[awinriez]

Originally Posted by awinriez

The fitness/reg is valid till July this year and its time for another restoration. Any suggestions where I can source one from or is it something else that needs to be fixed?

Here we go again! It is time for another restoration as part of renewing the fitness/registration.

Something major has popped up this time. Put the scooter on its centre stand and found out that the rear wheel wobbles a lot. It looks like it may have damaged splines on the hub or axle, not sure though. There is an oil leak from the area too.

I got it inspected by a local mechanic, who suggested it was not possible to tighten it more. The last time my dad got it tightened was 6-7 months ago.
By the look of things, it would need a new axle, and a new hub maybe?

Sourcing these parts also seems quite tricky at the moment. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

Could anyone in the Trivandrum circle suggest a mechanic who would be able to help us with not only this work, but also with a ground up restoration please?

[Nagesh]

Excellent restoration thread Karthik! Chetak looks fabulous!

Glad we met today. Looking forward to getting my 88' Chetak back in shape with your guidance.

[ashwinprakas]

Originally Posted by awinriez

Something major has popped up this time. Put the scooter on its centre stand and found out that the rear wheel wobbles a lot. It looks like it may have damaged splines on the hub or axle, not sure though. There is an oil leak from the area too.

The nut comes loose, hence has to be periodically inspected and tightened.

Do inspect the hub and shaft for damage, if none then replace the Oil Seal, Insert Wheel, Insert Spacer, Insert Castle Lock Nut, Insert Cotter Pin and Bend.

Helps if you wobble the rear wheel every once in a while before a ride.

Mine had come off while riding after which I did some research and found this to be a universal issue with all scooters based off of Vespa.

By the look of things, it would need a new axle, and a new hub maybe?

New Hub, Yes. New Shaft? Nope!

The shaft is hardened and the hub is not, intentionally I'd presume.

Sourcing these parts also seems quite tricky at the moment. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

A bit expensive but give this guy a ping on WA, he is from Trichy and deals with Vintage Spares: +91 86670 38948, conducts business via WA, have purchased spares from him in the past.

Otherwise you can go to Babu Agencies, they're the go to place for all things Vespa/Chetak, they're located at Vanross, Palayam and this is their contact number: 0471 232 5515, a majority of spares I've bought from them.

Could anyone in the Trivandrum circle suggest a mechanic who would be able to help us with not only this work, but also with a ground up restoration please?

I'd restored mine at Trivandrum, though I do regret not DIY rebuilding the engine as it is ultra simple.

Anyhow go to JK Mesthiri whose workshop is near the Air Force base at Aakulam.

You can reach out to him at +91 98473 92551

It is better to remove the engine and take it to him, engine removal is easy, remove long bolt at front and one on the rear suspension and the engine comes free.

While the engine is being worked on you can take the chassis to the tinkerer to get it patched and conditioned. By the time you get back the engine you'd be done with painting the chassis as well.

Here's a recent snap of my bae!



Cheers,
A.P.

[awinriez]

Originally Posted by ashwinprakas

New Hub, Yes. New Shaft? Nope!

Anyhow go to JK Mesthiri whose workshop is near the Air Force base at Aakulam.

Cheers,
A.P.

I know it took me a while to reply. Thanks a ton for suggesting J K Mesthiri.

It took a week to get things sorted as it was difficult to source the parts. It needed a new axle and a hub. Mr JK helped me fix the speedo issue as well. I am happy with the work done and the labour isn't expensive.

[h14]

Originally Posted by arun1100

!

Here is the only thing left with me of the scooter.

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

It won't be wrong to state that this thread reminded me that there is an old scooter in my backyard as well, our family's first ride. A 1980s Bajaj(Maharashtra Scooters) Priya. While the body is rustfree, cosmetically it needs a complete overhaul. Have been collecting some parts off late and this is what I have managed till now:

Regards,
Shashi

Originally Posted by funkykar

Could you post pictures of original speedo. I can ask around.

Karthik/ Arun/ Sashi, anyone got a soft-copy user manual of Chetak Or Priya? I've just picked up a 1987 Priya and head over heels in love! I'm zero in terms of scooter knowledge and eager to learn






Sorry to spam your thread Karthik

[no_fear]

oh man such sweet rides posted here. The priya and the chetak bring back so many memories. My father got his Chetak back in 1988. It was his pride and joy. The thrill I would get when I would stand behind the handlebar and look at the instrument panel - unforgettable.

My dad never let me ride that scooter - after he stopped riding, my mom sold it. And thus was born a never ending grudge between my parents.

[Sankar]

Originally Posted by ashwinprakas

The nut comes loose, hence has to be periodically inspected and tightened.

Mine had come off while riding after which I did some research and found this to be a universal issue with all scooters based off of Vespa.

If you mean the rear hub and wheel coming off the axle, yes I have experienced that as a pillion on my dad's vespa (ckd assembled by bajaj). The wheel overtook us

Btw it was never an issue or a design problem with Vespa derived scooters; it was only a problem if the mechanic forgets to install the cotterpin after tightening the castle nut of the hub. In our case that was the reason.

I had a hand me down (and eventually souped up) Chetak for a number of years as my primary ride and never had the hub become loose or come off the axle, because of the cotterpin in the castle nut.

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by h14

Karthik/ Arun/ Sashi, anyone got a soft-copy user manual of Chetak Or Priya? I've just picked up a 1987 Priya and head over heels in love! I'm zero in terms of scooter knowledge and eager to learn

I have a hard copy original manual which came with the scooter, let me know how I can help you with it. It's not in the best of shapes so I doubt it can be scanned conventionally, may destroy its binding.


Regards,
Shashi

[funkykar]

After getting myself several more scooters, I recently offered the Scooter in this thread back to Arun1100. This is just for the mind's sake. He is extremely happy and uses it regularly. I hope he finds some time and updates this thread.

Now that it's been a few months since the Scooter is with Arun1100, I rode it again. This by far is the best of best in the collection we have. Still as good as new from the factory. Words simply cannot describe. I am more glad that I can ride and enjoy it as much as I want irrespective of who between us owns it. We take some of the automobiles to the grave when our time on earth is done, this is one of them.

Some pics for the audience:












More about the Priya in pictures for a later thread in coming weeks

[arun1100]

Yeah Karthik, we are able to ride the '97 Chetak and cherish the scooter memories again all thanks to you and the men behind the fantastic restoration.

My Dad, parents and sisters were pleasantly surprised to see the Scooter back at home and Dad was even more excited when he saw the RC with FC updated. Very thankful to you!!

Living in the outskirts of city has its own advantages like getting to ride in such beautiful locations along with your immaculate Priya. So much fun!! I often ride the '97 Chetak for all the essentials shopping as well as quick rides with my Daughter. Must say, my daughter had some exciting times in the last two months all thanks to the Chetak. She enjoys riding along with me.

Once the pandemic situation settles, lets do some quick rides with our daughters!!

[arun1100]

Our Chetak is now 24 years old!!













Trying to recreate the Hamara Bajaj ad! Pic from Google.

[arun1100]

Pics from Ayudha puja 2021.

Dad posing.


Trio!

[CzechItaliaMoto]

Hi, is there any reliable place considerably near Marathahalli to fix my dad's 66' Jawa? It starts up but it badly needs a restoration as some parts are rusted and the timing is really off.

Posting pic below:

[ManasN95]

Hi, can the Chetak be converted from a kick start to button start?

[naut]

Originally Posted by funkykar

Me on the Scooter:
Attachment 1844210

Off Topic

Hey Karthik,

Found this pic of yours on the video thumbnail of a famous YouTuber's video. Check it out here :

https://youtu.be/ZwRx3KySmbk

I find this thumbnail for this video on the YouTube app of my Android phone.

Not sure if it is with your permission.