Modern Vespa

I live in Los Angeles (you know, a city with like 12 million people). Despite this, I am having trouble finding a painter willing to paint my Vespa.

If anybody has any suggestions for a painter (and "do it yourself" is NOT a suggestion) I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

MB

Could you provide more info? Maybe some pics?

Are you just looking for a respray or does it need metal work, welding, etc? A collision shop can paint anything, but it's the metal work that requires more specialized work on any kind of old vehicle. Typical body or collision shops usually don't do that kind of work anymore as cars and other vehicles are built so differently now.

I assume you have called up the classic car resto shops and asked those guys and gals?

I'd next hit some independent specialty mechanics. The shops that work on like porsches and/or British marks, etc. Ask them who they use for paint.

My last painter turned out to actually own a Vespa and a Lambretta and he was originally found through the owner of a local Porsche shop.

FWIW/YMMV/etc, etc

Yeah, I've been down a couple of dead ends and false starts. It's almost like people don't want to do it.

Here it is. Now it's all 100% disassembled and ready for paint.

Kristian at Bar Italia might have some suggestions?

The local Vespa dealer might also be an option. They would probably be doing insurance work for damaged scooters.

https://www.vespaso.com/

Just how much are you expecting (or willing) for a professional paint job? And make sure to factor in that the bodywork won't be cheap either.

I've been down the same road before. Many auto paint shops dont want to take on the smaller jobs, which to them a scooter is a smaller job. Perhaps look at custom motorcycle shop, or keep trying at the classic resto places. You'll strike out till you hit that Turkey! Perhaps ask SF scooter center, Bello Moto, or just keep hitting the bricks. Sorry I cant be more help.

I really like your SS. Its a cool machine built by a friend. Quick motor too! I always liked the Orange + patina white. Rough and radical. What are you plans for paint and body?

I have a running joke that you can get almost any painter to paint a scooter once. and then after that they'll never do it again.

people in the industry give out painter info like their girlfriend's phone number. unless you're tight with somebody you ain't gettin' digits, even if it's only cuz you want to order something off her Etsy store.

anyway, what are your expectations?
>type of work
>quality of work
>turn around time
>price
>your level of involvement
>willingness to be flexible (timeline, travel, payment, type of work)

Hahaha

…yeah.

(Adding to the vintage truths thread.)

Is it just the angle of the photo or are those drop bars? Hit up Bar Italia for sure. Josh Snow might have a couple more paint jobs left in him, just don't tell him I sent you.

Yep, drops. used to have matching orange cowls too

Quality, flexible and price not a factor.

I have other "classic" vehicles and, believe me, I'm very tuned in to the tempermentalness of classic mechanics. I never push and I never negotiate. Time is never an issue and if it's too expensive I just don't do it.

I'm getting rid of the drop bars. The cables get hung up and throttle / shifting action isn't smooth.

Doug's Custom out in Chatsworth is known for really good work. I had them do some stuff on my barracuda years ago and I was quite pleased.

if you could convince josh snow to paint it, that would be my first option.

Eric @ 2nd avenue scooters in Phoenix does phenomenal work. granted that's a long days drive there and back. but you could always rent a car and hotshot a southwest back on the cheap.

just not socal guy. I don't know how many paint jobs he's got left in him and I want him to do my Series 1... (I'm only slightly kidding)

I only deal with production work. and while it's good for the money, I have a feeling you're looking for something a little different.

Not really. Single color, no two-tone or stripes. BMW "Alpine White" if that means anything. But thanks, I'm calling Chatsworth Monday.

I could possibly find a home for those. Let me know if and when you're ready lets talk.

Alpine white will look slick, all one color; everything matched. Good thinking!

Probably not what you want to hear, but have you considered a rat-rod?

It's not unheard of in the Vespa community to preserve the patina of an old bike while making it solid and reliable mechanically.

Good luck whatever you decide!

Update: I emailed Doug and he said he was shorthanded and not taking on any custom work - only doing insurance work. He DID, however, give me two other referrals. One didn't answer the phone and the other did and is interested in the project (!).

That's it. I need to send pix to this dude tonite. Names of all guilty parties to come when I'm actually "in paint".

Thanks again

very cool. glad to be of service. I'm not trying to horn in on your action but I'd be very interested to know who the other recs are-- if they're here in the valley especially, I probably know them.

but start up a build thread if you feel so inclined!

Update after 4.5 months - my frame is back from paint. Picked it up 4th of July weekend. BMW Alpine White at 75% gloss (so, semi-gloss).

Thanks Greasy for sending me down the Valley rabbit-hole that ultimately yielded my painter.

A couple of pix with trim installed:

While waiting, I cleaned up the badges a bit, drilled out the pin locator thingies on the back and countersunk them for 2-56 flathead bolts:

VERY nice. Reminds me to do my floor rails lol.. someday....

So nice to see! thats my old SS so glad you are getting it done!love how you painted the can light

CdV, that's your old bike!

My painter actually taped off the original dealer sticker on the light can so it's beyond legit. I told him he didn't have to because I was so grateful that he took the job I didn't want to make any more work for him.

But he did it anyways.

Looks great, glad you found a good painter to give that beauty the paint job it deserves!

That's a beautiful thing.

That's serious professional pride right there.

That looks sooo good.

Very nice work. I like the bright semi-gloss white

Fork is done. Fork color is VHT engine primer, which I find to be very durable on its own. Drum was just bead blasted, then coated with matte clear.

White paint makes it easy to see "inside".

WOW!

Very nice.

I couldn't get the wire loom out in one piece through the steering tube so I had to cut it in half. I then reconnected it with this six way plug.

I just have to test it for connectivity.

That's odd and shouldn't be necessary, but I guess it's ok.

The paint looks great! It's very original, but subtly different.

Love it.

Beautiful.

Great color

Congrats! Wonderful color!

Nice SS!

Looking nice! I have the black version of that shock on my SS, it's great.

Scalextric?