1970 API Lambretta restoration Hi, some updates after a long time. Resto work on my 1970 API Lambretta has begun. As you might recall, I bought this beauty from the 2nd owner in July last year. In the meantime, I had a little work done on it. The electricals were upgraded to 12V, and I had a Vijai Super spare holder (horizontal style) fitted, in place of the vertical spare holder. Put in a reconditioned speedo. Also replaced all bulbs, cables and locks. The scooter never gave me any problems, apart from a faulty fuel line that caused 3 litres of petrol to line the road I was riding on!
I am also not getting my resto done at the previous place I mentioned, due to distance constraints. So I found a restorer just 2 km. from my house, and he is supervising my resto. I have already sourced most of the required spares, mostly in B'lore itself, and a few from Delhi (Thanks, Saurabh!).
In plenty of restorations, the chassis gets the least attention, or is not prepared properly. The frame tube and chassis on this bike are getting the full treatment...that will be happening shortly. The petrol tank will also receive similar attention. The reason for paying so much attention to the structural integrity of the scooter is because I recently came across horror stories of chassis breaking due to internal rusting, petrol tanks catching fire because of leaks caused by internal rust damage (a rusted petrol tank will also mess up your carb). What use is a great-looking vehicle if it lacks structural integrity? Just IMHO...
Now the restoration begins, and the scooter has been mostly stripped apart. Work on the engine began first, and it is 50% complete. I was not there in person when the scooter was taken apart, but the mech said the engine was filthy, but does not seem to be in bad shape. All parts that have suffered extensive wear and tear are being replaced (bolts, bearings, bushes, seals, chain and guides, etc). A rebore has also been done, keeping it stock 150cc.
The chassis will be thoroughly treated this weekend for rust.
When the engine is ready, the scooter will be reassembled, to make sure all the parts fit properly. Then it will go for tinkering. During tinkering, we will ensure that the cross-members are straight, and all body panels are rid of dents and bends. There is also a slight bend in the fork, which will be removed. This will be done by some kind of hydraulic press machine that does not require the metal to be heated before bending it into shape. It seems that straightening forks (or for that matter, almost any metal) by applying heat will destroy the structural integrity of the fork/metal. Extra holes in the body will be closed up. A few holes need to be drilled, to fit the Lambretta LI 150 monogram on the legshield, and the framebreather grille at the back. Any welding required will also be done.
After taking it apart again, all body parts will be scraped off all layers of paint, down to bare metal. After the metal has been cleaned and degreased thoroughly, it will get a coat of primer (not yet decided what to use). Then a couple of coats of Dupont PU Paint, blue/white combo, which I have already sourced. Might apply a PU clearcoat over that, not sure if its needed.
The seats will be reconditioned. All parts needing buffing and/or chroming will be prepared. New bolts, nuts, washers, etc might also receive a zinc coating.
Then when ready for reassembly, all of the new parts will go in. Every single bolt, nut and washer is being replaced with a good quality zinc coated replacement. Vibration bushes will be used wherever required. All rubber parts will be replaced. All fork bearings, races, springs and seals will be replaced. New cable outers and inners will be fitted. New wiring harness will be fitted, with a 12V Amaron battery mounted in a battery tray, inside the toolbox. We might also put in a rectifier. The magneto flywheel will be remagnetized. Original SIL brake light switch will be fitted. All cabling and wiring will be done as close to original as possible, which means neat and tidy! Will be using cable ties where needed.
Got 3 original SIL rims and CEAT Secura tyres/tubes (similar to MRF Zapper for scooters). Brakes will be rebuilt with new shoes. Export-quality chrome Escorts shock will be fitted at the rear. Then the cosmetics...floor runners, rubber mat, legshield monogram, framebreather grille, aluminum tallight assembly, old-style Rexine bag for the inner legshield, etc will be fitted. Some pics below of the scoot dismantled:
The mechanic working on my scooter is a Lambretta (and other bikes)veteran, and says he used to race modified Lambrettas near Chennai in the 70's. He explains that he can get so much power out of a Lambretta, that a Yamaha RX would have trouble keeping up. Let's see how it turns out...thanks for your patience, will keep you updated.
Last edited by Sidman : 5th May 2009 at 23:23.
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