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Friday, December 5, 2008
1956 Piaggio Ape (ahh pay), resurected from a Casper, Wyoming neglected barn find
Posted by st at 5:12 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piaggio_Ape Basically Vespa scooters fitted with twin rear wheels (chain driven) and a load platform above them
http://www.museopiaggio.it/en/piaggiostory.html
With a factory 6 volt electrical system, Paul decided something brighter was needed, and went with a 12volt hi-lo beam for the top spot light
This series of 5 photos follows the fuel tank filler, from the cream color gas cap above to the tank and how it fits into the cockpit
The below shows the customized pedal on the left that isn't part of the factory design... and the good looking rubber strips on the floorboard
Below the seat is mocked up in place, great diamond design, ( coincidentally? ) diamond plate is looking ready for work as the new rear platform
Friction shock absorbers
These shots are to show the suspension without the engine in the way.
Bought for $50, and the removal of it from the farm. The Piaggio Ape is the answer to postwar transportation http://www.vespaclubofireland.com/vespa%20history.htm in a country of small roads and people who needed something small that would get the goods moved, and pass each other on the road. In view of the small roadside fresh produce stands, and small goods in farmers markets, an Ape will do the job very well and not be a gas hog. 4 speeds forward, and reverse.
Paul's brother Dave was told about the Ape by a friend, because Dave is a scooter freak, but after getting the Ape home and assessing the condition, he passed it on to Paul. It's come a long way..., there was only one 1/2 of a good side to the glove box.
Vespa and Piaggio links:
These two in yellow are of the museum of Piaggio's and Vespas
http://scootergoogle.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html has a full list of Vespa Serial Numbers By Year: 1946-1971 including Vespa serial numbers, by year, at the end are serial prefixes for Vespa models marketed in North America by Sears & Roebuck (primarily as the Allstate.)
If you have one to add to a registry: http://www.apevintage.com/indexe.htm
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