Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance

Stanher · 9th August 2009, 15:05

sid,
Your scoot seems to be coming out great! But how come the fuel tank, toolbox etc. have been fitted before the frame was painted? And they dont seem to be painted yet?

Anyways, after a brief delay with my mech. getting busy with some otjher scoots, and me running short of time with my job, we are back on track with my '60 s2.

He has got the scooter wired up now with the new junction box and cables etc. all connected. 'only needs new oil and petrol to be started up, which he said he will be doing tomorrow morning and asked me to come over then.

He said he had to 'reface' the magnet as it was ill-fitting (taken from another lammy) and wasn't turning properly at first. All sorted out now.

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3476.jpg

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3477.jpg

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3478.jpg

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3481.jpg

BUT, here's one more wrinkle that needs to be smoothed out!!

Just when I thought nothing could go worse, my mech. showed me the petrol tap rod that is way too long for the bike!!

I'm surprised as to how the length turned out to be inappropriate!! Any way to correct this??

SOS to Saurabh

!!!!!

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3479.jpg

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3480.jpg

We plan to drive it down to the denter and show him the misalignment on the frame that I showed here earlier. There is one guy who is an old-timer and would know what the problem is, but he would be dead busy now, what with the vintage bikes getting ready for 15th aug....I hope he agrees to take a look at it!!

Sidman · 17th August 2009, 21:48

Updates on restoration of my 1970 S2. We are a week from completion now, wiring is done. Some pics:

SA7VA5 · 18th August 2009, 14:19

Hey Sidman,

Your machine is coming out very well.

Nice petrol tankk T - where did you get that from?

Cheers mate!

Stanher · 18th August 2009, 19:07

Great going sid!

Your machine seems to be coming along steadily, unlike mine! :(

'cant wait to see her done!

Sidman · 18th August 2009, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by SA7VA5

Hey Sidman,

Your machine is coming out very well.

Nice petrol tankk T - where did you get that from?

Cheers mate!

Thanks Saurabh! The tank outlet is a local piece.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanher

Great going sid!

Your machine seems to be coming along steadily, unlike mine! :(

'cant wait to see her done!

Thanks Shyam! Most credit goes to Arun and my mech Fayaz. All things get sorted out eventually, so cheer up!

gaddiwale · 19th August 2009, 23:55

Hey Sidman the throttle cable holder (marked in the pix) I guess is of plastic. AFAIK this also used to be made up of metal, similar to the gear cables holder (I don't know the name of this part). I have seen metal one in my Dad's 1960 Lambretta and many others. May be Sourav or others can throw some light.

Sidman · 20th August 2009, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaddiwale

Hey Sidman the throttle cable holder (marked in the pix) I guess is of plastic. AFAIK this also used to be made up of metal, similar to the gear cables holder (I don't know the name of this part). I have seen metal one in my Dad's 1960 Lambretta and many others. May be Sourav or others can throw some light.

Yes, you are right. The early 60's (Innocenti) Lambrettas had these parts in brass. We have looked for them. The only way is to find an early 60's fit for junking, and buy these parts off it. They are very sought after. Now, my scooter is a 1970 API Lambretta, which originally came with these parts in plastic. If I do get hold of these brass replacements, I will fit them later.

Stanher · 20th August 2009, 22:07

Finally back in action with an update on my s2!
And geez, it's amazing to find how multiple problems seem to attack you all at once!

Despite many efforts, the scoot hasn't been able to fire up properly since days- and finally when it did (which I unfortunately missed, being at work! :() it would quickly die down! This really got on the guy's nerves!

So the mech. got down to working on the mechanicals, got the manifold changed back to an original Li one (it was with a Vijai one, having been previously fitted with a Vijai mikarb carb) as the scoot was found to be taking in a lot of air. It still didn't solve the problem.

Then finally he found out that the oil-seals fitted turned out to be not too good and there was an oil leak!

So the guy managed to get better seals (pioneer or something) for the clutch side, had me get him 2 of the magneto side today.
Plus, he says the magneto fitted seems to be weak in charging!

Also turns out the air-filter box too is a newer one from a lamby, as the original Li ones had the rod for the air-filter welded on from the inside, which this one doesn't have! 'looks like the previous owners had upgraded most parts of this scoot to Lamby ones, as was common in those days!
I was advised to revert to an original box or change the air-filter holder to a Lamby one.

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3602.jpg

Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance-img_3604.jpg

I think there is an original box fitted on a scoot I plan to retain for parts, so will take it off that and fit onto this scoot. 'will take some time though.

Stanher · 20th August 2009, 22:24

Finally back in action with an update on my s2!
And geez, it's amazing to find how multiple problems seem to attack you all at once!

Despite many efforts, the scoot hasn't been able to fire up properly since days- and finally when it did (which I unfortunately missed, being at work! :() it would quickly die down! This really got on the guy's nerves!

So the mech. got down to working on the mechanicals, got the manifold changed back to an original Li one (it was with a Vijai one, having been previously fitted with a Vijai mikarb carb) as the scoot was found to be taking in a lot of air. It still didn't solve the problem.

Then finally he found out that the oil-seals fitted turned out to be not too good and there was an oil leak!

So the guy managed to get better seals (pioneer or something) for the clutch side, had me get him 2 of the magneto side today.
Plus, he says the magneto fitted seems to be weak in charging!

Also turns out the air-filter box too is a newer one from a lamby, as the original Li ones had the rod for the air-filter welded on from the inside, which this one doesn't have! 'looks like the previous owners had upgraded most parts of this scoot to Lamby ones, as was common in those days!
I was advised to revert to an original box or change the air-filter holder to a Lamby one.

Attachment 177855

Attachment 177856

I think there is an original box fitted on a scoot I plan to retain for parts, so will take it off that and fit onto this scoot. 'will take some time though.

arun1100 · 20th August 2009, 23:26

Sid, finally saw your lamby pics. Good going. Hope to see it on the 30th!!

Sidman · 21st August 2009, 12:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by arun1100

Sid, finally saw your lamby pics. Good going. Hope to see it on the 30th!!

Thanks Arun, I hope all goes as planned this time!

SA7VA5 · 21st August 2009, 19:19

Hi Stanher,

Be very very careful with Magneto side seals. They can get damaged quite easily during installation.

Even the slightest of nick on the seal lip is good enough to ruin it completely.

Doesn't matter which make you pick up - install properly and put high temp grease if possible while installing them.

Cheers!

Stanher · 21st August 2009, 23:43

Thanks Saurabh!

BTW, today I heard for the first time my s2 engine firing up!

BUT, as he pointed out, it starts with great effort, and when it does, it dies down quickly! And during which time there is this bellowing sound heard, like air being taken in.

I suspect it is from the manget? I once had this problem with my Vijai Super. But I remember that was because of a problem with the points/condensor.

Sidman · 24th August 2009, 23:31

Some updates on the restoration of my 1970 API S2 Lambretta. All wiring is done, and the engine is running fine. The blue body sections have been painted and a second coat has also been sprayed on. Results are fantastic...I hope to have it completed in a week.

the mole · 25th August 2009, 20:02

Is this Flaminia Blue? If so what is the code. I am planning to paint my scooter Flaminia blue too, like the one in the attached photo.

9th August 2009, 15:05	#166
Stanher Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hyderabad, AP Posts: 6,491 Thanked: 2,087 Times View My Garage	Misery loves company?? sid, Your scoot seems to be coming out great! But how come the fuel tank, toolbox etc. have been fitted before the frame was painted? And they dont seem to be painted yet? Anyways, after a brief delay with my mech. getting busy with some otjher scoots, and me running short of time with my job, we are back on track with my '60 s2. He has got the scooter wired up now with the new junction box and cables etc. all connected. 'only needs new oil and petrol to be started up, which he said he will be doing tomorrow morning and asked me to come over then. He said he had to 'reface' the magnet as it was ill-fitting (taken from another lammy) and wasn't turning properly at first. All sorted out now. BUT, here's one more wrinkle that needs to be smoothed out!! Just when I thought nothing could go worse, my mech. showed me the petrol tap rod that is way too long for the bike!! I'm surprised as to how the length turned out to be inappropriate!! Any way to correct this?? SOS to Saurabh !!!!! We plan to drive it down to the denter and show him the misalignment on the frame that I showed here earlier. There is one guy who is an old-timer and would know what the problem is, but he would be dead busy now, what with the vintage bikes getting ready for 15th aug....I hope he agrees to take a look at it!!
	() Thanks

17th August 2009, 21:48	#167
Sidman BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 416 Thanked: 28 Times View My Garage	Updates on restoration of my 1970 S2. We are a week from completion now, wiring is done. Some pics: Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

18th August 2009, 14:19	#168
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	Hey Sidman, Your machine is coming out very well. Nice petrol tankk T - where did you get that from? Cheers mate!
	() Thanks

18th August 2009, 19:07	#169
Stanher Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hyderabad, AP Posts: 6,491 Thanked: 2,087 Times View My Garage	Great going sid! Your machine seems to be coming along steadily, unlike mine! :( 'cant wait to see her done!
	() Thanks

19th August 2009, 23:55	#171
gaddiwale BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 399 Thanked: 77 Times	Hey Sidman the throttle cable holder (marked in the pix) I guess is of plastic. AFAIK this also used to be made up of metal, similar to the gear cables holder (I don't know the name of this part). I have seen metal one in my Dad's 1960 Lambretta and many others. May be Sourav or others can throw some light. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

20th August 2009, 22:07	#173
Stanher Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hyderabad, AP Posts: 6,491 Thanked: 2,087 Times View My Garage	Finally back in action with an update on my s2! And geez, it's amazing to find how multiple problems seem to attack you all at once! Despite many efforts, the scoot hasn't been able to fire up properly since days- and finally when it did (which I unfortunately missed, being at work! :() it would quickly die down! This really got on the guy's nerves! So the mech. got down to working on the mechanicals, got the manifold changed back to an original Li one (it was with a Vijai one, having been previously fitted with a Vijai mikarb carb) as the scoot was found to be taking in a lot of air. It still didn't solve the problem. Then finally he found out that the oil-seals fitted turned out to be not too good and there was an oil leak! So the guy managed to get better seals (pioneer or something) for the clutch side, had me get him 2 of the magneto side today. Plus, he says the magneto fitted seems to be weak in charging! Also turns out the air-filter box too is a newer one from a lamby, as the original Li ones had the rod for the air-filter welded on from the inside, which this one doesn't have! 'looks like the previous owners had upgraded most parts of this scoot to Lamby ones, as was common in those days! I was advised to revert to an original box or change the air-filter holder to a Lamby one. I think there is an original box fitted on a scoot I plan to retain for parts, so will take it off that and fit onto this scoot. 'will take some time though.
	() Thanks

20th August 2009, 22:24	#174
Stanher Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hyderabad, AP Posts: 6,491 Thanked: 2,087 Times View My Garage	Finally back in action with an update on my s2! And geez, it's amazing to find how multiple problems seem to attack you all at once! Despite many efforts, the scoot hasn't been able to fire up properly since days- and finally when it did (which I unfortunately missed, being at work! :() it would quickly die down! This really got on the guy's nerves! So the mech. got down to working on the mechanicals, got the manifold changed back to an original Li one (it was with a Vijai one, having been previously fitted with a Vijai mikarb carb) as the scoot was found to be taking in a lot of air. It still didn't solve the problem. Then finally he found out that the oil-seals fitted turned out to be not too good and there was an oil leak! So the guy managed to get better seals (pioneer or something) for the clutch side, had me get him 2 of the magneto side today. Plus, he says the magneto fitted seems to be weak in charging! Also turns out the air-filter box too is a newer one from a lamby, as the original Li ones had the rod for the air-filter welded on from the inside, which this one doesn't have! 'looks like the previous owners had upgraded most parts of this scoot to Lamby ones, as was common in those days! I was advised to revert to an original box or change the air-filter holder to a Lamby one. Attachment 177855 Attachment 177856 I think there is an original box fitted on a scoot I plan to retain for parts, so will take it off that and fit onto this scoot. 'will take some time though.
	() Thanks

20th August 2009, 23:26	#175
arun1100 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,087 Thanked: 5,577 Times View My Garage	Sid, finally saw your lamby pics. Good going. Hope to see it on the 30th!!
	() Thanks

21st August 2009, 19:19	#177
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	Hi Stanher, Be very very careful with Magneto side seals. They can get damaged quite easily during installation. Even the slightest of nick on the seal lip is good enough to ruin it completely. Doesn't matter which make you pick up - install properly and put high temp grease if possible while installing them. Cheers!
	() Thanks

21st August 2009, 23:43	#178
Stanher Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hyderabad, AP Posts: 6,491 Thanked: 2,087 Times View My Garage	Thanks Saurabh! BTW, today I heard for the first time my s2 engine firing up! BUT, as he pointed out, it starts with great effort, and when it does, it dies down quickly! And during which time there is this bellowing sound heard, like air being taken in. I suspect it is from the manget? I once had this problem with my Vijai Super. But I remember that was because of a problem with the points/condensor.
	() Thanks

24th August 2009, 23:31	#179
Sidman BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 416 Thanked: 28 Times View My Garage	Some updates on the restoration of my 1970 API S2 Lambretta. All wiring is done, and the engine is running fine. The blue body sections have been painted and a second coat has also been sprayed on. Results are fantastic...I hope to have it completed in a week. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

25th August 2009, 20:02	#180
the mole Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 2,189 Thanked: 825 Times View My Garage	Is this Flaminia Blue? If so what is the code. I am planning to paint my scooter Flaminia blue too, like the one in the attached photo. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks