RESTORATION

At Vintage Metals we totally strip each scooter to its component parts. Prior to reassembly each part is fully inspected and where required replaced in order to ensure the rebuild is of the highest quality.

It’s a given that we replace the wiring loom, cables, brakes and tyres.

PAINT REMOVAL

We chemically strip the body panels back to bare metal ensuring the best foundation for a top quality finish.

ENGINE REBUILD

All VM engines are disassembled, fully inspected and cleaned prior to the rebuild. Any components which are deemed worn are replaced and as a matter of course we always replace all bearings, seals and gaskets. Any issues identified with engine casing threads are repaired to factory standards (not simply oversized). All VM engine casings are highly polished for a quality finish.

REFINISHING

All VM scooter panel work is stripped back to bare metal and prepared for refinishing. This process includes two coats of etch primer and a third layer of 2k white undercoat to aid corrosion prevention. Finally the scooter is then refinished using a positively charged spray gun and a negatively charged scooter which enables a very high quality finish.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

Once the engine is rebuilt and the frame and body panels have been refinished the reassembly process can commence. At VM we recognise the importance that this needs to be executed correctly and with precision, quality and above all safety. Whilst we strive to maintain originality, we also recognise the benefits of certain modern upgrades i.e. 12v electronic ignition for increased reliability and better lighting. We also prefer stainless steel over chrome for its longevity. As a matter of course we always replace wiring looms, brakes, shock absorbers, tyres and seats (in some cases we will upgrade 8” wheels for 10” wheels ensuring better handling and performance).

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS AND ROAD TESTING

At VM we want you to be completely satisfied with your scooter and love riding your classic Lambretta or Vespa as much as we do. During the preparation process all our scooters are fully road tested for at least 25 miles and all cables are then re-adjusted. Naturally all our engines are fully rebuilt and therefore should not be ridden hard for around 200 miles (running in period), which will ensure the longevity of your engine. It is worth highlighting that each Lambretta scooter we source has been built with the same tooling as its Italian predecessor, which in most cases is the GP150.