Tuesday, 15 September 2009

Ignition

Although Regines usually starts on the first kick, some fixes will be needed in the near future:

1. Carburettor should probably be dismantled, cleaned and checked
2. Oil change.
3. Ignition cables need a fix.

As far as ignition goes, this is the current status:


The cabling from the coil is a complete disaster...


Black and red cable "hotfix" by previous owner...


And the coil cabling is a complete mess, but works... An accident waiting to happen, if you ask me...

Not showing in the picture is the metal tape wrapping that was covering the coil and ignition cables. I've taken them away, and have ordered new plastic and rubber parts to restore the cabling to a more, hopefully, functional state.


Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Low kickstart

I didn't notice this error on Regine when I first inspected her, it was dark and I was too satisfied with her starting on the first kick:

Notice the low kick?
The kick is extremely low placed...
The kick is so low placed that I need to be careful when turning to the right.
My first fix was to try to rearrange the kick by loosening it at turn it a notch on the splines, but the fastening bolt does not agree with that action.
I have posted the problem on Stellaspeed, but really not got any too good advice. 
1) either the kickstart axle is totally bent
2) or the kickstart gear is installed in a wrong way (not even sure if that is possible...)
Either way: I need to split the casings for fixing it properly. A new kickstart gear has been sourced, and I will sometime in the future fix this.  

Tuesday, 8 September 2009

The search for the lost VIN number

One of the first things to check when buying any scooter, motor cycle or car, is of course to check the VIN number, the Vehicle Identification Number.

Totally happy with the test drive of the 180SS, I dropped checking the VIN number... which caused some concern with my mates when returning home with the beauty...

Not to concerned myself, but after a while I started feeling a bit insecure. So I took off the side bubble and started searching.

This is what I found... the VIN number was severly rusted.
Some chemical rust and paint remover was needed...
To find the numbers beneath the rust. And YES, they match the registered numbers... :-)

Brake maintenance

Regine was in a very good condition when I bought her, considering the age. The chassis had some usual dents after a luggage rack, and the brakes needed some TLC. The tires definetively needed replacement, rubber was hard and provided a lumpy drive.

One of the first maintenance jobs I performed on her was to tidy up the brakes:
The rims needed some shining up, and the wheels needed replacement...
Front and rear hub are like, picture after degreasing and sand blasting...
inside...
Although the drums are like, the brake shoes are not (back showing)...
Front...
A package of SIP tires and new SS rims where ordered from SIP. Not taking any chances, the rims where primed, sprayed and clearcoated before assembly...
It was not until I had primed, sprayed and clearcoated the drums I noticed this; all 5 pinbolts on rear drum was nearly broken off!
The old rear rim told the same story...
It took me some time to find the solution to the problem, being summer holiday and all; the end of the story is that I had to machine out the old pinbolts, and replaced them with umbraco bolts.  

Today I am very happy that I did this maintenance; the result could have been fatal for both me and the scooter. I am more, but not totally, happy with the stopping power. The ride is however smooth.

Monday, 7 September 2009

Regine

Regine came in to my possession early 2009, picked up from Oslo.

Regine on the left, Yosephine on the right...
180SS headlight...
Initial condition of the front when I bought Regine...
Well patinated...
Original paint...
Speedo...
Compartment...
Original 180SS engine beneath the bubble...
Being a 1966 model, she has kept her appearance well! Everything works, and my intention is to use her with some minor improvements "as is", at least until I have finished my Ferdinand project.

Sunday, 6 September 2009

Vespa 180 SS

Welcome to my blog dedicated to my 1966 Vespa 180 SS.