Modern Vespa

So, I was getting underneath my scooter last night to start scraping away all the dried dirt/oil/crud that creates that lovely grey spackle on the inside of the frame. My neighbor who is into old cars and fairly competent with a wrench, (but knows dick all about scoots) was hangin' out having a beer. He said he thought I should leave all that curmudgeon.

His reasoning: said it's dry and prevents moisture getting to the frame? Huh?
I figure it could just as easily trap moisture...

Anyway, what's the consensus here from the old hands? Scrape, clean, repeat or leave it as is?

I clean mine because i'm anal. And because, honestly, that's what a good paint job is for - protecting the metal and looking good and clean. The more frequently i go over it and clean it well, the less i have to clean ...and most of it wipes off with a rag.

However, he's right. The more gunk / oil / dirt you leave, it forms sort of a protective shell over it. Oil in general stops rust... when i get a set of engine cases blasted, i always spray them with WD-40 immediately, to put a coat of lubricant over them before they start to oxidize. ( which they will )

All the nicest original paint bikes i've found have been shielded by gunk that i've had to wash off.

clever to coat the cases and engine parts after a build, eric. too many engines that do not go right into a bike right away look rusty on the steel parts and stage 2 or 3 oxidation on the aluminum (which is ugly). so after a huge money infusion, the engine looks like warmed over ass. i HATE that.

I've only learned to do that through bad experiences. My GS160 cases started to pit up after i blasted them about a year ago this time...covered in white powder, etc. Took them back a few months ago and had the blaster dust them off real fast for free... then started this whole WD-40 coating thing. It keeps them looking fresh. Did it on Vicki's cases, and will do it on the set of GS160 cases i've gotta get blasted now.

It doesn't really discolor them or anything, either...since the oil is so thin it's practically see-through. They stay nice looking, and your oily fingerprints wipe off, etc.

I'm sure there's a better thin-oil for it that someone's going to suggest i use instead.

maybe there is something better, but any oil is better than none. too many look like shit because they were degreased and than sat on a shelf. years of crud had kept them rust free for 40-50 years, then they get degreased... and end up look worse than they ever had. it should be a standard procedure to coat them.

I highly recommend Corrosion X.

http://www.corrosionx.com/marine.html

"Thinner" than WD40, contains maybe a third less solvent and doesn't seem to be near as "sticky" (attracts less grit and grime). I've used it for years on all my saltwater gear and it works great. You all know I am fairly green on vintage scoots, but I have been using it on my Vespa's too with great results so far.

Highly recommend.

Is that for high temp stuff like exhaust pipes too?

Nevermind I can read hahaha

Thanks for the link

My Sport has a fine patina of light rust. Dude I bought it from made me promise to keep up a WD-40 routine if I decide not to rattle can it.

thanks , man. these are the reasons i love modern vespa. i love learning this shit.

Boeshield T-9 was developed by Boeing to preserve aluminum in aircraft in spaces that were difficult to get to. It has a little more wax in it than WD-40 and leaves a little thicker deposit. I have used it on planes boats and cycles. Even as chain lube on MCs or bicycles. Let it dry completely before use to reduce the tendency to pick up dirt.

Because my P200 is, well a P200 - after painting it I undercoated the frame with a white rock guard - just for good measure.

I wouldn't do that to a bike that is worth anything though. Mine's a driver.

I love s100 corrosion preventative, its all I've been using for years. Spray on and wipe off or let it set up and get tacky for long tern storage. You can spray it anywhere including paint, and it seems to be very heat resistant, wont evaporate off the cases

I undercoated the frame on my 300 and my mom's 150. I plan on doing the same on the VBB when it is done being painted. Keeps the bottom clean and free from rock chips etc.

nye wd40 or spray on lanolin oil would work too

im only cleaning my engine when i change the back tyre and even then ill use wd40 to help clean it off

i have to clean my motor often

i have a belchy carb and my garage opens to an unpaved ally in venice

think country road where a desert once was

i use a auto store product after the motor is warm

You can polish light rust off of steel by dipping aluminum foil in water and rubbing. As the aluminum oxidizes it acts like a fine polishing compound, and the aluminum foil is way softer than steel so it doesn't scratch.

Andrea