Modern Vespa

So, I went and dragged this one home the other day. As far as I can tell, it was in near perfect shape when something minor took it off the road years ago and it has sat outside under the trees for years. I loved how the whole body has an even, light rust patina and it was pretty much all there. Except for the floor. The motor was free, which was a plus.

I found that the stator was in great condition but the red wire to the junction box for the coil was totally rotten . Like the greens do on some. The rest of the loom is sweet. Replaced that wire and it started right up. Replaced the carb with a clean one I had and it ran nicely. Only 90 lbs on the gauge so I scraped off an heavy layer of hard crud from the motor and cleaned it up and swapped in a virtually new VBB 150 replacement cylinder/piston and used a Sprint 150 head. 1.3 squish and 140 lbs and this motor runs beautifully and sounds great, The ODO says 8250 miles. I guess I should put some new seals in there but they seem fine now.

Getting past a period of regret, I am going forward on this project to make it look like it just came out of the woods but in excellent condition. I'll figure out a way to rust the new metal ( muriatic acid and leave it outside ? ) and keep the patina.

I will replace the floor and patch up what's needed but I will need one frame section: left side bottom of wheel well. Where the VIN should be. That whole strip about 4-5" high. Maybe someone's got a damaged or less-rusted frame they could cut his out of ? VBB numbers would be nice but anything would work that fits. I don't really care what it is registered as and I sure miss Vermont.

That looks gorgeous !!

I've made a fake patina, using white vinegar and salt, you can see the pictures in this topic : Px200 restoration (probably not everyone's taste...) (Post 2694003)

I have never been a real fan of faux patina but that looks good. What did you start with ? What areas are treated ? And what did you coat it with ?
I need to find out what method works best for uncovering what's left of the original paint. I know it's been discussed but I don't seem to have the patience for 'search'.

To reveal the original paint, start with mineral spirits & a light scour pad. I like the blue 'no scratch' variety. Soak a rag with the solvent and lay it on an area of the paint to soak. A bit of plastic over the rag will help prevent evaporation. Work in small areas. Time and patience is the way. Lots of patience haha.

If mineral spirits doesnt soften the top layers of paint, try acetone. Small areas, scrubbing, patience and perseverance.

Edit: since there is so much rust, rather than resprays; try scrub with vinegar or CLR. Same scrubbers, just think of it like buffing off the top layers of rust

About 10 minutes with a 3M pad and water.

Fantastique!!

Oh that looks real good.

WOW - Most Excellent!

This is just with water. I'm going to try some other solutions to see if i can be a bit less aggressive on the paint. A different approach to this project now that new metal can be blended in with some color instead of just rust.

That's impressive! Definitely worth the effort. Looks great.👍

Wow look what hiding stock paint is so durable. Nice hubcap do you have a matching pair?

Just the one.

Just the one.

This is kind of fun. I have never done this before.

This is making me tight in the shorts.

Will be way easier to paint match some blue floorboards but first, prime with a rust color primer, aftre painting blue and make a few scratches... down to the "rust" primer and the crustoration will look ace.

Seriously, this thread brings me joy!


BTW.. what was the process for removing the floor? Cutt off? Are you planning to remove the spotwelds from the bit left behind?

I just cut them off following the outside edge of the flange from above with the 4.5" disk and then marked the width if them for the inside cuts. The remaining strips get spot-drilled and removed. If you are ever removing a panel that's spot welded, it is always easier to reduce it to strips if you can. A curved air chisel can often separate them pretty well without drilling the spots.

This bike sat upright and all the damage is from where the leaves and crud composted on top of the floor and against the sides of the tunnel. All from the outside. The inside of the left cowl also had leaves in it so the door had been open for a while.

Making the front of the floor fit is a bear because of the compound curve at the outer edges. An English wheel ( which I have never used) would be the ticket but if I can blend the new metal in with paint ( etc.) I can get away with tools and a light skim of filler. I do have a cheapo planishing hammer that uses a small air chisel gun and that may also do the job with minimal dings.

BTW, Mr Bird, here's the Motovespa finished a month ago.

Man wow…That thing is gorgeous!

Keep the pictures coming on this thread! Will be so cool to watch the transformation.

I agree with Birdsnest - I'm excited to watch this transformation!

Looking forward to seeing how this goes!

This guy is an original paint-blend master.
He has another complete OP resto video of a bike in pretty much the same condition as yours that I can't find

(Might want to mute this )

&t=624s

So, I am making progress on this thing but this area is a bit beyond my capacity and it would be nice to have some sort of VIN to register it. I don't really care if it is a VBB.
Anyone got a frame they'd be willing to hack this section out of for me ?

Armchair attorney comment awaiting…

Well, there is that to consider ....

isn't there a process to repair the area and restamp it with the existing VIN? that seems like it should be a thing.

If there was an existing VIN

well yeah - if you don't know the vin of what you're working on - you are in a tough spot!

It would suck to register (red flags galore) it as a 2002~05 Stella, but those frames and subsequent VINs are easy to find.

Yes that is true but I need the panel for the cowl box.

you need a vietnam bike that has been rejected and is bound for the dumpster

Sure. Got one ?

They come around here pretty frequently….

heres a 150 super:

First ever vespa project question

Thanks. I just messaged him.

You could do the Saints Title/Engine/Cyc!e thing with the engine number... That's worked for "people I know"...

Ymmv, obvs.

Fantastic paint rescue, btw. 👍

Yes, I have wondered about using the motor number. It is what the guy I got it from put on the BOS. Would probably fly in NY.
Either way I am still looking for that section.

I have registered with the Vin from the motor before. Worked a treat. Five or five stars, would recommend.

The inspector here would probably be happy to have an actual stamped number matching the paperwork and leave it at that. Six digit VIN's mean nothing to the DMV. They once asked me if one of my old Saabs was a Ford tractor.

… to which you replied, "Would you like it to be?"

Them Bodgers got nothin on me.

Thats some fine stitch work right there

Nice job !

Outstanding!