Classic Scooterist – July-August 2019

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RETAINING ORIGINALITY

Vespa stainless

legshield surrounds

One problem that occurs when restoring scooters – in

particular, old Vespas – is the availability (or lack of)

suitable replacement spare parts for particular models

T

he subject of this article covers the

stainless steel trims associated with

the Vespa models tabulated below.

These trims were fitted by the manufacturer

to certain Vespa models and varied over the

years in their type, material and construction.

THE PROBLEM

The 1963 GS160 is a classic Vespa model that

utilised stainless steel trims and, as they were

often dispensed with after being damaged, the

GS in question was lucky to still retain the original

complement of trims. These trims had however,

seen better days and were extensively damaged

with localised areas of denting, deformity and

scraping.

Sadly, new old stock replacement items of trim

are, to a great extent, a thing of the past and it’s

not helped by the fact successive Vespa models

had differing legshield profiles which required

dedicated surrounds to match. In fact, so hard

to find are these trims that one side of a set of

trims (they’re supplied in two halves) recently sold

on an online auction site for £150. Replacements

are available in chrome-plated steel, but these

are visibly different to the originals, tend to

scratch the paintwork on fitting and (obviously)

are prone to rusting, so tend to be a fitment of

last resort.

CAN TRIMS BE REPAIRED?

Any repair of an item so unusual needs to be

undertaken by a trusted artisan with knowledge

of the part and its final intended use.

This makes the field of choice narrow; but

there is at least one possibility and that’s to

try your local chrome plater. Chromers are

often faced with varying assortments of often

twisted metal that eager owners wish to be

magically transformed into exact replicas of

the original, undamaged part. Easy enough to

do in theory, but far from simple in practice.

Over the years chrome platers have developed

a number of cunning tools and ploys to repair

varying types of metal to replicate their original

form; this has become a much-focused art form

of the highest order. The tools used are basic and

consist of various types of often purpose-made

panel beating hammers and polished anvil plates

to support the ‘tin bashing’, but needs must to

PROBLEM

SOLVER

Trims strappedto chassis back

Trims strapped to chassis front