Modern Vespa

I'm looking into my different options for stripping the scooter. Whats the difference between media, soda, and sand blasting? What would be a reasonable price? Thanks all

you want to use the method that does not heat up the metal and possibly warp it while it is stripping it. soda seems to be hip right now. i cannot tell you which one is best.

Blasting can be done with sand, or a number of different "media." Other media would be things like walnut shells, White Lightning, etc. Some are less destructive on certain materials.

I'd look for a place that can do the blasting, and immediately also do an etching primer. It's a good combination. I think I paid $400 to get my last bike blasted with White Lightning and etch primed, and that included a few extra parts (spare headset, spare mudguard, etc.)

I think some media are also easier to recapture and re-use, so make sure you don't use the blaster to get rid of gobs of grease, it makes them mad.

I also think with soda blasting, the soda media is much more soluable in a bio sense. Although the actual combination of soda/paint waste should be disposed properly, I was under the impression the actual soda media is more environmentally conscious.

A good blaster knows what media to use.

I'm about to go pick up my freshly blasted GS160mk2 cowls and frame from the blaster in 10 minutes!

is your painter doing the welding/body work, holmes?

I love parts that are freshly blasted...a clean canvas!

I think they use like walnut shells...something that isn't too abrasive that won't put huge grooves in the metal.

They use the media that's correct for the application.

One specific one ( say..plastic beads ) removes paint. One other kind ( let's say silica ) removes rust. Another might put a final polish on ( walnut shells ).

So, it's all about what you're doing. A good blaster knows what tools and what media to use for the job.

so, how does the bike look eric?

The 2x 3" holes the farmer cut in the centerchannel and fuel-tap area - not daunting.

Smaller holes that have been drilled in - not daunting

Reshaping the bent areas - not daunting.

The missing crossbrace - not daunting.

The existing bad welds, patches, and stuff i have to grind off and potentially redo - daunting.

Possibly having to replace the floor because there's some areas around one of the existing crossbraces that look like the rust has eaten through with pin-sized holes - daunting.

agree, a reputable blaster will know what to use. find a good one and trust him/her. Around these parts I can get the whole scooter done for about 150$

*edit* Man Eric you are cranking these bikes out. good one

You shouldn't need to worry about the blasting media, but you should find someone with a good reputation to do it. I just had mine done. I removed bits from the body and handed body, cheeks, etc over with big rust holes underneath. Got it back 10 days later. Whole body and bits have been rust repaired, ground back, blasted and primed with etch primer. £250 ($400ish).

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Charlie