Accurate to OEM frame refurbishment - ‘Show us your welds’

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

My TV200 was sandwiched between two cars whilst I was sat upon it in the 70’s. The copper that attended the scene said ‘I’ll come to your house this evening’ & I’m still waiting…..

Anyhow, as was the case in the 70’s, it became a cutdown intended for racing. How things change, though! Twenty odd grand for an unrestored TV200 that lost its front mudguard as it was wheeled away by the winning auction bidder

In my current scenario, rather than just let it gather dust in the attic, now might seem as good a time as any to attempt to get the frame back to how it was when it left the factory in the 60’s.

Whilst frame alignment accuracy is a given, it occurs to me that the actual welds of those Innocenti frames were extremely neat & to any anorak, they are the tell-tale sign of originality, which I may as well attempt to achieve. Via WT No.2, I procured an Innocenti frame, on which a previous owner had attempted to re-stamp the frame number using stamps of the wrong size & font, so that will donate the loop, leg-shield supports & all or some of the headstock/fork tube to return to OEM height. Therefore, it is likely I have all the requisite components.

What I am short of is the knowledge of the craftsman/woman with the capability of replicating the welds. Not only do the arc welds need to be precise in form, size & as neat as original, the spot welds also need to be - excuse the pun ‘spot-on’

It would take a fool to believe that such a task can be done without the means to pay a fair rate, which I’m prepared to fork out, though, I am attempting to adopt an ethos of moving on any surplus parts that I’m guilty of hoarding. Examples may include (all OEM) grey toolboxes, disc brakes, floorboards, headsets, crankcases & their components etc. It could be a good thing for the ‘scene’ as - although I’m not going to give the stuff away - I’d like to think I would be realistic about component values. Whilst I mention that, it shouldn’t be considered an essential. I have the necessary cash so it won’t hurt if the stuff sits there a few more decades….

To sum up, if I have managed to convey what it is that I’m after, I seek recommendations of people capable of really good reproductions of the mid 60’s Innocenti frame welds. Better still, would be initial photographic examples for assessment.

Thank you in anticipation & Happy New Year to you & yours

[ULC Soulagent]

Good luck on ur quest WT1
I’m sure someone somewhere will have an nos frame hanging around waiting to be liberated for a photo shoot
Happy new year also

[Storkfoot]

If you have access to facebook, I’d recommend locating a group called “Lambretta Rebuild.” There’s a lad on there who posts quite detailed pictures of his fabrication work on all bodywork and engine components. To my untrained eye, he seems very skilled. I have never used him though.

Good luck in your quest

[bookertmgs1]

If you have access to facebook, I’d recommend locating a group called “Lambretta Rebuild.” There’s a lad on there who posts quite detailed pictures of his fabrication work on all bodywork and engine components. To my untrained eye, he seems very skilled. I have never used him though.

Good luck in your quest

Think you mean Dean Stradling - give him a follow on FB. He does a good job and has a jig etc - highly recommended.

MB would be another option.

I'm sure there are loads of competent welders that would have the necessary skills - its just the scooter related knowledge that they are missing and no-one wants to be the test case while they find their feet.

[Toddy]

+1 for Deans work done a few repairs for me and excellent work

[alex_hughes]

Agree Dean Stradling. Top guy, very fussy, used him a lot.

[Mikedale]

i think if you want original looking welds you will want the frame MMA/SMAW/stick welded rather than MIG/MAG/GMAW?

A decent coded stick welder should be able to replicate the profile/appearance if you show him original welds

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

i think if you want original looking welds you will want the frame MMA/GTAW/stick welded rather than MIG/MAG/GMAW?

A decent coded stick welder should be able to replicate the profile/appearance if you show him original welds

Thank you for that interpretation, & though I am ignorant to what those titles stand for, you have prompted my brain somewhat, as I know just the coded welder to discuss the process with

I’m not saying he will be the actual welder, but feel that his comments will be worth a listen before I do anything else. That’s not to discount all the other advice by any means, it’s just that my knowledge about the many processes available is sadly lacking & I really ought to address that as a priority