Modern Vespa

So I've got a bodge I've owned for about 7 years. I just replaced the engine last year. I've alredy stripped the engine cowl, and have started takeing the frame down to strip it as well. I'll post the naked cowl down below. I have a question about he frame on the tool box side. I have two tabs that look like they were put on there for grounding something to the frame. I'm not sure If I have a bajaj or an actual vespa frame, or a mix of the two. It's supposedly a VLB, but I was wondering if there is anything that gives it away as Bajaj, or Vespa. I'm also looking for a round bajaj headset.

P.S. Magnests actually stick to the cowl now. and notice the weld.

That's a pretty big glovebox.

Why do you question if its been frankenscooted with more than one frame? If someone has ever told you yes and u actually do....u cannot debodge the bodge.

Not so much, debodge as make it not so asian looking. I'd like it to look more correct. I've taken the glove box, and all the shiny stuff off.

Not sure what those tabs are for but they are on both of my unbodged Supers. Good luck with the tidy up.

A spring goes in there, and it holds your tool kit.

Right on, I'll show you some support.
If you take it down, inspect every piece and add the right parts when you put it back together. I don't see any issues. People on here mean well but they hold dear and true to the real thing. A Ford Duce is made up of a lot of non Ford parts and shady mechanics and people love them. We call them Hot Rods. We on the other hand have to keep safety in mind because of the two wheel factor, if one goes we go. Or the frame for that matter.
Do what your doing and I'ld be proud to ride next to you.

My '67 GT has an LML engine, cowls from god knows where, a newly welded floorboard, new speedo plate, new grips, seat, exhaust, rails and trim...I think the only original things on that frame are the badges.

show me ur steering lock and i can tell you either its a bajaj nor a vespa and about the glove box, yup spring goes in there to hold this



have a nice day and cheer mate

nice one Ebeth. mine holds a little bottle of 2stroke

Nice pics, can't wait to see close ups of the stripped frame. Wonder what you'll discover?

Hi Pancho. looks like a typical Italian framed Super from here, Lovingly cared for in Vietnam most of its life I'm sure. Has all the hallmarks including the mock expansion chamber exhaust which sell here for $30 new! Give it a good clean up. Sure you'll find some welds but I'm willing to bet $100 to a charity of Jess's choice that it is not 2 frames welded together. Wonder if anyone would want to take me up on the reverse of that bet?! I'm sure nobody will pony up but just wait for all the death trap comments....

a lot of noise here about the old 2 frames welded together but you only ever get the shot of that blue Lambretta that looks like someone parked it on a high kerb and then jumped up and down on it to snap it in half!

Good luck mate!

(no I don't know Pancho and no I don't know that bike personally)

edit. Said super, meant Sprint. Although it looks like VBB cowels! Aghhh!!!

Doesn't look like my Bajaj toolbox. I'd guess it's Italian, lovingly "restored" in Vietnam. I'd strip it, make sure it's safe, put it together carefully and ride, ride ,ride!

http://youtu.be/crBbk00XNV4

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Strip it raw and don't paint it. Reassemble, get some pinstriping done and ride it.

Steering lock as per request.
Also going to get some pics in a few of the front fork after my kid goes to sleep.

I didn't know the M16A1 had burst fire mode, but it would appear this bike took a few bursts of 5.56 while speeding off down the ho chi minh trail. Can't believe I've been ridig this thing. I've rode this bike on several long rides, 3+ hours one way. When I first got it, I used to pop wheelies on it a lot.

That fork is fine.........just fender fiiitttmment

ive got one round light and sprint style speedo not volcano?

Just the light, or the headset as well. Is the speedo the same as for the rally?

eh

ur frame is vespa just not sure wheter its a super nor a sprint, as ur speedo isnt like a rally but more to a ss180, gl type of oval while the rally is a shell type

have a nice day and cheer mate

I'm going to star stripping the paint on the frame, but I have to remove the rivets in the floor. Is theres a special tool for that?

drill n bit

If you don't care about the paint, just grind off the rivet ends on the underside. The rails will pop right off.

That's what I did , grind from bottom and popped right off.

Keep up the photo journaling and updating! I too went through this but did not go as far as stripping all the paint(powdercoat!)!
This is like a "scooter" Mythbusters article!

Here's a look at the start of the legshield. I've stripped a little on the belly behind the mud gaurd as well. No signs of pitting what so ever. I'm not very patiant so the stripping is going to be painful for me. Either way, heres the pic. As far as mith busting, if I would have documented the engine rebuild, the mith would have been confirmed. Brass bushing for little end bearing, lots of extra shims, and thread gaskets.

Done more of the legshield today. Where the bottom meets the front looks to be patched up. I've been told thats te worst spot on these bikes. At least its not bondo.

I'll say it again, don't paint it!

It'd be way cool to just coat it with a rust inhibitor like acf-50 and spin it as is. All the patches just makes it look mean, like the bus in "Slap Shot".

I 2nd that.. don't paint it.. just hand paint some wording and stitches across any of the cracks, dings and welds.. just do something like the Age said and protect from rust. could be a winner!

Celebrate it's sorted heritage! Maybe add a custom "nammer" badge for the leggy just to set it off. People would eat that up at the rallies for sure!

Exactly.. maybe you should call it and paint "Phocked Up!" on it.. get it? Pho? (vietnamese soup) (pronounced like fuh)

I've definately considered a no paint paint job, but just not my style. I was going to go for the ascot green, but I think she has too many dings for a good paint job. I'm thinking either O.D. green, or desert tan. I'm military so I like that kind of sheit.

Right on.. dats coo'... Camo?
Aahh shit man.. do what you feelin' it'll be sweet!
Just post 'em up when you done.

that cowl looks like it's made from damascus steel.

Work the metal back to the right shape as best it can and then Powder coat it. No filler, if it shows thorough the powder coat so be it.

desert tan would be a lovely color. i'm not in the military, but do love that kind of sheet as well. would have been awesome i think in camo also.

Yep, anything in OD or desert tan is killer in my book.

Maybe do it up mid-60's US army style, although the US never had military spec vespa's during the Vietnam war, it would fit the period and the origin quite nicely.

clearcoat ... acf50 wouldnt be enough .. plus youd be filthy after every ride

u Sir, did have a good eyes mate


the cowl were remade in the bottom section, if u can find a good replacement cowl it will be good but if u cant try to fix lower lips and close the holes. if u want to make it better try to re shave the line from the back like Patrick said, i use a sculpture and a hammer to reshape the line in my cowl and front fender



and end with this


good luck on the bike and cheer mate

So i've succumb to peer pressure and decided to clear coat the bare metal. I'll get around to some pics this week.