Recent Aero 80 find

[breaze]

Just returned from a camping trip to Fort Pickens (Florida Panhandle) where I was lucky to run into a deal on an 85 Aero 80. Bought it from the original owner who purchased it in 85, put 61 miles on it, and then stuck it in his shed where it has sat for 25+ years. I have some other scoots but really like the Aeros - I have 2 other 50's (85 and 86) and am always looking for the right 125.

The good news is that the plastics are almost perfect, tires have no dry-rot.

Bad news is that it was not prepped for storage - original gas still in tank (looks like rusty soup), etc.

It'll take a lot of work, but at least I won't be mending and searching for plastics.

[bradthreee]

Nice clean find

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

My Dog, Breazie! Sorry, li'l bit lexidited. You have the Gall to complain about a fouled fuel tank when you've stumbled *-backwards into blue Scooter Gold?!

How hard can a fuel tank, lines replacement and carb clean be??

Solid score, Dawg!

[maxreverb]

That is one cherry find!!!!

[motormike]

...HOLY mother of....am I tripping?....must be a flashback....will you let me come down and have sex with your Aero?...

[PolarIce]

I dig it... You know it is required on this forum to make us feel even worse by posting the price you paid for such a find.

[Bear45-70]

Very nice find.

[breaze]

I was happy with it but it's a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Paid $500.00, which I normally would not do for a non-runner, but I just wanted it and couldn't say no.

I've found everything from rat's nests to a full 3 foot long snake skin underneath the plastic. A good bit of rust also (that good ol Florida sand and salt). Haven't decided yet whether I'll go ahead and pull the jug off to take a look or just drop in a little oil and see how it turns over. I'm gonna go ahead and strip it down to the frame, sand and paint all the metal and do it right. I don't want to end up with one that looks that good on the outside knowing it ain't quite right underneath. Also not sure I can relax on the original tires and tubes - sure look good though, no dry rot at all.

I thought the 85 had the electrical choke but this one has the dreaded thermal/vacuum operated type. I spent some time today re-reading Bear's conversion and I think I'll go ahead with it without even trying the existing set-up.

It'll take a while but I'm looking forward to the first ride. I plan to enjoy the journey and take my time.

[bradthreee]

Don't worry too much about the tires. No dry rot and the tubes hold pressure you should be good to go!

I ran the 27 year old OG tires on my 84 Gyro for a few months, they were dry and cracked but held up until I had a chance to get new ones.

Keep us posted!

[Bear45-70]

.............................................
I thought the 85 had the electrical choke but this one has the dreaded thermal/vacuum operated type. I spent some time today re-reading Bear's conversion and I think I'll go ahead with it without even trying the existing set-up.......

All the US Aero 80 had that thermal/vacuum choke system. The rest of the world got the Aero 80 with the electric choke after 1985.

[breaze]

As you can see, not quite as cherry on the inside. The snakeskin was just under the oil and fuel tank area - glad he decided to move on.

[motormike]

.......and now,...the rest of the story......

[farmermac]

Nice find. That thing is cherry!

The snake skin reminds me why Im a midwest guy. We dont get slithery things like that that like to hide in sheds besides really small ones that cant hurt you.

Why did you do such a tear down? Is it needed to remove the gas tank?

[breaze]

Florida salt air has taken it's toll - lots o rust. I want to sand and paint the frame, the muffler, the engine mount, wheels, and kickstand. Also lubing the cables, cleaning up battery leakage, etc.

[DeathByFox]

Uhhhh this thread makes me wonder why honda ever stopped making the aero. They are one of the best looking scooters ever. Please keep this thread going so i can live vicariously through you.