Velo Solex Times Two

[cheesy]

They came home today.

The yellow one is a 1977 4600. It was originally sold by a bike shop in Aurora, IL.


It's in pretty good shape, save for some lighting issues. Starts right up and runs really well

The black one isn't a 1964 2200/3300 as advertised but not a deal breaker.


Until I locate the serial number, it'll be a 1966 to 1983 3800. It looks like parts are missing but I have them all. This one has a perforated fuel pump diaphragm and lighting issues. A new diaphragm will be here next week. It does have a very strong spark. Guess how I know.

Side by side in the driveway.

The 4600 is wearing the air cleaner cover, blower cover, and fuel tank of the 3800. The originals are white. It is also supposed to have an engine guard mounted. I have that, too.

Washed and in the garage.


I bet I put five miles on the 4600 tonight. It was a hoot.

[SpudRider]

[Weldangrind]

Does 3800 imply 38cc?

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Does 3800 imply 38cc?

You'd think that, but no. 3800 is the engine model number.
The 4600 is an improved upon 3800. I think the difference is how the throttle operates.

Took the yellow one for a ride today.



Went into town for the flea market and grabbed breakfast at the French Cafe'. The panniers are Swiss Army bread bags. They work okay for a Raleigh 3 speed but hang too low for a Velo Solex. Will ponder a solution.

I'll mention that both bikes came with their tool boxes still attached. The yellow ones set is complete, the black is missing the tire tools. The black one does have its' tire pump. Needs a new piston cup but looks like I may be able to use a Coleman stove cup.

Mrs. C will give riding a shot today.

[Weldangrind]

Tell me about the breakfast pizza!

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Tell me about the breakfast pizza!

Can't tell ya because I've never had it. I'm a pushover for their Breakfast Panini, though. I get that with scrambled eggs, cheese(of course), bacon, and peppers. It's a wonderful morning that has a pepper belch.

Update-Found the correct sealed beam headlight for the 4600. $15 plus shipping. Beats the heck out of the Velo Solex parts places. By $50. Now to suss out the wiring.

Researched the year of the 3800 by asking somebody. Engine serial number is dated 1973. Frame number is dated from 1974. Engine number dictates the year, so it's a 1973.

More than just a bad fuel pump with the 3800. I gots no spark anymore, either. Dunno where it went, it was there yesterday. Guess I'll pull the flywheel and find out.

[Weldangrind]

At least the points and condenser should be cheap and available.

Thanks for the pics!

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

At least the points and condenser should be cheap and available.

Thanks for the pics!

They are and fairly cheap. That said, I found plans for a Velosolex CDI. I ran those past the guy that built the CDI for the CX and got a thumbs up from him. Instead of a pickup or Hall Effect sensor, it uses the points as a trigger. I have all the components on hand but this a 'Just In Case' scenario. I'm guessing the points are dirty or the condenser went south. If the condenser, I can replace it with a film cap for several pennies.

I asked Mrs. C which one she wanted and, to my surprise, she wants the black one. So, slowed down on the yellow one and working on the black one now.

Cx is down now, too, but that isn't getting fixed until it cools down a bit.

[Weldangrind]

So cool that Mrs. C is into it!

I like the idea of triggering the ignition with the points. Can you request a specific advance curve?

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Can you request a specific advance curve?

I doubt it. It's pretty much a bare bones system.

Engine is off the 3800 along with the handle bars and front wheel. Front hub overhauled and rim trued. Fork and front caliper next.

Still troubleshooting the lighting issues on the 4600. Think it may be a broken wire behind the flywheel(of course). Brake light switches need to come apart for a thorough cleaning.

No more garage time until Friday.

[Weldangrind]

Please explain the caliper; I don't see one.

[bogieboy]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Please explain the caliper; I don't see one.

look closely on the back side of the engine and fork.... you can clearly see it in one of the pics of the black one...

[cheesy]

The front caliper is the biggest bicycle rim brake I've ever seen. Hidden behind the engine but you can see it behind the fork on the 3800 in this pic.

About 3 o'clock from the flywheel is the Adjuster and at 5 o'clock is the left pad against the rim.

Removing the engine is a breeze. Disconnect the throttle cable, remove the bolt at each fender stay and off it comes. All 7lbs of it.

The PO claims he had the 3800 for 30 years and with all the jerryrigging and stove bolts with square nuts used for repairs, I believe it.

I may not be a restoration when it's done, but it will be right.

[Weldangrind]

Funny, my mind automatically went to a disc brake and caliper. Duh.

Tell me: do you swap brake cables on your bicycles to match the front brake orientation of a motorcycle?

[cheesy]

No, I don't. And I had to check to see. I guess I've been doing both for so long that it's instinctive.

Now, hopping on a coaster braked bike after riding with hand brakes for a few months becomes interesting at the first stop sign.

That said, the VS brakes are set up like a motorcycle.