Argyle the Stella: project

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:20 am

***edit- Instead of making a new thread each time I do something to Argyle. I'm just going to continually update this on as sortof a "build thread".
-tom 6/16/12

I finally was able to let "Argyle" earn her name.
From the moment I paid for her, I wanted to customize her, but I didn't want the standard check. Thus, the concept of "argyle" was born...
I bought some outdoor vinyl off ebay and spent a few hours at the desk with my xacto knife.
Here is how it turned out, Im pretty pleased!

Argyle the Stella earns her name by xtombx, on Flickr

The white is reflective, here is our cat Zoola admiring the work.

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:59 pm

Sweet! Now go get yourself a vanity license plate, "SOXS"

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:38 am

Keith wrote:Sweet! Now go get yourself a vanity license plate, "SOXS"

^^^ I like that !...Or you could go with sweater. LOL...I like soxs better

I am thinking of a custom paint job on my orange Stella this winter as well...JUST not sure.

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:40 am

Argyle,,,, Always in Style!!!

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Fri Jan 13, 2012 11:44 pm

That looks sweet!

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 2:44 am

Keith wrote:Sweet! Now go get yourself a vanity license plate, "SOXS"

+1

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 7:59 pm

Nice! I am a huge fan of argyle.

I now have a spare set of cowls for my Stella and am trying to figure out what to do with them. Hmm…

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:26 pm

ericalm wrote:Nice! I am a huge fan of argyle.

I now have a spare set of cowls for my Stella and am trying to figure out what to do with them. Hmm…

TC @ Vespa Motorsport was telling me he'd like to get ahold of the engine cowl from a 4T (with the vent holes) and repaint/finish it to match one of his 2T's. What condition are the cowls in?

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 1:14 am

DirtyRAT wrote:
ericalm wrote:Nice! I am a huge fan of argyle.

I now have a spare set of cowls for my Stella and am trying to figure out what to do with them. Hmm…
TC @ Vespa Motorsport was telling me he'd like to get ahold of the engine cowl from a 4T (with the vent holes) and repaint/finish it to match one of his 2T's. What condition are the cowls in?

Paint scratched but no other damage.

Buuut… They're a little longer than the 2T cowls, I think. Not enough so crash bars won't fit, so you might be able to squeeze them on.

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 1:16 am

I just bought a used, 2005 Stella 2T 'Atomic Fireball' today from TC of Vespa Motorsport. I'll confirm the cowl dimensions & fit when we swap my Stella 4T chrome crashbars onto the Fireball. If they fit interchangably, one of us might PM you for details on what you would sell them for.

BTW, the taller gearbox on the Fireball is ridiculously awesome. Consider putting one in your 4T, but only if NoHo confirms it can be done, of course.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 5:53 am

DirtyRAT wrote:I just bought a used, 2005 Stella 2T 'Atomic Fireball' today from TC of Vespa Motorsport. I'll confirm the cowl dimensions & fit when we swap my Stella 4T chrome crashbars onto the Fireball. If they fit interchangably, one of us might PM you for details on what you would sell them for.

BTW, the taller gearbox on the Fireball is ridiculously awesome. Consider putting one in your 4T, but only if NoHo confirms it can be done, of course.

Congrats on t he Fireball! What number is it?

Does it still have the flames? I saw one FS recently that had the flames removed or painted over.

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 6:12 am

Here is the photo of the Fireball version #

The fireball/Stella was gladly removed of all Ronald McDonald 'bling'/OEM gaudy trim by TC (previous owner).

All flames are gone, and no Yellow. Essentially, it is a red scoot, with red hubs now

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 5:57 pm

cool. I must admit. I like it better that way...Did the GB150 have the taller trans ,too?

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:29 pm

viney266 wrote:cool. I must admit. I like it better that way...Did the GB150 have the taller trans ,too?

Yes, it has the taller transmission, and it shows: with my 4T Stella going up steep hills, I just cannot get that sweet spot gear-wise. The taller gearbox does allow for me to do 40mph in 3rd gear, which is not possible on my 4T without revving the engine to high.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 8:16 pm

Is that the Fireball that was on Craigslist rebadged as a Vespa? I wondered if that was how they got it California legal was with a rebadge and an old Vespa pinkslip. I'm not hating, I was just curious. It looks really nice!

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:12 pm

Yup, I bought that one

It was re-badged as a Vespa to avoid the throngs of questions from random people asking, "hey...is that a Vespa?" Happens all the time while I'm out on my stock Stella 4T.

I took a 'don't ask, don't tell' approach regarding the registration issue. I'm just glad to have a legal machine!

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:13 pm

Sure enough - looks like Piaggio badging in the photo. I get the whole California CARB thing, but it's a shame to de-flame a limited edition AFB150.

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:33 pm

The problem with the OEM flame thing was there was some damage to the front fender and cowls. Repainting those meant removing the 'flames'

The stock flames reminded me of Ronald McDonald, so I'm not sorry to see them go. I was really interested in the factory mods to the scoot rather than the yellow paint.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:46 pm

Yup, I saw this one on CL as well, that's why I asked.

Not sure how rebadging helped with registration. The 2T Vespas weren't CA-legal at the time either!

Now you can register any of the original Stellas (over 3 model years old) in CA anyways.

I'll look into the gearing but it should be the same on the 4T; no transmission changes AFAIK. Now sure how much faster I want my 4T, though I could use some more oomph on hills.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:45 am

ericalm wrote:Not sure how rebadging helped with registration. The 2T Vespas weren't CA-legal at the time either!

Me neither, not trying to start a rumor.. I just had seen the picture, and simultaneously wondered two things-

1- why it said Piaggio
2- how they got it CA legal

In my twisted mind, I imagined a scenario where someone kept the registration on an old beatup vintage Vespa, cut up and disposed of the old scooter, then rebadged a similarly colored Stella to pass it off as the one in the registration. I know the VIN wouldn't match, but I've never showed mine to anyone, LOL. Does the pinkslip say Genuine Stella?

That's great to hear you can now have a 2T Stella in CA. Anything special you need to do to make that happen? Or it just has to not be new?

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 2:19 am

The Genuine company page for the Atomic Fireball:

http://www.genuinescooters.com/feat/fireball.html

I can assure you Eric the gearing is definitely different on the Fireball. The Genuine page states :"raised" gearing for higher top speeds

When I went up the north side of Mt Soledad tonight on my way home from Miramar area, the Fireball just chewed up the steep climb in 3rd gear, no problem. On my 4T I would constantly be surfing 2nd gear, to 3rd and back, always wishing I had a better gear ratio.

BTW, the Flames on the Fireball were vinyl, and looked cheap, according to the guys at Vespa Motorsport. My plan is to find ways to still make the scoot stay true to the Atomic Fireball moniker, but with more tasteful accessorizing or flames. Thinking of making it kind of like the Buddy Blackjack, or some other vintage design derivative.

Again, I didn't press the California registration issue. Since it could be a murky subject during a purchase, I just pursed my lips and am glad I have an engine I can mod the hell out of.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:55 am

DirtyRAT wrote:I can assure you Eric the gearing is definitely different on the Fireball. The Genuine page states :"raised" gearing for higher top speeds

Sorry, I was unclear. By "same," I mean same as stock 2T; performance gears should work on both.

DirtyRAT · Post by **DirtyRAT** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:01 am

No problem.

The Atomic Fireball gearbox is same as a P200, from what the mechanics at VM tell me. I'd be curious if it fits a 4T.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:15 am

Now I'm thinking they won't fit a 4T. Hm.

The gear kits for the 2Ts don't appear fit from what I can find. I'm too scooter broke right now to think about it.

Tam Tam · Post by **Tam Tam** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:42 am

damn, does that ever look cool....argyle - supersweet

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:45 am

ericalm wrote:Now I'm thinking they won't fit a 4T. Hm.

The gear kits for the 2Ts don't appear fit from what I can find. I'm too scooter broke right now to think about it.

Do you know what the tooth count is on the cush drive? May be able to get away with a clutch swap.

You're really probably scooter rich and just money poor!

My prefered situation any day!

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:07 am

Got Arglye's stripes installed before a nice ride today-

Argyle's new stripes by xtombx, on Flickr

Now, I need YOUR help on deciding on the legsheild graphic!
I like them all, so I'm leaving the final decision up to you (and my facebook pals)

Legshield options by xtombx, on Flickr

keith1295 · Post by **keith1295** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:40 am

I like A!!!!

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:15 am

I like A or B..B a bit better, I don't care for C at all.

noodoggy · Post by **noodoggy** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:31 am

a is the best! would give more visual interest.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:38 am

Another for B! Looks really great by the way..

laxer · Post by **laxer** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:42 am

A, all the way, A!

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Wed Mar 14, 2012 2:23 pm

Im likeing B cause it matches the fender and cowls.
Then Im liking A cause of the slight diff's in pattern color.

I say what does your cat say???? A or B??

lol

good luck deciding

Spiffy · Post by **Spiffy** » Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:14 pm

that's awesome! I wear argyle socks every day...

I'd go with A on the front because it matches...

but I really like the look of B...

where'd you get the graphics? I have the avocado color and I might want to copy you... (:

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:33 pm

Spiffy wrote:that's awesome! I wear argyle socks every day... (:

Awesome, Spiffy!!!
I bought outdoor sheeted vinyl from an ebay seller and hand cut my graphics. A couple hours with the ol' xacto and I was all set. LOTS of colors to chose from! I chose a reflective white for the base and tore the dorky DOT reflectors off of mine.
muuuuch better.

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:50 pm

Finally got the rear rack installed on Argyle.
Note, its the stationary "wrap around" rack that supposedly wont work...
Spacers were added to retain the bag hook and the evap system was disconnected and re-connected to pull it off. Not bad really.
Install by Mike @Ace's Cycle, Kalamazoo

Argyle gets racked by xtombx, on Flickr

Still need to cut and stick the legshield graphics.

other projects on the horizon-
-Legshield "crash bar" with a couple lights. Not "mod" but a "nod to mod"
searching for "right" bars...
-Sticker bomb glovebox. Collecting cool black and white stickers for that.
-Wheel cover/hub caps, I hate the modern "star" wheels. Thinking about going Mercedes
-contemplating getting the seat recovered and a matching spare cover in a "diamond" stitch to play off the argyle theme.

long term plan- future, full kustom 'flake paint job. (2-5 years down the road)

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Sat Sep 01, 2012 10:29 pm

Today's project- glove box sticker bomb, phase 1.
Planned to only do the door, but as you see I got carried away (too many great stickers!)
Will probably eventually do the whole glovebox and inside the legsheild.

Steady Teddy · Post by **Steady Teddy** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:51 am

Guys, believe me when I say that ANY color combination beyond plastic vinyl Mc Donalds yellow flame graphics are a A VAST improvement and should be encouraged to all Fireball Owners! Spread the word... you owe it to your Stella FB Brothers in arms...

TC

SYMbionic Duo · Post by **SYMbionic Duo** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 6:06 pm

viney266 wrote:cool. I must admit. I like it better that way...Did the GB150 have the taller trans ,too?

No I don't believe that it does.

Tom, I have that same rack on my GB150. Only issues with it, is that it makes getting the side cowls back on a little bit of a hassle. Trick seems to be to slide the top clip on 1st, then the rear, then the front, but you have to watch out for the front hook, when attaching the rear.

-duo

climbamt · Post by **climbamt** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 5:55 pm

I vote for design A. Can't wait to see the final pictures.....

BigDaddy SnakeOiler · Post by **BigDaddy SnakeOiler** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 2:54 am

Did this ever happen? Would love to see it.

xTomBx · Post by **xTomBx** » Tue Mar 03, 2015 3:11 pm

it never did... I still have the vinyl and the design plotted out in my head.
The problem is when its nice enough to do it, I usually only have time for a quick ride. So riding wins over. haha.
Maybe this spring...
Maybe ill get the added horn installed too...
maybe...

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Wed Mar 04, 2015 6:10 pm

Take the mirrors off and roll it inside the house.
put .cardboard down and the next day
.stick on your legshield vynil.

Modern Buddy

Argyle the Stella: project

Argyle the Stella: project

cool as hell