options for repair

[neil]

The original plan was to have a plate welded, but after taking the wire brush to it, it doesn't seem as bad as first thought and am now thinking filler? Any opinions slash recommended materials would be great ;D

[mikewilde]

I'm currently doing up a Lambretta GP150 and a few bits are in similar condition. I've found if you get the bits grit/bead blasted and then inspect the thickness of the metal it gives a clearer picture. Sometimes after blasting there'll be small holes here and there where the rust was quite bad. These will need some attention with the welder if quite severe, if they're only small they should be ok with filler to patch them up I would think. (A couple of mm ish).
One other thing to consider, as my friendly local Lambretta restoration shop informed me, is brazing.
When you weld thin steel plate (leg shields etc) it can crack around the weld, brazing creates a slightly less stressed join and should be easily strong enough if its not used on anything 'structural'.
I'm no expert on welding, brazing or vespas (picked my new px up yesterday). just passing on what I've been told.

[Rudi]

Hi,
Before you use filler, you should of course remove rust, if its not deep you can use liquid rust remover or just use a sander.
Before applying filler, be sure to get rid of all rust. Afterwards, use a good automotive primer paint for your base.

[neil]

Thanks for the advice, all rust is now off (bare metal) I'm going for a fiberglass filler then sand and prime. I will update pic's as i progress.
Thanks Again
Oh and some nice new shinny parts are on route

[bryno]

Personally would not go near it with fibreglass or filler.. floors flex, filler will only be a temporary solution before it cracks and the rust will come back in the end.

Only way to do a proper job is cut it out and let in new metal, it can be MIG welded on a low setting without blowing holes in it or distorting if you find someone who knows what they are doing..

[jackthekipper]

yep...take brynos advice pal...don't go anywhere near fibreglass...other filler ?? will crack sooner or later