OP
@autojack avatar
UTC

Addicted
'76 Vespa Rally 200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 711
Location: Melbourne
 
Addicted
@autojack avatar
'76 Vespa Rally 200
Joined: UTC
Posts: 711
Location: Melbourne
UTC quote
I've never been that diligent about cosmetic care of my scooter. It was pretty battle-scarred when I got it in 2009. I don't even wash it very often.

At one point I replaced the headlight bezel and mirrors. As you can see, they have corroded pretty badly since then. I assume the chrome is beyond hope. Maybe I should replace these again and take better care of them next time.

I was thinking about going over the paint, maybe doing a clay bar, polish, etc. But I'm not sure if it would do more harm than good. Any thoughts?
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@garncarz avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
1964 Allstate Cruisaire, 2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, 1972 Suzuki T500J
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1081
Location: York, PA (the intellectual center of the universe)
 
Molto Verboso
@garncarz avatar
1964 Allstate Cruisaire, 2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, 1972 Suzuki T500J
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1081
Location: York, PA (the intellectual center of the universe)
@zachyzach avatar
UTC

Addicted
'64 VBBs, '74 BMW R75/6 airhead, '74 Bultaco Alpina 250, Lambrettas + projects
Joined: UTC
Posts: 586
Location: Western Mass., USA
 
Addicted
@zachyzach avatar
'64 VBBs, '74 BMW R75/6 airhead, '74 Bultaco Alpina 250, Lambrettas + projects
Joined: UTC
Posts: 586
Location: Western Mass., USA
UTC quote
Did I read one time about using aluminum foil and water to rub out old hazy or rusty chrome bits? Been meaning to try...
@langolson avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa 125 VMA, Vespa SS 180
Joined: UTC
Posts: 213
Location: Minneapolis, MN
 
Hooked
@langolson avatar
Vespa 125 VMA, Vespa SS 180
Joined: UTC
Posts: 213
Location: Minneapolis, MN
UTC quote
zachyzach wrote:
Did I read one time about using aluminum foil and water to rub out old hazy or rusty chrome bits? Been meaning to try...
^^ Yes, this works surprisingly well. Crumple up the aluminum foil, dip it in water and start rubbing. The chrome will look like new.
@spacecat avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa Primavera 1974
Joined: UTC
Posts: 225
Location: Nebraska USA
 
Hooked
@spacecat avatar
Vespa Primavera 1974
Joined: UTC
Posts: 225
Location: Nebraska USA
UTC quote
Langolson wrote:
^^ Yes, this works surprisingly well. Crumple up the aluminum foil, dip it in water and start rubbing. The chrome will look like new.
On this tip, how do you protect the chrome after? Wax or clear coat? I may get around to doing my luggage rack.
@zachyzach avatar
UTC

Addicted
'64 VBBs, '74 BMW R75/6 airhead, '74 Bultaco Alpina 250, Lambrettas + projects
Joined: UTC
Posts: 586
Location: Western Mass., USA
 
Addicted
@zachyzach avatar
'64 VBBs, '74 BMW R75/6 airhead, '74 Bultaco Alpina 250, Lambrettas + projects
Joined: UTC
Posts: 586
Location: Western Mass., USA
UTC quote
spacecat wrote:
On this tip, how do you protect the chrome after? Wax or clear coat? I may get around to doing my luggage rack.
Between those two, I'd vote for wax if anything. It's harmless to vintage scoot/auto paint surfaces and re-applicable whenever needed. This has been used with great results, and would think it's fine on chrome if used gently. On warm days, it's easy to apply and wipe off again as it's much softer:
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@langolson avatar
UTC

Hooked
Vespa 125 VMA, Vespa SS 180
Joined: UTC
Posts: 213
Location: Minneapolis, MN
 
Hooked
@langolson avatar
Vespa 125 VMA, Vespa SS 180
Joined: UTC
Posts: 213
Location: Minneapolis, MN
UTC quote
spacecat wrote:
On this tip, how do you protect the chrome after? Wax or clear coat? I may get around to doing my luggage rack.
After cleaning it up with the aluminum foil, I use chrome polish. It says it protects the chrome…
@qascooter avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
79 P200E (Ruby), 62 Allstate (B-62)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4597
Location: Florence, OR
 
Ossessionato
@qascooter avatar
79 P200E (Ruby), 62 Allstate (B-62)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4597
Location: Florence, OR
UTC quote
Here is what I use. And I do the same as grancanz...
The trio of cleaning/protection
The trio of cleaning/protection
And Mother's for the mirrors and chrome
And Mother's for the mirrors and chrome
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2025 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0147s ][ Queries: 4 (0.0059s) ][ live ][ 323 ][ ThingOne ]