When we talk about “restoration”, it seems that this term is perceived very differently depending on the “preparers”…!
A short story that will summarize this observation.
Mr. X calls me to ask if it was possible to take a look at a Motobécane he had just bought "restored". The machine looks good according to him but doesn't run very fast.
Mr. X enjoys going on "road trips" on a moped and would therefore like a robust, reliable, and durable model.
Appointment made, Mr. X brings me his moped for a small "autopsy".
Knowing this model, having one in my collection, I start by getting it running again and taking it for a ride.
Indeed, I feel that the engine is far from its capabilities, even while remaining "full original".
I then start with a few "simple" checks: tire pressure... where I notice that they are completely worn out, disguised behind a layer of black shoe polish?...., spark plug condition or fuel supply where I find myself with a poor flow instead of a strong one..... the "restored" tank being full of grime.....
I then tell myself that everything needs to be redone thoroughly and remove the engine.
And it's when disassembling the engine that you hit rock bottom...
First, no gaskets are present.. why indeed bother buying or making new gaskets when the "blue goo" is there?
It is well known that a good smear is ideal for the proper functioning of engines and to perfect the seal :)
Luckily, the cylinder head gasket being well welded to the said cylinder head, no one must have seen it and therefore thought of removing it... we avoided a "smearing" session there!
We continue gently... with the intake manifold
completely new as well... with these cracks, no air intake into the engine, you understand, my good sir!!
Clutch disassembly:
But why bother disassembling these parts to clean them? Everyone knows that oil and grease are sovereign for making ferodo plates work!!
As for changing the clutch plates or the completely worn out clutch shoes, let's not even talk about it.. that's a lot of work... you need a few tools!
I'll skip the oil-soaked ignition and the mixture.. why open the engine to change the 40-year-old, totally burnt seals.. there too, that's a lot of work......!!
In short 🙁
All this to tell you that even a moped engine requires a lot of work for a complete overhaul.
At the workshop, we like to get to the bottom of things when we offer a "restoration".
Certainly, it has a cost, but it pays off very quickly, unfortunately, you just have to put yourself in Mr. X's shoes.
Besides the fact that he probably "overpaid" for his moped, he now has to face a repair session according to the rules of "the art".
As a result, Mr. X will be entitled to a complete overhaul of his engine:
new gaskets, oil seals, and bearings,
revised and checked ignition,
clutch completely redone (plates and shoes) and.. degreased!
engine top advantageously replaced by a beautiful 6-port aluminum assembly,
engine casings reworked to adapt to the cylinder,
installation of a 15/15 to make the whole thing live.
We will also not forget the chassis with a good cleaning of the tank, or even a resin coating, but also the installation of two new tires.
Not to mention taking a look at the brakes... if they have been restored like the rest, safety demands it :)
More to come soon.. in the "restoration" section!