Heinkel Service
Need help with your Heinkel, but don't have the time/energy/knowledge to fix it?
I can help you.
Concours Restorations
I bought my first Heinkel in 1995. In the past several years, I have completed five Concours quality Tourists, all are shown below.
Owning a concours quality machine can be challenging for some people. Many worry about the paint after it is perfect. If you fall into this category, I would recommend a functional restoration.
Mac's 103A-2 : This two-tone green beauty was my first Heinkel restoration.
Customization is a better description of the scooter since the colors weren't factory originals. The light green could almost be an original color. The upholstery and paint were chosen by the previous owner.
My 103A-1 : After completing the scooter above, I decided my daily rider needed to look equally as nice.
After completing the restoration, I rode it from San Francisco to Seattle for Amerivespa 2007. Five days of back to back riding ... zero problems. I've added several thousand miles to the odometer, but the scooter looks great and runs even better.
EuGene's 103A-2 : Next up was EuGene's Tourist. It is hard to believe it now, but this beautiful machine arrived at my house in 8+ boxes. A true basket case.
EuGene bought the scooter in pieces. The project spanned 11 months, but was well worth the effort. EuGene took delivery of the Tourist during HeinkelFest 2011.
My 103A-0 : I completed this Tourist in 2012. The scooter engine rebuild was part of HeinkelFest 2011. Attendees helped with various assembly tasks.
I deviated from stock colors once again and chose a VW color from the same era. The early model Heinkels are a greater challenge to restore. More pieces to paint, and far more chrome.
My last concours restoration. I completed this beauty in early 2016.
Despite its final outcome, this project came to me in a sad state. Not only did it not run, it was missing the rear end assembly. The project required a few years to complete. Sourcing original spares is painstakingly slow.
Functional Restorations
I've repaired another 20 Tourists over the years. From minor adjustments, to full engine rebuilds.
If your scooter is straight, and the paint is original, I would absolutely recommend a functional restoration. Paint is original only once as "they" say.
Bob's 103A-2 : I completed this functional restoration back in 2005. The prior owner had two 103 A2s at the time, and chose to restore the second one after I completed this one.
His other scooter was the two-toned green 103 A2 above. This was the first Tourist I rode that I enjoyed. It made me realize that my 103 A1 had engine problems that required repair.
My 103A-2 / Steib Sidecar : This old gem was complete when I bought it. It required a full engine rebuild as well as new upholstery. The chrome was renewed as well.
The sidecar was necessary for my young daughter back in 2004. She had the tendency to get sleepy while riding as a passenger.
Blue Meanie 103A-1 : My friend Tegan asked me to rebuild the motor on her Blue Meanie. I built this scooter while restoring my 103 A1.
I rode this scooter for a few months and was sad to see it leave Colorado. The scooter now lives in Ohio.
My 102A-1 : This scooter arrived as a runner and required very little beyond rubber pieces and adjustments throughout.
I still haven't split the cases on this scooter, but it rides like a dream. Don't let the 8" wheels scare you. This Tourist rides just like its 10" wheeled brethren.
Cliff's 103A-2 : I owned this scooter for a few years. I bought it from an East Coast museum.
Like the 102A-1, I replaced rubber and cables. Additionally, I reupholstered everything. A wonderfully original Tourist.
This Tourist now lives with a collector in Arizona. I hope he brings it back to HeinkelFest at some point.
A local friend bought this 103A-2 in 2011 and received it during the Moab 2012 rally. I successfully got it running during the rally, but was missing a few parts to make it operational for use.
The scooter was completed in time for HeinkelFest 2013! Unfortunately the owner's employer wouldn't let him play as much as he would have liked. The scooter has since moved from Colorado.
A recent 103A-2 project. I bought this late in 2014. The scooter had been in a shop fire. Lots of bizarre challenges were hidden within.
The scooter is now sold. I completed all repairs in time for HeinkelFest 2015. I hope the owner returns to Colorado future events.
My first swinger!
The scooter belonged to an old friend who died a few years back. I received the scooter in 2014.
I replaced all typical wear items. It became clear, quite quick, why the scooter stopped running. The piston crown held a broken valve. I would have liked to hear what that sounded like.
I acquired this 103A-2 in early 2020. Tear down started immediately. Then COVID began.
Rather than use the lockdown effectively, I found myself not doing much of anything and this project gathered dust for nearly two years.
Finally in mid-2022, I found inspiration and completed it in October 2022.
I acquired this late model 103A-1 in the summer of 2022. Tear down began at the end of the year.
This project was relatively easy, although muffler removal gave me fits!
I completed this by HeinkelFest 2023 and found a new owner for it in December 2023.
I acquired this late model 103A-1 in February of 2025.
This project had very few surprises, but was scheduled behind a few other motor rebuilds.
I completed this for HeinkelFest 2025 and was delivered to the new owner at that time.
I acquired this 102A-1 in November 2012.
It was missing so many pieces. I did not think this would evolve into a restoration of any kind. Rather, I bought the pieces with the thought that I would need them for my 102A-1 at some point.
Fast forward many years, and a few transactions later. I am at the point to make this an official project. I plan to build the motor before Spring 2026. I am hopeful this could be a runner sometime in 2026.
For the unfamiliar, this is an 8" wheel Tourist and comes with a working windup clock. Super cool! I plan to sell this Tourist. If you are interested, please send me e-mail.
I acquired this 103A-2 in September 2025, sadly right after HeinkelFest 2025.
This looks rough, I know! But will be a sound runner in due time.
It is difficult to say what level of restoration will occur. The motor will be rebuilt, and of course, all cables and electrics will be replaced. The long term goal is to complete it in 2026.
I am responsible for all mechanical and upholstery for these restorations. I have fantastic resources for my paint and powder. They have been with me for many years and know exactly what is required for the restorations.
Engine Rebuilds
If you need engine work, send me your engine. I built a crate designed specifically for shipping Heinkel engines. My turnaround time varies with the amount of work required.
References
Of course I will provide references. Please send me e-mail if you need a little help.