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Renovating a Vespa!

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  • Renovating a Vespa!

    Hi Guys,

    I have embarked on a long-cherished dream of renovating my one-and-half decades old LML NV150 (aka Vespa PX150). The wasp is in a pretty bad shape and foorboards and the front wheel fenders need replacement, along with some major engine rework. I have no plans of using it as a daily commute, but rather, it would be a once-in-a while retro ride to enjoy and cherish.

    My first query is finding a good scooter mechanic at Bangalore. Most of the garages are dealing only with 4-strokes and and I spoke to a couple of 2-stroke guys who work on RXs, but they are not very sure about working on a scooter. Where can I find someone to restore the engine to perfection?

    Secondly, I want to go for a major cosmetic makeover and till now I have conceptualized the following details:

    1. Matte Grey color (similar to the 2012 Dio)
    2. Clear Lens turn signals
    3. Modified tail lamp
    4. Modified headlamp from the LX125
    5. DC Electricals
    6. Chrome-plated wheel hub-caps.
    7. Storage box integrated into the rear backrest
    8. White LED-backlight inside the speedo console
    9. Vespa decals.


    I know some items from the list are doable and a few may not be doable. So please help me with the following questions:

    • Can I get clear-lens turn-indicators for the NV150? If yes, then where? (IIRC, Bajaj Bravo had clear indicators, but can I get a full set anywhere today? Or can I fit the LX125 indicators on to the oldie?)
    • What tail lamp can be fitted on to a NV150? I prefer something like the the LX125's unit. Will it fit with some minor rework?
    • Will the LX125 headlamps actually fit? I know, I have to cut the existing housing slightly - but what about the reflector dia/depth? Any other options? (Maybe a 35W HID projector?)
    • Can I actually convert the scooter's electricals into DC? If yes, then how to proceed?

    Biking is not about how many Km/h you put on your Speedo. It's about how many miles you put on your Odo. Ride Safe, Ride Long!


  • #2
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    • #3
      no suggestions ?

      Biking is not about how many Km/h you put on your Speedo. It's about how many miles you put on your Odo. Ride Safe, Ride Long!

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      • #4
        All the best with your restoration and modification buddy. Two Stroke mechanics who deal with Vespas and Chetaks are still around here in Hyderabad forunately. I have finalized a 2002 Dec Chetak for the pleasure of a two stroke geared scooter.

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        • #5
          Hi Mate,
          good to hear that you are restoring a Vespa... Even i have one 86 Vespa, in matte black color(faded over years from gloss black ). Its in mint condition and it can do 120 KMPH on any day. My dad knew a mechanic who used to work on it. I suggest you to visit Tilaknagar i;e Jayanagar 4T block, were you can find many mechanics who work on scooters.
          Keep us updated on how your project turns out..

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          • #6
            Originally posted by tousif77 View Post
            Hi Mate,
            good to hear that you are restoring a Vespa... Even i have one 86 Vespa, in matte black color(faded over years from gloss black ). Its in mint condition and it can do 120 KMPH on any day. My dad knew a mechanic who used to work on it. I suggest you to visit Tilaknagar i;e Jayanagar 4T block, were you can find many mechanics who work on scooters.
            Keep us updated on how your project turns out..
            Thanks Tousif. We can catch up some time to discuss the Vespa and if possible, you can refer me to your dad's mechanic. Do PM me your contacts, and any idea on the below queries?

            • Can I get clear-lens turn-indicators for the NV150? If yes, then where? (IIRC, Bajaj Bravo had clear indicators, but can I get a full set anywhere today? Or can I fit the LX125 indicators on to the oldie?)
            • What tail lamp can be fitted on to a NV150? I prefer something like the the LX125's unit. Will it fit with some minor rework?
            • Will the LX125 headlamps actually fit? I know, I have to cut the existing housing slightly - but what about the reflector dia/depth? Any other options? (Maybe a 35W HID projector?)
            • Can I actually convert the scooter's electricals into DC? If yes, then how to proceed?

            Biking is not about how many Km/h you put on your Speedo. It's about how many miles you put on your Odo. Ride Safe, Ride Long!

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            • #7
              Re: Renovating a Vespa!

              [MENTION=49917]bbsrailfan[/MENTION] : I have LML Vespa (1987 model) which I have renovated twice in 1993 & 2000. I have spent some good amount of time.

              Reg: the Headlamp it is around 6" (150mm). I'll confirm the depth of headlamp.
              Reg Mods:
              I'm planning to put any of the for wheelers Headlamp of same size and put a H4 (55/60) with the HS1 Ceramic holders.

              Regards,
              Srinivas

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              • #8
                Re: Renovating a Vespa!

                [MENTION=49917]bbsrailfan[/MENTION]: Will the LX125 headlamps actually fit? I know, I have to cut the existing housing slightly - but what about the reflector dia/depth? Any other options? (Maybe a 35W HID projector?)

                The total Dia of the LML reflector is 6" (150mm)
                Depth of reflector alone is 90 mm (including the convex glass which is 25 mm,) + need to consider the holder length too.

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                • #9
                  Re: Renovating a Vespa!

                  Originally posted by sri19022003 View Post
                  @bbsrailfan: Will the LX125 headlamps actually fit? I know, I have to cut the existing housing slightly - but what about the reflector dia/depth? Any other options? (Maybe a 35W HID projector?)

                  The total Dia of the LML reflector is 6" (150mm)
                  Depth of reflector alone is 90 mm (including the convex glass which is 25 mm,) + need to consider the holder length too.
                  Dear Srini,

                  I haven't been able to move ahead with the project as the scooter was taken over by my uncle to a different town few months ago. As of now, he has replaced the floorboards and the fenders, but all other changes have been shelved until the Vespa is back into my possession.

                  You will need to make quite a few changes to fit a H4 headlamp, upgrading the electricals from scratch. I was considering replacing the headlamp/console assembly entirely and fit the LX125's assembly because of their cosmetic appeal and modern shape, but I hadn't figured out how they could be incorporated - I'd take the mechanic's opinion on that.

                  Cheers

                  Biking is not about how many Km/h you put on your Speedo. It's about how many miles you put on your Odo. Ride Safe, Ride Long!

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                  • #10
                    Re: Renovating a Vespa!

                    [MENTION=49917]bbsrailfan[/MENTION]
                    Thanks for your reply.
                    I was waiting to see some action on this post since I'm a big fan of Vespa.
                    BTW even LX125's Headlamp console comes with a HS1. Doesn't it need electricals change.
                    Is HS1 lighter than H4 in terms of consuming the power. If so I would change my Splendor Headlamp Mod from H4 to HS1.
                    I prefered H4 coz of the wide range (night breakers etc.. etc..) of availability.

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                    • #11
                      Re: Renovating a Vespa!

                      Originally posted by sri19022003 View Post
                      HS1 lighter than H4 in terms of consuming the power. If so I would change my Splendor Headlamp Mod from H4 to HS1.
                      I prefered H4 coz of the wide range (night breakers etc.. etc..) of availability.
                      Srini, HS1 is available only in 35/35W while you can opt for H4 bulbs in 55/60W with much better illumination. Provided you do a full DC conversion and upgrade to a minimum of a 6AH battery, a 55/60 Nightbreaker / EV will provide amazing illumination in a circular housing.

                      Check out this version of LML sold in Italy which features an electric start as well. (No, it's not a Vespa, it's the made-in-india LML sold in Italy)

                      Click image for larger version

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                      Last edited by bbsrailfan; 01-31-2014, 12:01 PM.

                      Biking is not about how many Km/h you put on your Speedo. It's about how many miles you put on your Odo. Ride Safe, Ride Long!

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                      • #12
                        Re: Renovating a Vespa!

                        I thought the LML which is sold in Italy is an Made in Europe, thats a new for me.
                        I wanted to buy nitrogen front suspension and nitrogen rear shock for my LML. even the new one which is sold in Italy has these Nitrox in the Front & Rear.
                        Both were available in the last lot which was sold by LML.
                        Many a people have replaced it with the oil shocks once it lost its action, but my vote is always for the nitrox since I feel they are more comfortable. Pl. let me know if you come across.

                        My next major upgrade is self start by one of the expert mech from Bangalore, right now it doesnt even has a battery coz its a non-indicator version of LML vespa 150 and not an NV/T5. Pl. share your thughts.

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