Painting the Unpainted / A Cosmetic Upgrade

Written by iVespa
slider large image
How To

Painting the rear fender screws
on a modern Vespa

How to... Vesparize™

Vespas arrive from Piaggio with the rear fender screws unpainted. This is not evident from far away but clearly looks unfinished when seen up close. We decided to paint the screws to closely match the Vespas color, giving the bike a more finished look ...

We decided to paint the screws located below the rear light on the rear fender. The results improved the look
of this GTS so we decided to share them. The completed project gives a nicer finish to the rear of the bike. Eventually Piaggio will start shipping out bikes with matching body color hardware, and considering the higher price tag on Vespas this should be expected. Until this happens we'll need to do it ourselves.
For more information and to ask questions regarding this project visit the 'Painting the Unpainted' post found at the iVespa forum.

picThe unpainted rear screws are not evident from far away on a
dark colored bike,but clearly look unfinished when seen up close.
The first two images help to demonstrate this.



pic Important! The top screw secures the taillight in place. You may need to apply
a small piece of masking tape to the rear taillight to prevent it from falling. Use
just enough tape to secure the light in place.

 

picIn order to correct this oversight from Piaggio we removed the screws then
cleaned and lightly sanded the tops. They were then screwed onto a Styrofoam
cup to stabilize them for painting. Each screw was given two coats of spray paint,
but a brush may be used if desired. A hair dryer was used in between
coats to accelerate up the drying process.

 

picOne screw remains to be painted on this Vespa. This image clearly illustrates the different between the unpainted and the painted.

 


picThe completed project gives a nicer finish to the rear of the bike. Eventually
Piaggio will start shipping out bikes with matching body color hardware.
Considering the higher cost of purchasing a Vespas detail finishing should
be expected. Until this happens we'll need to do it ourselves.


Everything or nothing is in the details, God, the Devil, quality
and beauty...

Tools used in this project...

  1. Paint
  2. Paint brush (If not using spray paint)
  3. Sandpaper (220 grit)
  4. Styrofoam cups
  5. Phillips (Star) screwdriver
  6. Hair dryer (Optional)
  7. Protective eye wear and gloves

For more information and to ask questions regarding this project, visit the,
"Painting the Unpainted' post found at the iVespa forum.

About the Author

author

"A Vespa is more than a simple means of transportation, it is a lifestyle."

Each generation of Vespista's borrow from previous generations,
while at the same time making their own unique contribution to the Vespistico lifestyle...