DIY Network

Vespa Finale: Accessorize the Scooter and Finish the Project From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-113

	With any project, it's not where you start ...
	but where you finish!

In this final segment of the "Vespa" episodes, host Kevin Tetz and Greg West, a restoration expert, accessorize the '74 Vespa Sprint Veloce and finish the project.

When this project began the project scooter was in need of some body and mechanical work. Here's a summary of what Kevin and his guest did to restore this classic:

• Assessed the condition of the scooter.

• Stripped it down for painting -- a two-tone paint job was applied, which enhanced the look of the bike.

• The original seat on the scooter was torn, and it was simply recovered.

• The engine lacked power so Kevin and Greg dug into it and installed a larger carburetor, a beefy cylinder kit and capped it off with a performance exhaust.

• To support the increase in speed of the scooter, new brakes were installed, along with new shocks that will make the scooter much more rider friendly.

• The front fork unit was built-up and re-installed.

• The engine unit was re-installed.

• The headset received a fresh, new paint job and lights were added to the unit.

• To finish the scooter upgrades, the 12-volt electronic ignition kit was installed in the last segment.

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	Figure A
	Kevin takes the beautifully restored '74 Vespa Sprint Veloce for a cruise!

Finishing the Project

• The gas tank has to be dropped into place. Start by attaching the fuel line to the tank.

• Install the tank into the seat well and pull the fuel control through the opening and the tank drops right into place.

• Attach the back two bolts, which hold the tank in place. Fasten the seat bolts to the tank and the seat is ready for the road.

• Now it's time to accessorize the scooter. Start by installing the rear bumper to the scooter, which also act as the rear support for the cowl protectors.

• The side cowl protectors are attached and that wraps up the accessorizing on the back of the scooter.

• To dress up the front, start by installing the fork link cover.

• Next the front bumper is installed, enhancing the look of the scooter.

• Bolt down the rear-view mirrors to the scooter's headset.

• And the last two touches are the Piaggio and Vespa emblems (figure A).

The 1974 Vespa Sprint Veloce has been transformed into a beautiful classic ride!

RESOURCES :

Eazyrizer Big Blue Motorcycle Lift (Driven Gear)
Driven Gear Inc.
Website: www.drivengear.com

RaceDeck Modular Flooring (SnapLock Industries)
SnapLock Industries
Website: www.racedeck.com

Vespa Restoration Parts (Scomo)
Scomo
Website: www.scomo.net

Air Compressor (Bend-Pak)
Bend-Pak, Inc.
Website: www.bendpak.com

Stock Photos, Videos, CD Rom and Timesurfer (Piaggio)
Piaggio, USA, Inc.
Website: www.piaggio.com/

GUESTS :

Greg West
Scooter Restoration Expert
E-mail: wheelsX2@yahoo.com