T5 frame mods

[wallywest]

I've got a question, maybe you guys can help me out here..

I've recently aquired a Vespa T5 from a cousin of mine and i really wanna restore it to look really vintage..

but the thing is, a T5's back is about 2 inches longer and its way steeper then normal PXs or Sprints..

i would like to know if its possible to knock or weld that part to make it rounded, or at least have a gentler, more curving slope..

i mean, would messing with the frame's back end like that compromise the bike's performance?? or is there anything important under that piece of extra metal??

is it possible to do that??

if its not possible or not advisable, pls tell me why.. it'd be a big help.. thank u..

[bryno]

Is it a T5 MK1 mate? if so I'm pretty sure that extention piece below the back of the seat is actually welded over the original PX frame, so you could just grind the spot welds off and you'd have a PX frame.

Worth taking a look under the frame above the wheel see if you can check what's under the extention before you get the grinder out

[alanw]

WHY, you would be better off leaving it as it is and restoring (unless a shed) and buying a machine in the style you want, T5s will start to go up in value (looks as tho they are anyway) but modify it now and it wont
just my opinion

[Big Al]

First step to make a T5 look more vintage is to remove that bloody spoiler at the front. Which I somehow managed to do by ripping it off on the road during an absurd lean through a corner...

[Lan]

i dont know why you would want to do that because the MK1 T5 was never meant to be classic with its styling you'd probably be better restoring it as it is and then you could sell it on make some money and start a "vintage" project on a older vespa or just a px

[Spence]

Obviously, the great thing about scooters is that practically every single one is a little bit different because the owner applies a little bit of their own taste or personality to it. They're a brilliant way of belonging to a large group, and yet express yourself as an individual at the same time.

No one's going to stop you doing what you like to your T5 Wally, however a couple of the boys have made valid points. (Even though they're all obsessive T5 freaks who probably think what you suggested was sacreligious).

The Mk1 T5 came out in the 80s, as a sort of a Vespa answer to the Golf GTi. It was a sporty model, very much of the time, with no chrome and all black plastic accessories instead. Lucia can testify that if you try to put chrome accessories on an old T5, it just looks wrong. Imagine what a Mk1 Golf GTi would look like with chrome spoke wheels. Naff, that's what.

Mk1 T5s were controversial when they were first introduced because a lot of people thought the big square headset was proper ugly, but nowadays their retro look is back in demand. They have their own value for what they are, and they just weren't meant to look like something out of the 60s.

[bryno]

Pahh, you purists, I say chop it, chop it, chop it! ;D only kidding.

I don't think what you are thinking it too radical, end of the day take off the frame extention, change the headset for a round one (hey, wasnt it Gaz looking for a square headset to replace his round one ) change the mudguard and you have a T5 classic!

At least you are not suggesting fitting those GS stylee fibreglass side panels, mudguard and horn cover, err, are you? ;D

[Spence]

Sh-sh-udder...

[Lucia]

I can see Wally's point, and and even you did manage to batter it into shape, you might struggle to find accessories - I dunno!? (it's bad enough finding black accessories that fit on an untouched T5, they're not the same as PXs).

I agree with Lan, I'd leave well alone, tart it up to make it look like it's from the 80s and get lots of admiration from those 'who remember them first coming out' and maybe sell/exchange.

[wallywest]

well, all you guys sure do have interesting points of your own..
considering the things you guys brought up, i'll give modifying the frame some extra thought...
but im not ruling out slicing the rear end eh..

anyway, the reason why i wanna do all that is cos,
im really not very interested in a T5, sorry,

i like PXs more...

but since thie bike was a gift to me, i thought maybe i could change it to the way i prefer it..
i dont wanna go through all the trouble in exchanging or selling the bike, cos in the end, getting a PX or a Sprint would be more expensive..
cos where i come from, Sprints are rare, and freakin expensive..

FYI, im from Singapore.. So i guess exhanging my headlight with ur round one would be out of the question eh..

haha..

thanks alot guys, youve given me more perspective on things..
i'd think about it..

i'd still welcome any comments, questions or anything from anybody though..

take care now..

[joey]

Big Al, that truly must have been one AWESOME lean/ bank, you really must let the rest of us (and the racing fraternity) know what tyre/shock set up you have, 'cos I've never seen anyone get that low!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D

[Big Al]

The fact that i'd not noticed it hanging off the bike before the bend would have helped admittedly...

[guppstah]

I have got one word for this ....blasphemy



Square bottoms are lovely!!!