How To Restore Classic Largeframe Vespa Scooters

The 2-stroke Vespa is a style icon – an undoubted classic, and an immediately recognized symbol of its native Italy. Demand for these stylish scooters is booming, and interest in restoring and renovating them is at an all-time high. With its clear and concise text aided by extensively captioned full color photographs, this practical book guides the DIY enthusiast through all the stages of restoring a classic 2-stroke Vespa, taking it from a rusty unroadworthy wreck back to its factory fresh, former glory. It shows how to assess wear in all mechanical components, then assists in deciding the best and most cost effective method to renovate or repair. Both large and small frame power units are covered in detail, giving the reader confidence to carry out their own repairs to a high standard, which is both satisfying and cost effective. Brakes, suspension, electrical systems and brightwork are all addressed, from changing a bulb to welding in a new floor pan. An essential reference for all Vespa enthusiasts.

A workshop guide to the strip-down, rebuild, maintenance and repair of two-stroke motorcycle engines. Author Dave Boothroyd covers the principles and practice of two-stroke engine work, examining a wide range of marques and road, racing and trail motorcycles. With over 450 colour photographs, this new book covers: the chronological development of two-stroke engines and workshop procedures for each era; the examination of each major engine component in turn, including cylinder head, piston, piston rings, crankcase, flywheel, bearings, inlet manifold, clutch, gearbox and primary drive, and, finally, racing motorcycles and tuning engines for best performance; diagnosing problems and workshop safety. This practical reference guide is for the two-stroke motorcycle owner or restorer and is illustrated throughout with over 450 colour photographs.

How to Restore Classic Smallframe Vespa Scooters investigates the reality of renovating a Smallframe Vespa in detail, outlining the techniques to fully restore a complete wreck to factory fresh. The restoration is carried out by the author in his own workshop, and all stages of the process are covered. From frame welding and panel repair, to paint and trim, every process is clearly described and backed up by over 600 full-colour photographs. Special tools, advice on their use, and even possible home-made substitutes are covered, along with advice on spare parts – no Smallframe Vespa owner should be without a copy.

Thirty years have passed since Gareth Brown’s homage to a two-wheeled, two-stroke way of life was published. The first edition of his acclaimed book Scooter Boys, highlighting youth culture spanning half a century, was first published when Margaret Thatcher’s reign as the Eighties Iron Lady was drawing to a close. Now, three decades on, Brown’s book is back to enlighten and entertain a new generation – and rekindle memories for those who were scooter boys and girls back in the day. His informed knowledge of the initial Scooter Boy era has resulted in the 30th Anniversary Edition of Scooter Boys being refreshingly updated and published by Mortons, the home of Scootering and Classic Scooterist magazines. Brown has been a ‘face’ on the scooter scene since the 1970s, when he was legally able to ride a motor scooter on the road, and scooter ownership and riding scooters has been a passion ever since. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as the scooter rally correspondent and later editor of Scootering magazine, which led to his book – a unique take on the Scooter Boy movement, history, traditions and culture. Scooter Boys charts the development of the early scooters and the post-Second World War arrival of the Italian scooters from Vespa and Lambretta, followed by the chronicling of the rise of 1950s teenage consumerism which led to the Mod versus Rocker riots of the 1960s. It outlines the intervening years before the massed Mod revival of 1979 onwards, when the Northern Soul scene kept the scooter movement alive, and traces the emergence of the unsung street heroes of the late 20th century and beyond.

Buying a classic car is an expensive business and mistakes can prove costly financially and in time, effort and stress. Wouldn't it be great if you could take an expert with you? With the aid of this book's step-by-step guidance from a marque specialist, you can! You'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. The unique points system will help you to place the car's value in relation to condition, while extensive photographs illustrate the problems to look out for. This is an important investment - don't buy a Mini without this book's help.

Everything you need to know about buying and maintaining a scooter plus a brief history of the machines.

Since hitting the road in 1946, eighteen million Vespa motor scooters have buzzed the Earth. Vespa's success lies in the uniqueness of its design -- in the unmistakable sheet metal skin that, over the span of decades, has defined the concept of "motor scooter." The Life Vespa celebrates all aspects of the scooters and the thriving culture that surrounds them. Since Vespa is affordable and in high-style, the life Vespa encompasses all walks of life, from street urchins to celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, John Wayne, and Brad Pitt. Part of Motorbooks’ “Life” series, The Life Vespa melds machine and culture to immerse you in la bella vita.