this cool 80’s bike back to functional, rideable and beautiful. I’d love to have one if ik how to fix and refurbish one. Great job, excited to see more updates and of course the paint job I’m dying to see

Looking forward to update!

Good on you, Carl. Keep on learning "how to" stuff for your 2-wheeled ride. Successes of all kinds must be very satisfying! 🤗

Happy new year!

You are so brilliant and very smart . Your parents did well in rising you . Hope to see more videos of your work on the French Farm

Really growing to love this channel 👏