Li 125

[Mariner]

Hi, I have just acquired a li125 series 3, something I have wanted all my life. I have very little mechanical knowledge and it requires a full restoration. I have ordered the spanners guide, is there anything else that you think I should be reading or watching (DVDs)? My aim is to fully restore it back to how it was in 1962. Can't wait to get started
Cheers

[drunkmunkey6969]

Double DVD pack here, very helpful for beginners: http://www.scooterproducts.com/catalog. ... +and+Video

[shocky]

Were in the uk are you maybe someone local couid watch over you and give you some tips and advice ,and remember there is no such thing as a silly question ony a silly person for not asking , also find a local dealer if you can build up a raport or if you buy from elsewere ask about there returns policy if things are incorrect or dont fit , dont be tempted to buy cheap stuff from ebay , im not going to recommend a dealer but people like just lambretta who goes by the name of corrado on here will only sell you decent stuff another company for s3 scooters is scootopia they do alot of high quality remade stuff that is often cheaper than shiny tat jason frost is good as well scooter restorations are you on facebook as there loads of help there as well and if in doubt ask , take pictures of everything befor during and after and throw nothing away and good luck

[hendy]

I'm in pretty much the same boat as you other than being 6 months into it and being and engineer.

Being an engineer doesn't teach you the idiosyncrasies of a Lambretta, nor any other machine for that matter. So I found Sticky's, Haynes and the LCGB workshop (on their website) invaluable sources of information.

Coming on here and asking a stupid question is also a great way to find out. Everyone is really helpful and I've learnt enough along the way to make me confident enough to tune my own barrels from here onwards.

Whoever said avoid eBay was dead right; it is full of absolute tat. That said, there are some good traders who use it as what appears to me to be their primary outlet: Buzzsolomoto, the scooter republic and scootopia spring to mind. You do occasionally strike lucky, for example I got a new first gear from ebay india for a tenner delivered and it's spot on. That is an exception rather than the rule.

Main thing though is take your time and enjoy it. You'll hit stumbling blocks along the way e.g. I fitted my rebuilt forks last week and found they were off a jet, but remember it's just a stupid moped that your building for the fun of it and there's no point getting stressed about it.

[sparklymarkly]

but remember it's just a stupid moped that your building for the fun of it and there's no point getting stressed about it.

Brilliant quote!
I wish I'd looked at it like that when I had dark days building my last project!
I think I'll paint that on my workshop wall for next time.

[Timbo]

....as has already been said don't be afraid to ask stupid questions, we've all been there and some of us still are.....lol..

[Mariner]

http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/mariner55/library/

Wow impressed with the replies already. I bought it from Scooterotica as i live in leeds so only 35 mins away, which is great as im sure ill be going back time and time again. It currently doesn't run so will need completely stripping down. Ive heard people talk about photographing and cataloging every part and putting them into bags, it seems sensible, anyone seen any good examples of this? There is a link above to see a few images of it in its current state (hopefully that will work)

Thanks again for your help

[Mariner]

Also I meant to add. Are there any specialist tools I'll need to strip down or can most be done with a set of spanners and a socket set? Possibly a hammer!

Cheers

[Monty]

My recommendation would be to look for a local club. Go and meet them even without the scooter. Most meet up in a pub once a week and only the hardy will be riding this time of the year. All clubs have people who will give you free advise, they always seem to have someone who is good with engines electrics and bullshit. They once they have got to know you offer to loan you flywheel extractors, fork spring compressors, clutch compressors and silent block tool. You can buy these as you go but some will only get used the once.
I waited till I was on the road I could have saved myself so much grief the other way round.

[Mariner]

Cheers. Seriously though good socket spanner sets?