Motor Scooter Restoration

This is the story of ONK 38D a Lambretta TV 200 first registerd in 1966. This long term restoration is by no means complete, but this is the story so far.....

The TV was last used in 69/70 according to the tax disk which came with it. Since the death of its previous owner, it had stood in an air raid shelter. The year was now 1990 and for the sum of £50 Jem was now its new owner. Before the story continues I should point out that Jem operates on a slightly different time scale to other mortals !

The TV now took up residence in his garage, but not for long, it soon had to move to a shed due to a change of address. It was just settling into its new home when, it was time to move on again. Here it became quite settled, in fact very settled, due to a morgage, kids, home improvements, and all the other things that seem to happen when you reach a certain age.

The year was now 1999 a mere nine year's had passed since it was aquired. During this time a few missing parts had been obtained including a second hand mudguard, running board and a flywheel cowling. The scooter was never forgotton and plans for the restoraton were regularly discussed in depth over several pints of Lager.

The scooter had no documents when purchased, so the help of The Lambretta Club of Great Britan was enlisted to retain the original registraton number. After their visit and one from the man from the D.V.L.C it was decided that the scooter could retain its registraton.

This was the push needed to begin the restoraton, the scooter was stripped and all the body work shot blasted, primed and sprayed in its original colour. Unfortunatly during this process the wrong head stock was sprayed, meaning another trip to the sprayer's ! After all this frantic activity, the restoraton returned to a more leisurely pace.

Next attention was turned to the engine. It had not been run for the previous 32 years, and when purchased the carberetta had been removed for an unknown period. A complete strip down and rebuild was called for. Once dismantled it became obvious that several new parts would be needed. By the time the engine was rebuilt it had been treated to new bearings, seals, kick start shaft, crank, con rod, piston, barrel, clutch plates and springs. The end result being an engine that is as good as new, and Jem's wallet being a good deal lighter !

Work on the scooter has lulled once more. Plans are being made for the electrics and the cables, but you can't rush a good job ! I will post the next instalment of the story when it happens. The first phase has been ongoing since 1990, so don't be suprised if it's a while before I update this page.

I can report that there has been some action in Jem's shed, no one is sure quite what is happening as everybody is banned from entering including friends and family. I have witnessed an assembled wheel with brand new tyre and reports have reached me that several late nights have been spent 'sorting things'. I have been promised a viewing when it's 'presentable'. I will update this page once it has reached this stage.

19 May 2003

A picture has been released of the progress so far, apparently it is even nearer to completion than this photo shows. I cannot confirm this as entry to the shed is still not permitted.

27 July 2003

......

The shed is now open for visitors. Work on the TV is coming along nicely, once the cables have been fitted it should roar into life. Take a look at the picture on the right and you will notice the next project waiting in the wings. Jem being the luckiest man I know, has managed to get back his Arthur Francis GP 200 he sold some years ago. It only requires a few cosmetics and it to will be back on the road.