Modern Vespa

I didn't get any instructions with this part, but it looked straight forward enough. I checked it each day for a week before riding to be sure it was still tight, and it was. Then I hit a pothole turning on to my street and it came off and I ran over it. I am so fortunate that it didn't jam up in my wheel, and I am grateful, but this was the first "big" money that I have spent on my scooter for decorative stuff, and I hate to not be able to use it.

Do you think it can be welded? About how much to rechrome it if it needs it after the weld? Will it ever fit right?

And most importantly, what should I do differently so it wouldn't happen again?

Thanks, MV folk

Dee

Edited for a duh moment: Forgot the picture. Sorry, it is the front fender chrome

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't think you have mentioned what "part" it is. It might help if we new the part you are talking about...

Hi, Fiv

Thanks for the heads up. Pictures are on now. Duh

Dee

Don`t look good for the part you may have it welded . Have it blasted then powder coated. Cheapest way out . I Work with this stuff all the time.

hmmmm... sometimes welding the chrome plated stuff ruins the finish. You might can get it welded and straightened at a good shop, but like Koch said you may have to powder coat it. did it mess up your fender? or just loosen up and fall off?

When reinstalling said part go get some loc-tite. Read which one you get though, there is one that you have to blow up to get it loose.

Sorry, Doesn't look good...try to straighten it by hand and hold the upper trim to the lower to see if you are willing to accept it the way it looks. If so, a very light Tig weld behind the shield may stop it from vibrating with minimal (but some)damage to the chrome. It will never be perfect if thats what you're looking for. Repairing beyond that with rechroming will likely cost more than new purchase. Not a total loss...but an expensive education. If you have a question next time, ask it here at the forum. Many very generous knowledgable people willing to share info and help. Good Luck

My brother told me about the lock-tight (after the fact). I don't think it harmed my fender. It was a little beat up even before this from a fall the previous owner must have had. There is some scrapes and cracks on the L side of the glove box inside leg shield. I must have hit it just right, because it flew off, and I had checked it that morning and it was really tight.

Thanks to all. You are right. An expensive lesson. I now have to figure out if I want to order another one if my neighbor can't fix it by welding it. I am sad because I am limited on funds for decorative additions, and I really liked how it looked.

Dee

Honestly, the front fender trim has repeatedly tried to kill nearly everyone who has installed it. It just won't stay on, and it's rather hazardous when it falls off.

I'd vote leave it off permanently.

+1 for Jess's idea. unless you just gotta have it on.

Add my vote! If it's going to kill you, you don't need it! Leave it off!

well, what do you think (fashion-wise)? Plug the holes or get new reflectors?

Since the fender is a little abused looking already, could I drill holes in it and run the screws through the holes?

Oh, well. Darn, it looked so 'purdy', too.

Dee

If you want that chrome look you could always get some chrome door trim that you can use as a derotative accent. I think you can find it at most auto parts places. It's pretty inexpensive and could look really good if you take the time to do it right.

Drilling small indents (not clear thru) where the screws go, and using locktite, should be safe for the must-have-chrome-trim people.

Use wood blocks and apply some torque to straighten your bends. It probably will not be perfect, but it is the beginning of your scoot having some charm!