vespa rat rod update

Got engine back together with new top end ( polini 177ccc kit )

This photo shows my positioning of the regulator and cdi unit close to the junction box on the engine allowing for free movement when the engine goes up and down .     Decided to go the rat rod route as not many around yet !                                                      

After wire brushing the bodywork with a wire brush I have applied 4 coats of clear lacquer to protect from rusting but to preserve the bare metal look , I have left all the dents and patination .

Bare metal photo's

Ready for some rust treatment , welding and filler.

Then some etching primer ,primer filler and topcoat . I like the original pale colours that were used on the early Vespa's , so intend to choose one of these early colours .

A very simple yet stylish design that became a style icon of the sixty's and was seen on many billboards and magazine advertisements .

I have decided to stay with the original 8" rims but they will be restored and i will probably update the rubber with a nice set of whitewalls.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Bare metal vespa

After alot of hard work i have managed to strip the paint off of the scooter. I didnt have a sandblaster so had to make do with a striping knife and lashings of paint stripper. When i had got the majority of the paint off i finished with an orbital sander and then sandpaper to get into the fiddly bits . The scooter has surprisingly little rust however it does require some welding to the engine cowling around the side vents, i may even look out for a replacement as my old mig welder is quite temperamental with thin gauge metal .                                                                                                                                                               

Vespa VBB 1960

This is my Vespa vbb scooter as i aquired it from an importer in southampton, he listed it as an original italian made scooter however it has an indian logbook so i am not entirely sure as to its origin yet. I will try and uncover its true identity and i will describe the process of registration as and when i get it done.