When I totalled my Vespa and then stated my intention to rebuild it, there was plenty of scoffing and eye-rolling. The GT200 is for sale for $1,500, which is a fair price for a solid project scoot in excellent mechanical condition.

The new handlebar was added, a new kill switch and starter button had to be refitted, as the old ones were torn off in the wreck. The leg shield was pounded out, the right radiator reinstalled and all the dangling wires were tied up and out of the way for the test ride. Here is a quick video of the test ride http://scootnyinzers.ning.com/video/quick-test-ride.

As you can see, the front and rear handlebar covers have not been added yet. The point is to avoid the purchase of expensive body parts until we have confirmed the frame is straight and the scooter will handle properly at speed. As you can see, the front fender has a small scuff on the front, which indicates the front fork did not take a hit, but the handlebars were bent in half.

In the photo below, you can see heavy hammer marks and evidence of why it was necessary to remove the right hand portion of the cooling system. Before I grind the leg shield to bare metal and apply body filler, I will work on making the edge of the leg shield a little straighter, but as this stage, I can at least screw in the glove box and fit the turn signals. It won't be pretty, but it will be street legal.

Here is the right side, which took most of the damage. Notice my love of zip ties.