Vespatude - A Vespa Blog: September has come

It had been my wish to get the engine in and running in August - since that is the anniversary of my eBay mishap that brought this scooter into my life. Well, I'm not there quite yet. The engine is almost in, but I'm having some problems and not a lot of time to deal with them.

Here is a picture of the old engine just after I took it out and the new engine being fitted into the frame. The reason it isn't in completely is I am having trouble getting the pivot arm to line up correctly with the frame. I think it will just take a little patience.

Here is a closer shot of the new engine. Again, it isn't very pretty. The flywheel cover isn't new -- nor any of the other cosmetic pieces. However, I am pleased with the workmanship so far. I can always replace the cosmetic pieces later.

One of the concerns is that the Indonesian "restorers" had drilled new center stand holes and moved the stand's position farther back on the bike. As best I can tell, they did not. Here is a shot of the bolts holding the center stand on the bike. That isn't rust by the seam in the frame, by the way. It is fuel residue. Do the bolts look in the right place to you all?

Here is the last picture of the day. I had thought I would not be able to get the exhaust on without removing the center stand. However, I was able to get it lined up pretty well though I still can't get the pivot bolt through. I did this with the center stand open. However, when I try to retract it the metal piece (with the arrow pointing at it) hits the exhaust. While I could probably cut that piece off (I can't see what the point of it is) I would prefer to get a new and less bulky center stand. This one seems to be more narrow and larger diameter pipe.

I'm open to suggestions on getting the engine to line up properly. I made some headway last night, but I am being extra careful not to put to much force on things. Also, what about that center stand?