Larry Newberry of Microcarlot has had stainless mufflers made. They are expensive but well done. Terryby treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
I still keep a Vespa 400 registry which is probably not very current as owner don't register or update or don't know about it. Hank Pinckey of microcar club also keeps one and we coordinate data from time to time but he does not have online registration ability. Here is a link to form which you can enter info online and it will send it to me and I can add or update the word table anby treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Does anyone have information on where the cars are that competed in the 1958 Monte Carlo, serial numbers etc. Are they in a collection somewhere?by treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
PS, if you really want to get onto 2-cycle oil stuff, go to for one. The Vespa engine was built before much of the current 2-cycle oil technology. They can run rather hot but is not a high rpm high performance engine. In any case good 2-cycle oil protection is important.by treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Yes, 50:1 or 2 percent is recommended in the Vespa literature. Some use a higher oil ratio, certainly would improve lubrication but add to ash and junk in the muffler and exhaust system and perhaps plug fouling. The newer synthetic or semi-synthetic 2-cycle oils have lower ash and residue and can probably be used at higher concentration without problem in the exhaust system or plug fouling. I useby treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Ken, The standard compression ratio is 6.4:1. The would put the maximum cylinder pressure at 92 (14.7x6.4). You should get over 85 it you check. Don't know what the lobed pistons do to compression ratio. If you get a low pressure, put a squirt of oil in the cylinder to see if it corrects. I haven't checked mine, the engine runs well so I haven't felt need to. I should check sometimby treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
FYI they are sold.by treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
I have four original aluminum hub caps. They have some scratches and dings some of which could be polished out. I bought 4 new stainless caps. These are original and less expensive than the stainless! Will send photos if interested. $75 plus shipping.by treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
All the Vespa instructions state 2 percent. That's 50:1. You can use more oil if you like smoke and more deposits in the system. Terryby treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Check with Larry Newberry at www.microcarlot.com.by treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Hi John, I have a .tiff image of the decal if that helps. I can email it. Terry/ treuland@pol.netby treuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Tim, There was an aftermarket hub cap with faux spokes and a spinner. I'm not aware of any wheels. Terryby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
I have a brochure of "Arpel Accessoires" which shows a chrome tailight accessory. Don't know if Vespa ever had one.by Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
The compression ratio is 6.4:1 so max pressure is 6.4 time 14.7 psi (at sea level) or 94 psi. If you get 90+ percent of that, you're rings/valves are probably OK. Be sure throttle and choke are open when you crank. Try a wet test if pressure seems low, should be only slightly higher than dry if rings are OK. Cylinders should be within 10% or each other. You could check bleed down rate but Iby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Several years ago I collected information on owners, serial numbers, etc. and generated a word file. It includes info from Hank Pinkney of the mini-micro club. However, it may not be very current as ownerships change hands, they do not update the registry and many are not registered. You can add or subtract you listing by using the online form at: . I will be glad to email the current list to aby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Glenn, I refurbished my rear shelf/wall by coating with SEM Color Coat, #15393, medium gray (it's made for coating plastics etc. in a spray can). It's an excellent color match and a flexible finish. You might try coating the black material you have with it and see if that works.by Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Pluses: They're unique, not many around so gets lots of attention if you like that. Easy to work on. Simple. Kids seem to be attracted to them, they're more their size. Even though low power, fun to drive, responsive steering and nice suspension. It's a convertible, well, almost. No problem finding a parking space. Negatives: Some parts hard to get, especially some body parts.by Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Norm Broski had reproduced these window seals at one time. Don't know if he still has any or if this email is still valid but try it. nbroski@msn.comby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Warren Dunn used to have the gaskets, email vespacars@aol.com Terryby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Try Warren Dunn at vespacars@aol.com for headlight rims. He might have some of the other stuff also. Do you have the top frame parts? Those are hard to get.by Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Originals are very rare! Jacques Vuillaumier Jacques.Vuillaumier@wanadoo.fr has designed a replacement but wants a copy for himself. I've never seen or made one. There is a home-made one on ebay using a scooter muffler. I think there is an after marketby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Try Warren Dunn at vespacars@aol.com Terryby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
No, haven't tried but sounds like might save the breaker points from wearing out as it appears to provide solid state switching presumably eliminating any arcing at the points. Also wonder if the "magnetic" system is adaptable to the Vespa 400? refer to: Terryby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
Steve, Thanks, I've recut a stencil to duplicate the lettering. If anyone wants to use it or copy it, let me know. The registry is available by email but I don't think it's very accurate since owners fail to update when they sell or move or simply have not sent their info in, which can be emailed by completing the on line registry: (It's case sensative) Congratulations onby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum
My Vespa 400 has "MADE IN FRANCE" stenciled in white on the gray sound deadening padding under the hood. Is this standard on imported models? Do others have this, was it original, perhaps dealer added? Any info appreciated. Email or post response. Terryby Terry Reuland - Vespa Microcar Forum