Strip!

In the two years that I haven't updated the project, there has actually been quite a few things that have been learnt. Not only have the parts changed around but some have even been rebuilt. However, I genuinely do believe that this has been a good use of my time. We all make mistakes and the more I make and learn from now, the safer I will be when I have to inevitably make a change at a race meeting.

With one scooter to strip and one to build, it almost seemed stupid to take parts from one and put them on another but my opinion soon changed. With ex-race 81 outside in the fresh air, I set out on the task of dismantling. Many items just came off but it wasn't long before I came across a problem in that of a brimming fuel tank! An unexpected bonus to find. It was a well kitted out machine despite being in need of a little TLC. There is not much at all on it that won't be used or at least kept for spares. One item that I knew would need work straight away was the front disc hub as I planned on using it.

Photos of the strip are below. Many thanks to Daz of DKS Team Replay for giving me the opportunity of purchasing the scooter. Really looking forward to racing next year.

Two Year UPDATE !

Wow, just found this blog and it really doesn't seem two years since my last post. However, one advantage is that I have a lot more content to add over the coming weeks.

A lot of items have been taken to KAS Racepaint and I have recieved a substantial amount of these back. However, certain items have been replaced/re-sourced. For example the Forks are now the serveta type along with the dampers. The front hub has also been swapped for an outboard style alternative.

Upon visiting Chalkie at Replay Scooters I was presented with a built race scooter at a good price. Cut a long story short, the bike was delivered to me last week and I have been dismantling it for parts/spares. The purchase has really moved things on for me because I now have an engine which Chalkie is taking care of for me.

In past news, a year ago the team secured sponsorship from Ambivent Mechanical Services which gave a well needed boost to the team morale. It's great that a local company can get behind our cause.

All in all there is so much that has happened over the past two years. The team raced in the last race of 2011 and we had a shakedown of ideas and parts. It all looks positive for a two man team in 2012. Watch this space.

Another Brick in the Wall - Part Two

Hello. Over the past few weeks since my last post, bits and bobs have been delivered. As mentioned last time, I wanted to make a significant contribution everytime I post.

Unfortunately, my project has somewhat taken a back seat with all of the planning of going off to University. Other things that have taken up my time are (fingers crossed) "helping" the "old man" finish of some bits on his racer. I have also had the tiring task of offering encouragement to get his road bike done too. To summarise, everything is on the up. Positive mental attitude is getting us through the hard times.

His main bodywork is almost ready to collect from KAS who have been very generous in every interpretation of the word.

To avoid deviation from the main topic of this blog (my race scooter), I will update you on the current situation with all of my parts.

The Frame: Still with Chalkie White of Replay Scooters, Rothwell. It has been sand blasted and is awaiting the welding work to be done. Also over there is the GP Legsheilds and a Rear hub which have been sent for welding and skimming respectively.

All other parts: Being built up in numbers slowly but surely. Any parts that I haven't purchased and included on this blog are hopefully to be purchased at my local scooter fair or eBay.

One major area of purchase has been bodywork and thats what I seemingly have a lot of to show.

One very good quality tank:

Front Disc Brake Assembly:

Engine Housing:

Engine Cover:

Magneto Housing:

Three Sets of wheel Rims:

One Fiberglass Race Seat:

The rims have been taken for painting as there will be surplus stock in time. Otherwise, everything will pretty much stand still until I can get the frame back. I am really looking forward to getting this together.

Another Brick in the Wall - Part One

I'm glad I've already had my rant about the Post Office to other people! I'm expecting some important parcels for my project to arrive shortly. However, I'm going to wet your appetite with some more of my purchased parts and save all of the "special" parts for another post.

I have to admit the parcel I recieved last week deserves an award! Just look at the magnificent artistry and the way the rolls of tape really make you think it's a parcel.

Anyhow this parcel contained some very useful parts. Although Indian parts often get a bad name, I have to admit I am impressed with the headset. The top is such a tight fit that it doesn't even need bolts to hold it on! The other part was the GP200 forks. Seriously though, in certain areas, it is nice to see a progression in the strength.

As everyone should do, I intend to dry build the scooter prior to painting. There are a lot more bodywork/chassis parts to be purchsed some of which I have or are on my list, and some of which are in the post!

I hope to make this build as comprehensive as possible and not just skip to the built product as many do. I also hope this blog will encourage people to consider racing and as stated, I am expecting many more parts so please watch this space.

Getting Started

Deciding to build a Scooter specifically for racing is not an easy decision and not one that should be done on a whim. However, after fully investigating the in's and the out's of each type, I decided to aim to build a Group 4 Standard Lambretta.

Although the option of an automatic was available, I wanted to really build my racer from the ground up in order to obtain a better understanding of the inner workings. In the end, the decision was easy; if I could provide a frame I would have access to lots of basic race parts through my dad.

My journey took me to ebay and the perfect frame popped up. I proudly won the bidding war starting 'the scooter obsession'. As you can see the frame was not in perfect nick but it was certainly a useable frame. It was puchased from ex-sprinter Stuart Owen and this Serveta frame is perfect for racing. It has strengthening on weak areas and lacks a battery tray.

 

 

After Purchasing the Stand Cross Member, I dismantled it. It has since been taken to a company for blast cleaning and I will have the fork tube shortened to GP length as well as some plating and the cross member welding on. Watch this space!