'It's Time...' | Vespa Restoration - Final Episode

Well, this is it. A year's worth of work has led up to this moment. In this episode, I'm adding the finishing touches to the scooter, and I find out if the engine runs!
Thank you to everyone who has helped me on this journey!
If you enjoy the video, please leave a like, and if you would like to see the rest of more of my workshop projects, subscribe to my channel!
You can also find me here:
Instagram - / dominicchinea
Filmed & edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@geraldscott4302]

A couple years ago I rebuilt a 1979 Vespa P200E. It wasn't in nearly as bad a condition as that one. No structural rust, just surface rust, dings and dents and scratched up paint, and a seized up engine. I have worked on vintage British bikes and Harleys most of my life (I'm 62) and the Vespa was far more complicated than I expected it to be. It seems they designed it to be almost impossible to work on. Installing the cables and wires was a nightmare. Glad to see you got it going. One thing I did discover is that Vespas can be addicting. I have several motorcycles, and I'm riding the Vespa more than any of them. It's just a blast. Mine came with a 12V system, a battery, and a spare tire. P series parts seem to be a lot easier to get than earlier model parts, though IMO they don't look as classy as earlier models. Still light years ahead of the newer 4 stroke liquid cooled fuel injected, CVT transmission junk Vespa is building now. It is still a MACHINE, not a computer on wheels.

[@4cds14]

To say I’ve enjoyed this mini series is an understatement! Your technical skills are matched with a wonderful presentation manner, thank you Dom.

[@andybigbs9466]

I watched them all Dom,it reminded me of me and my dad restoring my 1974 Vespa 90 in 1982 after I payed £19 for it, it was totally seized and had been hand painted blue...ahhh those were the days.

[@katejuliaobrien542]

Feels like I’ve just finished watching a series I didn’t want to end 😂😂 Amazing work Dom! I’m so pleased for you! Congratulations 🎉🎉

[@lightwarriortarot8648]

Yessss! So happy to see this finished and looking so awesome!! I actually applauded and whoop whooped lol! Big props to your brother Dan for the heads up with the electrics! It looks brilliant Dom and it's been great to watch it come together over the past year. It's been a highlight of lockdown and your warmth and enthusiasm has lifted all our spirits in what has been a challenging year. And all credit to you for your perseverance and patience in accomplishing such a wonderful job. You are an inspiration Dom. I wish you lots of fun and adventure on your 'new wheels'! Even Wendy's rubber ring toy matches the Vespa lol! All the best, Lynne

[@DominicChineas]

Hi Lynne, What a lovely message, Thank you so much! Its been great fun, all of everyones positive comments have really helped!

[@malcolmjames1866]

July 1968. Last term at school. School Sports Day in the afternoon. Due to take my motorbike test in the morning on my BSA 250. It broke down the night before. My mate lent me his Vespa to take my test on. I passed! The smile on my face when you got yours going, was as big as the one on my face when I passed!

[@richardhenley6996]

Brilliant Effort Dom you should be really proud of yourself I restored my Vespa Sportique a number of years ago with the same problems you've faced I got there in the end and many of hundreds and few thousand later I took it to Isle of wight scooter rally Keep up the good work, really enjoy what you do all the best Richard

[@grantsutherland7943]

One feeling us Scooter Boys all get, is that glory of a restarting engine after a strip down and rebuild. The best sound in the world...... (exept from that hirn of yours, lol)🛵 fantastic work Dom

[@scottishsuzuki8132]

The wiring on vespas are an enigma to the untrained lol. Only one guy in our scooter club knows what its all about.

[@gilo87]

That's what confused me and 7 years later my PX is stil not back together! :S

[@davidsaxby5400]

Congratulations on a stunning job. I’ve always wanted a Vespa and after watching these episodes in one sitting, I’m very envious. One day...

[@jeremyjones4083]

Just watched this the last episode. I had a 125 Vespa when I was 16 in 1966. I'll have to go back and watch from the beginning now because I enjoyed it so much. Well done Dom.

[@BaRrYmOLD]

That s brilliant Well done you. Looks amazing. Fair comments bout good and bad businesses

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks Barry!

[@tonymeads4693]

THANKS for your videos ! I really enjoy them. The Vespa reminds me of a 1950's Lambretta that I had when I was fifteen for riding around the field behind our house. At the same time I had a 1950's 350 cc AJS motorcycle. I still MISS it to this day. Thanks again. Please keep the videos coming.

[@simonfairweather4184]

Hello Dom, Well there she is! Top job from beginning to end, totally your own stamp on the finished project which is fantastic to see. Enjoyed this trip with you no end, you nailed it. Top banana! Cheers Simon

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much for your support all the way along, I really appreciate it, its lovely comments and support like yours that really helps to see the project to the end!

[@yakhunt9424]

Oh mate, took me back to working on my 150 Super as a lad 40 years ago. Great series

[@nickedney1272]

Just watched all of the Vespa videos and enjoyed them all. I like your style Dom and the end result is a genuine workable knockabout with character, looks great. I'm a fan of The Repair shop and its been interesting seeing you 'in real life', happily the same nice bloke.

[@jorgecesardorta6228]

Muy guapa esa vespa....buenvtrabajo de rescate y lo mejor con la pàtina de la época. Muy bien lograda 👍

[@carrosene]

Congrats! It's been so fun watching this series and it reminded me of when my dad and I restored my Vespa. Such a fun time and when it finally cranked after rebuilding it it was the best day.

[@andythompson554]

Wow! Just watched all of these in one go! Fantastic! Well done Dom! Looks sooo good. Put a smile on my face when you gave it a go around outside!

[@sarahhale2515]

Brilliant, thanks for sharing the transformation 👏

[@thomaspollock4274]

I'm a year behind but enjoyed following this build. Hope the new owner is as enthusiastic about it as you were restoring it.

[@stephenstone2606]

great i felt that i was back to the 60/70 again thank you dom for making a ild happy thankyou

[@DominicChineas]

My pleasure!

[@ianhunter9558]

Great to see it up and running, what a transformation from the start. You certainly looked nervous before starting it for the first time, but nothing beats hearing your hard work roar into life. Well done and can't wait to watch the next project

[@DominicChineas]

I really was nervous, There was a lot that could have gone wrong!

[@pip110.5]

Well done Dom, great job. It’s a wonder that Beed Speed are still going, totally useless. Another classic brought back to life. 👌

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much, the scooter was destined for the scrap heap, I am glad its been saved

[@neilshep50]

The sound of the MARMITTI muffler, you either love it or you hate it! Another channel I watch ( squatch253 ) is rebuilding a Caterpillar D2 tractor, same ethos, total rebuild to factory spec but preserving 80+ years of patina / history. It's what I love about The Repair Shop and what you've done with this machine.

[@mwicks1968]

Brilliant!!!! 👍👍👍

[@justin4213]

Thanks Dom I've really enjoyed watching this build.

[@jamesheffer3732]

Lovely little series , really enjoyed every minute. I had a 66 Vespa 150 sprint when I was a teenager that me and my brother in law restored in his garage and watching this has brought back so many good memories. Keep up the good work Dom. All the best , James.

[@mwicks1968]

Brilliant!!! WELL DONE!!!

[@DominicChineas]

YES!!

[@bensalmen4992]

Thanks for sharing this Dom. I wouldn't know where to start myself but I've loved joining you on the journey with it from Instagram to here. Fascinating to see what you get up to out of the repair shop and home fix. Looking forward to seeing more of your projects. 😊

[@skoosh484]

Had so much enjoyment watching your restoration Dom. Thank you for posting. Can't wait to watch more. Big fan of the repair shop too. All the best

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much for the kind words

[@loridavis71]

This just made my day, Dom! I can't stop smiling!! Well done!

[@DominicChineas]

Haha Neither could I! thanks for watching!

[@petercrawford8824]

After bumping in to you today we watched your vespa restoration. We loved it, you are so enthusiastic not to mention so clever. Looking forward to watching more 😊

[@PaulPX]

Brilliant, glad it's up and running

[@SuperJohnhughes]

Really enjoyed your channel, discovered it by accident, watched all the episodes in one hit, keep up the great work, greetings from Perth, West Australia, 🦘👍

[@wiffwaff4509]

Just found this channel it’s brilliant what a craftsman he is.I watch Repair Shop every week and Dom is my favourite artisan he seems to get a lot of rubbish to sort out.Will be back for more.

[@DominicChineas]

glad you found us! Thanks

[@brendawilliams700]

Wow Dom! That’s brilliant! Well done 👏

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you!

[@rusty633]

You are a complete genius dom

[@ianross225]

Love it especially the “patina”. I never throw anything away either. You, never know (well, you do but.......).

[@Herbybandit]

I used to run a couple of Vespa PX scoots and a couple of Lambretta Li's and I found R Agius of Edgeware Rd brilliant.

[@m.palmer4101]

Really nice little series on the vespa restoration, good to see an unpopular 150 super being done, as soon as I saw a box with the Beedspeed packing tape on it I said to my Mrs "he's going to have major problems with them" glad you got through, love to see you do a lambretta.

[@MrCamohoj]

What a brilliant series of videos that could possibly inspire me to do a bit of resto on my 1963 blue & white lambretta li 150 s3 Italian scooter, cheers Dom.👍

[@allansinfield9634]

Brilliant Dom! Looks so good 👍

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks! I am so pleased

[@epd1113]

I am super chuffed for you Dom! Well done!!

[@kensherwood4866]

Excellent series, lovely to see it running again. Enjoyed the video coverage, not too length just interesting snapshot of progress. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to seeing future projects

[@stevegreenly2259]

Hi Dom. I’ve watched all your rebuild videos. I’m a Lambretta guy who lives in Lincolnshire. Beedspeed used to be a great company to deal with but Alan Beecham sold the business several years ago and since then it’s gone down the pan. Many of my friends run Vespa scooters and they won’t touch them. SIP in Germany seem to be the place to go. Anyway - what a great re-build. Well done Dom

[@kevinell6605]

Top man, really enjoyed this series and as with all the other comments I've got to agree, Beedspeed are one to avoid, all the scooter community will tell you.

[@dazman6173]

The big question....how does it ride...Great series job well done mate 👏👏👏

[@christopherstirling8539]

There's not much I can add to all the glowing accolades you have already received for such a good project, all round. I do think you are so right about being spurred on by hearing from followers, there must have been times where this sustained you. Encouragement does go a long way. I have enjoyed your activities on the Repair Shop, shame they have stuck you outside, even in the winter but I can understand the reasons. Perhaps a regular supply of hot drinks from "them inside" would help of maybe, install a dispensing machine! I'll certainly keep watching. Thank you.

[@nickmassey9104]

Brilliant horn noise. Like a 60s doctor reception buzzer Great vespa progress looks Brilliant

[@antschiari8000]

Came across this channel this morning and just binge watched the Vespa restoration.... Top work really enjoyed it...

[@R.Craig.Collins]

I really enjoyed this series on your channel; can't wait to finish viewing some more of your projects and problem solving, and get caught up... thanks for the wonderful distraction

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you for watching! I am glad you have found us

[@dunkybouy]

Well done Dom. I really enjoyed watching thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@grotekleum]

I binge watched this; really great stuff. Loved the torque wrench, not seen one like that. Mixed feelings about the paintwork, 'showroom' would have been nice, but the worn look is good too, and the bonus is, ironically, it'll likely be less attractive to thieves - hopefully. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidgallagher4942]

Hi Dom! Just aout to do the same 12v conversion as you, using the Beedspeed kit and loom. I haven't had the supply issues you did, but I'll let you know how the conversion goes. This last couple of vids you have (re wiring) I'm hoping will be invaluable. Great work on the project though....enjoyed your experience!

[@normanbott]

The "Ah - (I'll keep that) " syndrome ! That can cause a space problem, but then you've got a big shop. Loved this series, as I do The Repair Shop. So you made the sign, always wondered...

[@chrisflemington819]

Dear Dominic, Thanks for a tremendous video on your Vespa restoration project and more importantly 👍 well done. I’m not a motor cyclist but in my youth had a friend who had a Vespa and he used to collect me from the bus station in the morning and complete the trip to school which saved me half an hour! There was some competition for a free ride! The only point I’d like to make is that you showed a badge and said you’d probably put it on your desk - why not restore it and put it back on your Vespa ? Anyway I’ll look forward now to watching more of your videos as well as your work on The Repair Shop!

[@annemarsden2323]

Brilliant project we have been enthralled 🛵🛵🛵

[@louisakatebennett]

Incredible! Never thought I’d be so invested in a Vespa restoration, but what a fantastic experience, Dom. Well done, you x

[@DominicChineas]

Really appreciate it thank you, I hope you will stay with me for the land rover defender next!

[@stephenpanting3082]

Great job Dom! Enjoyed watching the scooter coming together. There’s something very very special about Vespas. Italian design at its very best and Italian electronics at its most baffling 😂 Bravo!

[@davef4590]

I Loved this! Did a vespa 90 myself over lockdown but I suspect I did a lot more swearing than talented people from the repair shop. I am totally with you on the massive smile you’ve got when it finally fires up it’s a really special moment. Well done

[@colinsmith2560]

I look forward to village repairs everyday now youve got this channel great keep it up !!!

[@shanewilkinson8075]

It's been great to follow your restoration..I love scooters and also enjoy all the work the Repair Shop team do too..Well done Dom..

[@harryslobe]

Love your work on The Repair Shop so was delighted to subscribe to your KZbin Channel. Great work and love the sympathetic way you restore things. 'Only original once' is my way of looking at things. Keep up the great work Dom!

[@Bootes1]

Hey Dom, just binge watched this mini series. Great job and your excitement when the Yellow Beril started was a joy to behold. Love what your doing. Stay safe

[@simeonjupp974]

Nice work, really enjoyed watching and particularly enjoyed your enthusiasm and genuine feeling that you were having fun! Had to smile at your Beedspeed rant, as soon as I saw their tape on a carton in one shot a shiver ran down my spine... They are, without doubt, the worst supplier I’ve ever used for anything at all. And I mean ever, for anything... Enjoy the summer!

[@hotoilhands]

Great series! Very nice to see her live again and get some use. Always a thrill that first time they start and run after all the work put in.

[@Janet-roblox-d6v]

What a brilliant series. A mateofminehad a 150 Super we got for a song back in 84 off some bloke who had left in his garden for years. This reminded me so much of that rebuild although we sprayed the whole thing metal flake sky blue and gave it white seat and grips. Love the rat look you managed to keep

[@spunkworth]

Brings back memories when I used to help my mate fix his Vespa in my mams back garden.. over 20 years ago now..

[@oldtomsphotos]

Just love your enthusiasm

[@petewarby7158]

Brilliant series of videos. This is the sort of stuff I'd love to see on mainstream TV :)

[@andyglegg]

Just found your channel and binge watched the whole Vespa build. Really enjoyed and looking forward to more content 👍🏻

[@janeginever7480]

So sad this restoration has finished. It’s been fantastic to watch. I now want a Vespa!

[@alanvarrechia6338]

Excellent work on the rebuild Dom. Looking forward to your next rebuild.

[@lynnhaswell1690]

Facinating to watch Dom- knew you could get the Vespa going again 👌😊

[@garyrae5413]

Don’t watch your show and never heard of you but loved this and might give TRS a look..cheers.

[@davemorier3066]

Amazing video dom.front start to finish..your a talented boy,stay safe always,my friend

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much for the kind words, glad your enjoying the channel

[@silverfoxman4987]

Wow!!what a great series, well done Dom very cool so informative and explained in simple terms, fantastic job . keep the projects coming .

[@staceychinea3320]

Well done Dom, proud of you, and just remember my husband may be good with the electronics side of things, but you all have the things your amazing and great at! And my Wendy looks cute she’s had a hair cut finally😂 she can see now ❤️🥰 see you soon hopefully

[@jonathanb3458]

Very well done Dom and thank you for sharing the project - all you need to do now is strip it all down and respray it :-) Look forward to the Porsche now!

[@brendahenderson3418]

I've seen more Vespas in that state than you've had hot dinners. I had two Lambrettas and one Vespa. My ex-husband and I were into scooter racing. He held five track records for his class and I used to do timekeeping. I am a former Miss Vespa! Glad to see you enjoying your restauration Dom. The horns always were a bit pathetic in traffic conditions.

[@malcanderson9579]

Hi Brenda, are you talking about Trev Sharpe ? Malc Anderson here, long time no see. Hope you are well.

[@brendahenderson3418]

@@malcanderson9579 Good heavens Malc, you're a blast from the past! Yes Trev, my ex- husband, had five lap records for his class but I was the one who restored my one-time Vespa, a 152L2, and painfully scraped every scrap of cellulose paint out of every crevice otherwise the new paint would blister. If you want to catch up google The Pen Nib Interhational Writing Competition.

[@manfromthepru]

Well done Dom an amazing journey of refurbishing and rebuilding. You are a true inspiration. Thoroughly enjoyed all your videos. Look forward to the next project. G

[@lesgill6817]

MORE MORE, FANTASTIC VIDEO,AND CONTENT........

[@dbharrold]

Loved the Vespa restoration, it would be great to see another bike restoration

[@AaronWahab]

Congrats Dom! it looks great!

[@Gus247365]

I kind of came to this one a bit backwards, having watched the giveaway video first!! :D Just watched the whole resto series all the way through and agree with the sentiments of many others on here about the result, the process and the methods used for the restoration being 'spot on'!! Keeping the true character of the Scoot whilst maintaining its usability is a great achievement... Really, really enjoyed this - thank you!!

[@andyb5521]

Hey Dom, I watch you on repair shop,all you guys on there are amazing at what you ALL do. I've subbed instantly, love the videos on the vespa, great job man,looks amazing. Love n blessings.

[@TheXeroid]

This made me smile too. Loving your enthusiasm Dom!

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you!

[@jonbennett1588]

Just watching all of the videos grate job very interesting 👍

[@teamhandsome1974]

Brilliant! Great to see the cheeky test drive in the rain. And a great opening project for your you tube channel. Here’s to the next one.

[@robedmunds7163]

That was great thanks. I've done a couple of rustorations and the main frustration is same as you found, parts ordered that do not fit. After two seat covers that did not fit I just paid a vehicle trimmer to do it sometimes you got to pay the man.

[@stephenpoole7194]

Well done Dom, brilliant series to open, once a scooterist always a scooterist, they get under your skin.

[@philby69]

Brilliant job Dom great to see it running again.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you, I hope you'll stick around for the next restoration

[@philby69]

@@DominicChineas looking forward to the land rover and the Porsche being done

[@patrickfay1055]

What a great job you’ve got to find another project loved the video

[@tonystamp2708]

This is fantastic. Please do more of this kind of thing. I love it.

[@remcotissink]

Awesome. Really enjoyed watching the series !

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnbellamy6449]

very enjoyable Dominic,keep well.

[@Forzalazio1231]

Really enjoyed watching the episodes Dom, and well done for finishing it. It looks really good! I love the patina of it that you kept, and it sounds like it’s got plenty of miles in it yet. As a lambretta owner, and having had to register mine with the DVLA, there’s something else that could also take a year to get sorted 😁

[@nicolaliddle9622]

Aaaww! That’s fantastic, so chuffed for you! It looks and sounds amazing! What an amount of work you’ve put in but look how far you’ve come. It’s kind of bittersweet that is finished but I hope you have a brilliant time using it. Thanks so much for sharing your journey, it’s been a little bit of joy in these weird times. Enjoy!!!

[@pip110.5]

Well done on bringing a classic Vespa back to life. 👌 Avoid Beedspeed.