Vespa restoration can be done on a small scale in your home, workshop or garage and is easy enough for anyone to do as long as you know the basics and are willing to put in the labour.
Vespa scooters were initially invented to be inexpensive and reliable vehicles and for this reason are very popular among riders and collectors.
All you need to start are a few basic tools, a basic welder and an air compressor with various attachments. If you are interested in restoring a classic scooter it is advisable to follow the following steps:
Checking the Chassis
The dis-assembly of a scooter should ideally be done on a lift so that the scooter is at a decent working height. The reason is that many of the mechanical components are found below the chassis/body panels.
Start by removing the paint work either by grit or sand blasting. This process not only gives you a chance to inspect the chassis, but you can also check whether the cracked paint isn’t concealing a more serious crack in the steel below.
Replacing the parts and rebuilding the engine
It is sensible to replace all the damaged components for reliability and safety reasons. The Vespa 2-stroke is a relatively reliable design, however wear and tear on certain components is inevitable.
In particular, a minimal amount of lubrications to pistons and crank bearings combined with the burnt oil (after combustion) slowly builds up around the exhaust port and in the muffler, which can significantly reduce performance.
All the components need be checked thoroughly and if they are worn or old, should be 
preferably replaced with original parts for maximum results.
This includes, but is not limited to: Cables, springs, wiring loom, rubber grommets, tires, inner tubes, brakes, switches, switch covers, seat covers, seat frames, taillights, headlights, odometer face and lens, floor strips, endcaps, crankshaft cases and flywheel (12V magneto), locks, rear and front shocks, piston and rings.
As well, all worn out exterior parts such as the leg and fender shield trim and exhaust system should be replaced.
The final process
At this stage your scooter has been completely disassembled, repairs have been made to any damaged areas and everything has been reassembled right down to the very last bolt and nut.
The body and frame have been stripped of all paint, a powder coating applied to areas that need extra durability and then repainted with the latest modern paints.
Next you will need to polish all the metal parts on your scooter. Polishing is a more traditional and cheaper method of restoration, but one can chrome each piece as well. This includes all metal switch housings, fender crests, levers, fuel rods, choke knobs, etc.
Once all the tasks have been completed, you can reassemble the entire scooter into one outstanding piece, and feel comfortable knowing that you have a classic ‘original’ Vespa in perfect condition.
If you live in an area where Vespa’s are popular, you can use your experience to start restoring others and eventually land up with a productive Vespa restoration hobby or a repairs and sales business.
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