Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance

priyadarshan.b · 8th March 2011, 13:02

Hello All,

Proudly presenting my new acquisition. A 1964 Lambretta Li 150. The pictures show both of my scooters together. This scooter is surprisingly well preserved and quite original including headlamp, speedometers, and even the clutch and brake levers have API marked on them. I dont plan to start work on them so soon as i spent most of my fortune on acquiring them.

But suggestions are most welcome.

ilangop · 9th March 2011, 20:33

Hi all,
Got these parts from a friend in Lucknow.
These parts are a direct fit in the Vikram CNG 200, all original replacement parts for SIL vehicles.
-Ilango

samsag12 · 9th March 2011, 21:17

I am glad that you got hold of some necessary genuine parts for your Vijai Super.
I sincerely hope and wish you get the remaining parts soon.

ilangop · 24th March 2011, 07:11

Hi all,
This all happened once I came across the data sheets of CDI systems commonly used in motorcycles in India. The data sheet mentioned that the CDI units had an inbuilt program to advance and retart the ignition timing as per the engine rpm. This would optimize the performance across various engine speeds. Some of the CDI units also had a throttle signal input.
My first step is to go only for advance / retart, and no throttle signal input. To trigger the CDI system the pickup coil has to be placed at the right location. Worked out 2 schemes for mounting the pickup coil, one inside the magneto and other one outside.
Pickup coil outside flywheel:
Pros - Easily replacable without removing flywheel
Cons - Complex to give provision for setting timing.
The pros and cons in placing the pickup coil inside the magneto are just the opposite of the above said. Rather than easiness, adjusting and setting the timing is more important, so settled upon placing the pickup coil inside the magneto.

Parts required are as follows.
1. Pickup coil from LML Vespa
2. Starting coil from Bajaj Bravo
3. CDI unit from TVS XL super (gives 2degree advance at higher speeds, Max 100 R CDI unit gives about 10 degrees) MASTERLIST#

The coils for the brake lamp, ignition, and tail lamp have to be removed and replaced with the headlamp coils that come as a standard. Connect all 4 coils in series to get about 24V for which one can use any standard rectifier and regulator unit (can connect a battery also).

The protrutions on the north and south poles to trigger the pickcoil has to be welded and filed after removing the magnetic plates from inside the flywheel. I hope a remagnetization is required after welding and filing. Will update once I proceed further.

ilangop · 18th February 2012, 14:23

Hi all,
Finally found some time to proceed with altering the flywheel. As said in the previous post the flywheel needs to be worked up so that the pickup coil senses the exact position to trigger a spark. After some study I finally settled down on having the Vespa pickup coil and internal trigger. The bench marking was done with a Bajaj scooter CDI flywheel.
The 2 magnetic pieces opposite to the keyway have to be removed and welded with a small projection. The projections hav to be filed to the apt size & appropriate curvature. I bet it consumes lot of time and demands patience to get the matching curvature in the inner side. Else there are chances that there wont be proper tiggering or the projections rubbing against the pickup coil or stator laminations.
So far the flywheel is ready enough for testing. Wires have to be soldered out from the stator. Attached the pictures of stator & Flywheel. Flywheel projections have undergone some more of fine tuning with respect to the gap & clearences. Pictures of which I shall post in the next occasison.

jawabiker · 28th February 2012, 11:36

Dear All Lambretta Lovers / Owners,

Shortly i would like to start restoration of my uncles 62 lambretta (Li 150)
We want to renovate it as per company norms the same way it had rolled out of the showroom in 62.After discussion with my uncle he recalled the scooter was rolled out of the showroom with "grey" shade.

I request you all to please help me out here by updating the colour shade that were available during 1962 period and if possible some pics of the scoots.

As i have seen scoots with "Lambretta" written on the side panels and some without it

please if somebody could update me the exact differences in the models
would be helpfull for me in restoration process as i need to work with the painter and the mechie and update him the same

Regards,
Ranjit

siddharthp · 12th March 2012, 13:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jawabiker

Dear All Lambretta Lovers / Owners,

I request you all to please help me out here by updating the colour shade that were available during 1962 period and if possible some pics of the scoots.

Please check for color codes.I have seen these links in some posts,however may be of some help to you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jawabiker

As i have seen scoots with "Lambretta" written on the side panels and some without it

Regards,
Ranjit

As far as I know,all Lambrettas manufactured before 1962 had side logos.I have 1972 Lambretta but I am still looking for the side logos,those looking nice on 72' scooter(though fear of loosing originality!)

I am also starting restoration from next month.I am already done with engine overhaul and scooter runs like charm.I will post the photos soon in 'As is condition' soon and then update my signature.

jawabiker · 12th March 2012, 14:13

Dear siddharthp,

Thanks for your update

; but i request u all to update any pics as the paint guys work on pictures and finding the shades like "Grigio Chiaro Met (Light Grey Metallic)" will be like finding a daimond is a gold mine

I have got the side logos and all the cosmetic stuff but stuck on the colour shade as want to renovate it to its original self.

Regards,
Ranjit

TuffRyder · 12th March 2012, 16:11

Hi guys, I recently did a part restoration on my 1962 Li150 S2. I liked the color scheme which was present on the scooter, so chose the same colors. The work happened only on the body and the engine was not touched, except for buffing and chrome work. It looks like not much work done from the before and after pictures, but the paint was stripped to bare metal. It required extensive tinkering work, as the whole scooter was filled with metal paste. My only condition to the tinker was that I shouldn't use any metal paste on this scooter and it was achieved. He took half a day on just the front fender, which was a mess. Here are some pictures.

kevinephraim · 12th March 2012, 16:56

Tuffryder, That is one really well restored API Lambretta!!!!

Nice colour combo and nicely finished.

Am glad there is no more putty /filler underneath that paint, and its metal all over.

Forgive my ignorance, but the silencer looked a bit different from what i remember from our old Lamby, Could you post another picture from a different angle?

jawabiker · 12th March 2012, 17:05

Dear patric,

Etta looks as if it was rolled out of Lambretta showroon just today; Excellent restoration as always on your vehicles.

Regards,
Ranjit

TuffRyder · 12th March 2012, 18:21

Kevin: That endpipe was imported from Italy by one of our Team-BHP members, who was kind enough to give me one. It it not like our regular Indian ones. This is 1962 scooter, so was a complete import.
Ranjit: Thanks for the kind words.

priyadarshan.b · 13th March 2012, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuffRyder

Hi guys, I recently did a part restoration on my 1962 Li150 S2. I liked the color scheme which was present on the scooter, so chose the same colors. The work happened only on the body and the engine was not touched, except for buffing and chrome work. It looks like not much work done from the before and after pictures, but the paint was stripped to bare metal. It required extensive tinkering work, as the whole scooter was filled with metal paste. My only condition to the tinker was that I shouldn't use any metal paste on this scooter and it was achieved. He took half a day on just the front fender, which was a mess. Here are some pictures.

hey TuffRyder..
The paint quality and finish is just amazing.. The lambretta character stands out even more prominently now. Congratulations on such a nice job done..

Priyadarshan

Shreeram · 13th March 2012, 22:21

Excellent Work there.. Looks nice and that too in my fav colour.

chanu · 14th March 2012, 08:39

Wow! great out come, very inspiring. I say you must be lucky to get a well maintained scooter hence a superb end result.

8th March 2011, 13:02	#481
priyadarshan.b BHPian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 225 Thanked: 66 Times View My Garage	Re: Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance Hello All, Proudly presenting my new acquisition. A 1964 Lambretta Li 150. The pictures show both of my scooters together. This scooter is surprisingly well preserved and quite original including headlamp, speedometers, and even the clutch and brake levers have API marked on them. I dont plan to start work on them so soon as i spent most of my fortune on acquiring them. But suggestions are most welcome. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

9th March 2011, 20:33	#482
ilangop BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 992 Thanked: 903 Times View My Garage	Originaaaalll Parts Hi all, Got these parts from a friend in Lucknow. These parts are a direct fit in the Vikram CNG 200, all original replacement parts for SIL vehicles. -Ilango Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

9th March 2011, 21:17	#483
samsag12 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: City of Nawaabs Posts: 1,624 Thanked: 242 Times View My Garage	Re: Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance I am glad that you got hold of some necessary genuine parts for your Vijai Super. I sincerely hope and wish you get the remaining parts soon.
	() Thanks

24th March 2011, 07:11	#484
ilangop BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 992 Thanked: 903 Times View My Garage	CDI conversion from existing flywheel and stator Hi all, This all happened once I came across the data sheets of CDI systems commonly used in motorcycles in India. The data sheet mentioned that the CDI units had an inbuilt program to advance and retart the ignition timing as per the engine rpm. This would optimize the performance across various engine speeds. Some of the CDI units also had a throttle signal input. My first step is to go only for advance / retart, and no throttle signal input. To trigger the CDI system the pickup coil has to be placed at the right location. Worked out 2 schemes for mounting the pickup coil, one inside the magneto and other one outside. Pickup coil outside flywheel: Pros - Easily replacable without removing flywheel Cons - Complex to give provision for setting timing. The pros and cons in placing the pickup coil inside the magneto are just the opposite of the above said. Rather than easiness, adjusting and setting the timing is more important, so settled upon placing the pickup coil inside the magneto. Parts required are as follows. 1. Pickup coil from LML Vespa 2. Starting coil from Bajaj Bravo 3. CDI unit from TVS XL super (gives 2degree advance at higher speeds, Max 100 R CDI unit gives about 10 degrees) MASTERLIST# The coils for the brake lamp, ignition, and tail lamp have to be removed and replaced with the headlamp coils that come as a standard. Connect all 4 coils in series to get about 24V for which one can use any standard rectifier and regulator unit (can connect a battery also). The protrutions on the north and south poles to trigger the pickcoil has to be welded and filed after removing the magnetic plates from inside the flywheel. I hope a remagnetization is required after welding and filing. Will update once I proceed further. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by ilangop : 24th March 2011 at 07:15.
	() Thanks

18th February 2012, 14:23	#485
ilangop BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 992 Thanked: 903 Times View My Garage	CDI conversion from existing flywheel and stator - Part2 Hi all, Finally found some time to proceed with altering the flywheel. As said in the previous post the flywheel needs to be worked up so that the pickup coil senses the exact position to trigger a spark. After some study I finally settled down on having the Vespa pickup coil and internal trigger. The bench marking was done with a Bajaj scooter CDI flywheel. The 2 magnetic pieces opposite to the keyway have to be removed and welded with a small projection. The projections hav to be filed to the apt size & appropriate curvature. I bet it consumes lot of time and demands patience to get the matching curvature in the inner side. Else there are chances that there wont be proper tiggering or the projections rubbing against the pickup coil or stator laminations. So far the flywheel is ready enough for testing. Wires have to be soldered out from the stator. Attached the pictures of stator & Flywheel. Flywheel projections have undergone some more of fine tuning with respect to the gap & clearences. Pictures of which I shall post in the next occasison. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images
	() Thanks

28th February 2012, 11:36	#486
jawabiker BHPian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Nashik Posts: 146 Thanked: 13 Times	Re: CDI conversion from existing flywheel and stator - Part2 Dear All Lambretta Lovers / Owners, Shortly i would like to start restoration of my uncles 62 lambretta (Li 150) We want to renovate it as per company norms the same way it had rolled out of the showroom in 62.After discussion with my uncle he recalled the scooter was rolled out of the showroom with "grey" shade. I request you all to please help me out here by updating the colour shade that were available during 1962 period and if possible some pics of the scoots. As i have seen scoots with "Lambretta" written on the side panels and some without it please if somebody could update me the exact differences in the models would be helpfull for me in restoration process as i need to work with the painter and the mechie and update him the same Regards, Ranjit
	() Thanks

12th March 2012, 14:13	#488
jawabiker BHPian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Nashik Posts: 146 Thanked: 13 Times	Re: CDI conversion from existing flywheel and stator - Part2 Dear siddharthp, Thanks for your update ; but i request u all to update any pics as the paint guys work on pictures and finding the shades like "Grigio Chiaro Met (Light Grey Metallic)" will be like finding a daimond is a gold mine I have got the side logos and all the cosmetic stuff but stuck on the colour shade as want to renovate it to its original self. Regards, Ranjit
	() Thanks

12th March 2012, 16:11	#489
TuffRyder BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 494 Thanked: 27 Times	"Restoration" of Etta Hi guys, I recently did a part restoration on my 1962 Li150 S2. I liked the color scheme which was present on the scooter, so chose the same colors. The work happened only on the body and the engine was not touched, except for buffing and chrome work. It looks like not much work done from the before and after pictures, but the paint was stripped to bare metal. It required extensive tinkering work, as the whole scooter was filled with metal paste. My only condition to the tinker was that I shouldn't use any metal paste on this scooter and it was achieved. He took half a day on just the front fender, which was a mess. Here are some pictures. Attached Thumbnails
	(1) Thanks

12th March 2012, 16:56	#490
kevinephraim BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pune, Bahrain Posts: 450 Thanked: 85 Times View My Garage	Re: Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance Tuffryder, That is one really well restored API Lambretta!!!! Nice colour combo and nicely finished. Am glad there is no more putty /filler underneath that paint, and its metal all over. Forgive my ignorance, but the silencer looked a bit different from what i remember from our old Lamby, Could you post another picture from a different angle?
	() Thanks

12th March 2012, 17:05	#491
jawabiker BHPian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Nashik Posts: 146 Thanked: 13 Times	Re: "Restoration" of Etta Dear patric, Etta looks as if it was rolled out of Lambretta showroon just today; Excellent restoration as always on your vehicles. Regards, Ranjit
	() Thanks

12th March 2012, 18:21	#492
TuffRyder BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 494 Thanked: 27 Times	Re: Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance Kevin: That endpipe was imported from Italy by one of our Team-BHP members, who was kind enough to give me one. It it not like our regular Indian ones. This is 1962 scooter, so was a complete import. Ranjit: Thanks for the kind words.
	() Thanks

13th March 2012, 22:21	#494
Shreeram BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 386 Thanked: 198 Times	Re: Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance Excellent Work there.. Looks nice and that too in my fav colour.
	() Thanks

14th March 2012, 08:39	#495
chanu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: APX to AP 29 Posts: 1,483 Thanked: 150 Times View My Garage	Re: Lambretta scooters - Restoration & Maintenance Wow! great out come, very inspiring. I say you must be lucky to get a well maintained scooter hence a superb end result.
	() Thanks