Lambretta GP Cutdown Rebuild?
I’ve decided to strip the GP cutdown that’s in france. It’s really being wasted there and going to seed a little. I’ve realised that the last several years of pottering with it have really only been a dry build. Now that it’s more or less mechanically sound I should strip it and have it sprayed professionally.
I took the slow train to work this morning (actually faster than the express due to engineering work) and jotted down some notes. I was planning to rebuild the engine anyway with the remains of the Li125 engine. Combining both will give me the best gearbox in a better engine case. There’s also the chance to re-use a lot of parts and the shopping list is quite short when compared to the first engine rebuild I did. If I’m doing the engine I may as well strip the whole lot, as it’s a lot more managable in boxes. Plus I can use the tires and rims which are in better condition on the Li.
What it really needs is decent paintwork, the frame is currently brush painted black and I sprayed the leg shields white in the back yard. Danny at ScooterMarket that did work on my engine before is also a custom sprayer who’s had some of his work featured in Scootering magazine. Given that so much of the bodywork has been chopped there’s not actually that much to paint. I’m thinking about an “Orange Crate” theme based on the old gasser hot rod of the same name.
Something like that beautiful Ford Cortina metal flake orange would be the choice of colour.
I’m supposed to be teaching myself new skills but from what I’ve read it’s very hard to get a decent finish with no proper spray booth and equipment. Plus I’d like it laquered and that looks very difficult. I also now plan to fill in and smooth the frame properly, take off all the sharp edges. It needs a bit more welding to fill the bigger holes and then filling with isopon.
Trouble is I don’t fancy doing all that in this weather!