Submitted by jstept on Tue, 01/29/2008 - 17:27
The Vespa 50S Special originally had a 6V 15W headlamp. The old lens was partially obscured with overspray from past rattlecanning, but the previous owner gave me a brand new headlamp when I bought the scooter from him.
Submitted by jstept on Mon, 01/28/2008 - 14:16
I figured it would be a good idea to check the function of all the major components, so yesterday I hooked up the motor, controller, contactor, throttle, and one of the batteries. I have not yet purchased the main power cables, so I had to make do with whatever spare lengths of monster cable and bits of 18 ga wire salvaged from previous LED and cold cathode lighting projects.
Submitted by jstept on Fri, 01/04/2008 - 13:35
I've mostly been working on figuring out what parts to use in the drivetrain. I've settled on #35 chain, which I believe is commonly used in go-karts. The guys at McGuire Bearing said this chain would be appropriate for the RPMs and torque of my application.
Submitted by jstept on Mon, 12/10/2007 - 23:29
Submitted by jstept on Mon, 11/19/2007 - 19:37
At this point I have all the major electrical components for the drivetrain: motor, controller, batteries, contactor, and throttle. I also have two 12V voltage converters for lights, horn, and other stuff, and four LED bulbs (replacements for low-voltage halogen bulbs, actually) that I'm going to put behind the old headlight lens. Not DOT-certified, to be sure, but should be the equivalent of at least 40W to 60W incandescent. I think the original bulb was only 15W anyway.
Submitted by jstept on Tue, 10/09/2007 - 13:42
The two 36V 20Ah battery packs arrived yesterday. Pretty fast shipping, considering they shipped from China on Thursday. (sunglasses in the photo are for scale) Sam at YESA was able to have them configured two different ways so I can fit one (barely) where the gas tank was and the flatter one in the left cowl. I think I'll separate the BMS circuit boards and put them in the gas tank area where they're better shielded from the weather.
Submitted by jstept on Sat, 10/06/2007 - 17:53
The project has begun! Might as well blog as much as I can.
A friend brought over the Vespa 50S frame last weekend. The purchase also a new front fender (nice!), a new horncast (plus the old one), a new headlight, the seat, rear shock, engine access door, and both 10" wheels, including hubs, brakes, rims, and fairly worn tires. He also gave me the gas tank. Maybe I'll turn it into a trophy for one of my club's future rallies.
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