New Project : Vespa By Kaveman (Read 722 times)

[Kaveman]

I am starting a new winter project and I thought I would post as things go with it ! That was recomended by some of the senior staff on the forum . A couple weeks back I picked up a bare late 70's Vespa frame from a seller in California . The seller who isn't exactly "happy" with me (putting it lightly) for bugging him to death for 2 straight weeks about the frame , is supposed to have the paperwork ( bill of sell) in the mail via usps seperatly. The frame was shiped via Greyhound Package X-press from LA California . That cost close to $100 including the added gas surcharge and not including the wrapping materials. I went with a wrap instead of a box. The box would have taken more space and higher shipping costs . Weight was about 80-90 lbs. Greyhound was the cheapest way to get the frame here. FedEx was $150+ and UPS was $250+ . Overall the frame is in ok shape and not too baddly banged up . I'll try and get photos posted soon .
The big issue will be the title. Before 1981 each manufactuer had their own vin numbers. In 1981 that changed when the US govt went with a standard 17 digit VIN format for all vehicles and scoots either made here or imported into the US. The Vin for the scoot frame wasn't in their ( california dmv ) current records due to that. I'll have to contact the CDOT special processing unit to get a new title . That means filling out a form and sending the bill of sell and any fees they may charge. I'll keep you posted as things go. This is my winter project . My roketa is still serving me for transportation till the vespa is ready for action next spring or summer.
will

[Alleyoop]

Hey Will,
WHO are you calleing SENIOR STAFF..LOL, I know you mean long serving member and NOT AGE WISE ;D.
Alleyoop

[Bashan]

Well good luck Will, we will be following closely. I'll make sure to give the thread a bump once in a while and when things really take off I can sticky it. Let us know what happens with the registration. Rich

[Kaveman]

Just a quick update . I finally got a sighned bill of sale in the mail today from the seller. He was ticked off with me bigtime thursday afternoon over my text message remarks about the extra shipping costs he had to pay. I had not been previously told by the seller of they extras and added costs he had to add above the $100 I sent.for shippng costs End result is we are no longer talking ! Next time I must remember to give a seller abit more time to respond back to me before bugging him to death via email and text messages about shipping issues! As far as california DMV is concerned about the registration issue , that I'll update on as things progress.
will

[Bashan]

Some people act like jerks and then get all up in the air when you take issue with them...go figure. Rich

[Kaveman]

Unfortunatly I am at blame ! My usual S.T.O.P is if I don't hear from the seller or buyer I bug them till they do finaly respond . I bugged him way too much via text and email .
will

[Kaveman]

Quick update. The frame I got ! May not be pretty but its a starting point !
will c.

[Bashan]

Looks great Will, I'm both excitied for you and a bit envious. If you can pull this off it will definately be one for the memorable posts board. Please keep the updates and pictures coming. Rich

[Kaveman]

Update : I picked up a VLB-1T 150cc crankcase last night on Ebay. Tho it's abit smaller than a 200cc , the price was reasonable and it will work for me . I'll most likely be putting a new 177cc cylinder and head on it as soon as funds permit. I won't have to deal with an electric starter ( which is what I prefered ) in the wiring harness. Next major item will be the steering column and its parts . I may also pick up the other small engine parts I need as funds permit . ;D
will

[Bashan]

Very cool, this should be one interesting build. Did you ever get things straightened out with the DMV? I was thinking, most states will allow at least a few one off builds per person meaning you just make a bike out of metal without a VIN. You know, like Jesse James and Orange County Choppers. Hell, we have guys here in 'Bama that do that. Maybe you could approach the registration from that angle, just tell them it's cobbled together and you had to make or refurbish your own parts; just a thought. Rich

[Kaveman]

Ok I'll look into that. The frame is going nowheres anytime soon !! The bare Vespa Sprint 150 crankcase I picked up online came in yesterdays mail . It is a non oil injected model with a 10" rear wheel base It will work for my frame since its also a 10" model for the front. One qwerk about the crankcase . In the rear it has a simmilar threaded castle nut like the starter clutch retaining nut on my scoot . More updates will come as parts are accumulated !
will

[Kaveman]

Not the prettiest crankcase but it will work !