Modern Vespa

I might be buying this VB1t. My primary concern is this. There is a slight crinkle/crease in the body. Is this totaled? Would you ride this as is?

Thanks!
Ian

Moving to NSM.

Welcome!

That crinkle in the tunnel would gave me great pause. Please post more pics for a better idea of what is going on. Get a laser level and shoot the center line of the the bike from behind making sure the laser sits on the seam and on the fork column dead center.

I wouldn't feel comfortable with a bend there honestly.

Legshield has been pushed in. While not totaled, it would need to be placed on a jig and bent back into place. I would skip it and look for another as there are plenty of these bikes in the USA.

if you are looking for a widebody project, i have several Sears Allstates from 1955-1957 in Indianapolis.

But- if I wanted this frame/body in particular. Like I love the patina and the paint, how could I diy save this? Or is this just not possible?

What's your experience with automotive bodywork and and metal fabrication? It kinda sound like you have an emotional attachment to this particular frame that you're thinking about buying?

None, but my dad worked in body shops and can do all that stuff. I am just asking the knowledge base if I'm being dumb.

Jig and a porta power ram…

I like VB1s, if I was in the market and no serious rust and price is right, I'd take a chance and do what Safis suggests & then check w/ Birdnest's laser. But would need to see first!

I just had to one up you. I took a screenshot of my short video. There's a John deere tractor on the other end of that chain.

I'd say that frame is beyond repair.

Sure it can be forced back, but it will not be the same as it once was. Especially knowing that the shape is crucial to the rigidity of the frame.

You're right of course, but really depends on 1 further inspection, and 2 intended usage and motor. These old wide-bodies are already much stronger and stiffer than especially older VBAs etc and even likely your newer P series. I have 2 VB1s , one started as an wrinkled mess but both are originally strong as Hell and tuff as nails. Piaggio saved money w/ more efficient large frame design, but not as stiff, fewer body pieces and less steel

You see cars w/ unibody frames straightened and laser aligned all the time and they don't seem to have a problem if done right. It's not really bent that far! I have a friend w/ body shop who does this stuff & he knows this would be minor. But would I prefer a car that hadn't had frame damage repair? Of course!

If done correctly, rigidity is not an issue. I've done a worse and more complicated ET4 125, 10 years ago and it's still around…

Thanks everyone- you've given me a lot to consider.

Even if the damage is too difficult to repair it may be worth buying for parts. Especially if you are going to do a wide frame build. The speedo and various trim pieces are worth money, the forks and various other bits would be nice to have.

Have your dad give it a look. Have a good look inside the frame tunnel for rust. If it were mine, I'd give it a bash just for sport.