OT: A new project

[comp_wiz101]

I'll pull the post if it's not allowed, but I thought I'd just check in with my latest project: a 1970 Motobecane Moped. I picked it up from an Army Vet that's moving back east.

The engine was seized (now disassembled in a box), but the jug is fused to the piston, and the crank is corroded.

I'm in the process of digging for a new engine, or enough parts, then I'm getting started on the rest.

[Jetblackchemist]

It'll probably get moved to the "Additional Projects Area" I'd suggest pouring some marvel mystery oil into the jug and let it sit while you are doing other things for a day or two...you'll be surprised how easy the piston breaks free.

[comp_wiz101]

It'll probably get moved to the "Additional Projects Area" I'd suggest pouring some marvel mystery oil into the jug and let it sit while you are doing other things for a day or two...you'll be surprised how easy the piston breaks free.

I'll have to give that a shot... step 1 will be finding that stuff up here :)

Sadly, the piston is damaged (broken skirt from PO attempt to remove), plus I'm pretty sure I saw some flats on the crank/con-rod from where it was whacked with a hammer.

[Smithers]

Neat little bike! I did a little looking around at the Motobecane brand (http://fourwheelforum.com/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motob%C3%83%C2%A9cane) and they are a stylish little machine indeed. Too bad the essentials are damaged. :( I bet if you asked around on the Moped Army (http://www.mopedarmy.com/forums/) website you might get lucky.

I've been looking at too many custom bike builder websites. I see some really neat bits on this moped that are just really neat to see. The engines look like art and to build a custom expansion pipe to match just sets it off. This guy went a little overboard with his custom Motobecane (http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2011/4/24/1978-motobecane-moped.html) but he saw the beauty in the pieces as well. I think yours is a perfect chassis to begin a very nice restoration or to just assemble with a good engine and ride. Classy. Put a little French flag on it as well when you're ready.

[comp_wiz101]

I thought I'd share how things went with the Motobecane, so here's how things went:

I found another Motobecane with an intact engine that sat since 1988 - so did a transplant. Other work:

Swapped clutch inner rotor
Converted to external condenser
New petcock
New carburetor (Dellorto SHA, instead of original Gurtner)
New rear wheel bearings
New drive chain
New rear brake plate
New control cables
Hand grips
Bar end mirrors.
New tires
Sandblasted and repainted sidecovers
Cogged drive belt
Rebuilt horn/headlamp switch
Swapped headlight bucket & speedo
NOS chrome gas cap
NOS 70s Saddlebags
NOS replacement headlamp


Flat out, it'll do around ~37mph on a good day, tucked in. I still need to get some new fork boots too...

[kartgreen]

That's one good lookin scooter ! A lot of work but worth it .

[comp_wiz101]

That's one good lookin scooter ! A lot of work but worth it .

Thanks! I didn't realize how well it was coming along until I took some photos of it. I guess I was still thinking of it as that nasty roller that hid under a tarp back in June ;)

I just received my new headlamp bulbs and plug wrench tool from the UK today, so I'll be replacing the taillamp in my headlight housing with a proper 20/20 6V headlamp. The spark plug is tough to remove with a normal plug wrench, as it sits quite close to the frame, so the low-pro wrench is a welcome addition to the toolkit.

[Larzfromarz]

And these are the perfect project to build confidence in your abilities. I'd equate these to the little Honda step through Cubs, elegantly simple. I've had my eye on several early Motobecanes (early mid 60s) but just couldn't pull the trigger with all of the project going right now. Should be fun and easy transpo. They make nice wall hangers too.

[Smithers]

I wonder how this little project is coming along. This bike should be looking and running like new by now. :D

[comp_wiz101]

Haha, now I'm riding it around the countryside:

http://i.imgur.com/woog1bhl.jpg (http://imgur.com/woog1bh)

Running like a top, new rubber, changed the front wheel to an 80mm brake for improved stopping, new fork seals, et al.

[ByTheLake]

Nice moped ... thanks for the picture. Very nice scenery.

[Larzfromarz]

Yea makes me want a German beer... in Germany!