by "ImmoralMinority" (araimondo)
Published 03/05/2017 at 22:14
by "ImmoralMinority" (araimondo)
Published 03/05/2017 at 22:14
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STARS: 0
I am sitting in a hotel bar, bored and thinking about the Vespa. What would you prioritize of my projects?
1. Exhaust Upgrade.
Most of the aftermarket exhausts I find are not legal in California, but I like this one that has no CA disclaimer and keeps the stock look.
I don’t like this tip:
SIP-TIP : For safe and enduring use of this exhaust system do not forget to order new, lighter variator roller weights, a new spark plug and a 5% larger main jet for the carb.
If I need new variator weights and a jet for the carb, do I really want to do this?
2. 190 cc head kit.
More displacement seems to be the foundation of improving performance. Even if I need a new carb and variator kit, this seems like the biggest difference maker.
3. Body panels.
There are two broken plastic panels. The floorboard and the glovebox are broken where they overlap, leaving a small hole.
Part of me wants at least the plastic parts in shape, but they need to be painted.
See the little tab on the front, top of the picture? It fits into a bracket on the leg shield beading, which I am also missing.
To do this right, I need the inside glovebox piece too.
The lower right corner has a litte plastic flare that helps hold the beading bracket in place, and it is broken off mine. This part is $121.95. If I do this body work, I much more likely to abandon my bumper sticker covered rat scooter and get serious about restoring the Vespa’s appearance. That means MOAR CHROME, MOAR CRASH BARS, MOAR MIRRORS. Something like this, but more chrome:
I dig the Martini livery. But it needs crash bars, and more color on its hips. BTW, you can see here how the glove box overlaps the floorboard.
4. Dashboard repair.
As the driver, I want my indicators to work.
The right side of my dash has no power. No turn signal indicator or low fuel indicator. It annoys me, but $300 worth?
These are the most costly things I am considering for the Vespa, but am not sure how to prioritize. What do you think?
Sorry this was so long and thanks for checking it out.
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
03/05/2017 at 22:17, STARS: 0
Always go for bigger engine. How else are you going to get the best lap time?
"Birddog" (maintmgt)
03/05/2017 at 22:21, STARS: 1
Make everything work properly first. (Easier said than done. I know.)
Then work on the “body”.
Then work on the big bore/fuel/exhaust.
"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
03/05/2017 at 22:21, STARS: 1
honestly, everything but the dashboard.
and F the cali requirments, get what you want and something thats a brand name and wont fall apart in 6 months
EDIT: or at least if it does fall apart in 6 months, you have a decent warrenty to rely on.
"gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee" (gogmorgo)
03/05/2017 at 22:27, STARS: 0
I think you should prioritize your XJ Cherokee project.
"Funktheduck" (funktheduck)
03/05/2017 at 22:39, STARS: 0
1. What’s a variator?
2. I always put working engine/safety before looks. For example, my truck: new fuel tank, lines, and pick up first. Why? The rubber lines had cracked so they were leaking gas when the tank was more than 3/4 full and on an incline. Had to replace the pick up because it was more or less dead as well. Next, which is still in the process, is brakes. Once those are settled it’s pick your poison. Probably work on just replacing old rubber and plastic bits.
"Tapas" (tapas)
03/05/2017 at 23:14, STARS: 0
How about...
5. Engine swap - put a bigger engine in it :D
" The Compromiser" (charger)
03/06/2017 at 02:14, STARS: 0
No replacement for displacement. Unless it’s safety related.even if it’s saftey related.