Modern Vespa

I just got a Vespa 150 super with an LML 5-port swap for free from my neighbor who was moving. I took it apart to see what the frame looked like and I saw some questionable welds along with things like nails instead of cotter pins.

Is this worth fixing up to a point or is it too far gone? I am completely new to this whole space and don't know if this is worth the effort, time, or money.

Go for the full Monty! don't leave us hanging.

Gotta pop some popcorn while I see how this plays out!

It's absolutely worth fixing up. When you're done you and your scoot will be one. You'll know every curve, crack and cranny. It'll take some doing on your part but will be a great experience. Lots of people here to offer help when you need it. Get cracking! You won't know until the frame is stripped so start there. After all the goo is gone post some picks so we can see if it's solid or not.

Thanks for the advice. For sure will keep it pushing with the project and get it in good shape.

It's shit.

I was just being optimistic. 😏 It does seem like most Supers have gone the way of bodgedom. I should know, painting my GS black!🤣 Those gas welds don't look bad.

I do agree that the gas welds are surprisingly nice looking. But other than that, i'd either kick it to the curb, or use the frame as wall art or somethin.

Sell the engine and put the money towards a runner if a scooter is actually what you want.

Is Gus's chicken that good?

Just curious, why the mixed advice on this one?

Is it because it's still relatively easy to find much better examples?
Or is it assumptions about what is likely to be under the rest of the filler?

It looks like You may have stumbled upon a "Bodge". A jumbled together scooter, built from many different scooters, covered with shiny paint; and typically sold to uninformed buyers. Tell tale signs are the 2 tone paint, thick bondo, nails for cotter pins, frames welded together from numerous different wrecked frames; and more.

If it is a bodge, its not worth Your time or money; and its certainly not safe.

Lots more info and examples here:
Bodgespotting

It's both really. But strip it before you decide. Whether it is worth continuing with a restoration will be dictated by the quality and safety of the previous work done.

before tossing it aside, if you have time and can sand the whole frame I would like to be able to assess the status of it.

When I got it, my neighbor did say that it was a Vietnam imported Vespa, which instantly tipped me off to it being a Vietbodge. Would it be a better idea to glassbead blast it to see, or just throw it to the curb and move on to another project?

I do want to have a scooter as a restoration project, but with the mixed results of the thread, I'm not sure if this one would be safe even after time and money are put into it.

You can take a short cut by pulling the tank and having a look inside your frame with a mirror, a cheap boroscope camera or shove your phone down the hole and take a million picks. Post them here.

Start with the frame tunnel photos and do some selective stripping at places where there are frame joins and obvious filler. You will get lots of helpful comments. Really. No one is here to put you down. Glad you didn't drop 6k$ on the thing. Everyone wants to see you get the scooter of your dreams. It validates our own insanity.

That type of scooter is fairly common in the US so most would find a better example. If you really want a scooter project and not a resurrection, you might also consider a P series. They are easier to work on and parts are cheap and readily available.

Kidding aside that is a major undertaking for a first scoot whether it was a nice one or a super bodge. It'll cost more than it's worth either way. If all the parts aren't there even worse. Then there is the paperwork issue. Has a new serial number been welded in? Since it was free no harm in stripping the frame to assess the condition. At least you can sell the engine and maybe the other parts if the frame is bad and put that into a different scooter. It'll be cheaper and faster to buy an already running solid scooter that you would enjoy.

I am surprised that it has an LML engine. That in itself is worth a few coins depending on the health of the engine. As far as the frame/body goes - I like Orwell suggestion as the tank is already out, so you can check the welds from there. But since you asked - for me - I would not spend any effort on it as it will take too much to bring it back. Put the engine on the bench, check it out or sell it off per Grumpnut's suggestion.

I did more inspecting and have seen that the whole back section and swingarm mount has been pieced together poorly with bad and rusting welds and panels.


Thanks for everyone's advice on it and thoughts on different paths to take. I am most likely going to look for another large-frame style Vespa to fix up that is in better shape, as the safety risks and money pit that this frame is doesn't seem worth it to me. I will be back with another project scooter, hopefully in better condition.

Glad you found out before spending any money. Looking forward to seeing your next scoot.

This. Good on you for asking first. And much better to find this out now rather than having the rear end fall off while doing 45mph!

Na(ma)sty!

NamNamNam.

Will make great yard art