Michael McWilliams' A1 Facelift
by Michael McWilliams
February 21, 2007
Spilt Milk.
All parts, with the exception of the headlamp bucket, were stripped. I like seeing bare metal. There is nothing to hide.
I will admit I feel a little loss knowing I will never see the bumpy nose again. Or the scratch on the LH side that is visible in nearly all of my photos and Marilyn's photos.
But, I will now be certain that structurally my scooter will be solid. For example, I know the crack in my handlebars, discovered only because I stripped the scooter, will be fixed and won't break during a trip to an upcoming scooter rally.
All powder components were dropped off at the powder coater on Friday, February 16th. I hope to see the powdered pieces by March 2nd. Since this will be a restoration, I chose Cement Gray RAL 7033 for the following pieces:
- Frame
- Gas tank
- Cylinder shrouds
- Muffler shroud and clamp
- Battery tray
- Front engine bracket
- Glovebox bottom
- Kickstand brackets
The fenders were painted silver many years ago. I will use silver powder for the following pieces as well:
- Kickstand
- Forks
- Air filter can, and clamp
- Rear brake pedal
- Fuse box bracket
A few pieces will be black powder:
- Rear engine brackets
- Fork nut
- Fork collar
- Muffler bracket
- Rear turn signal bracket
Two few pieces will be sand colored powder:
- Seat pan
- Seat hinge
I dropped off all liquid paint pieces to my painter on February 17th. I hope to see the painted pieces in mid-March. Evan painted my wife's Salmon Primavera and my Seafoam GS 150 many years ago. He does great work.
Several pieces will be red paint:
- Nose
- Headlamp bucket
- Front rack and bracket
- Handlebars
- Rear body panel
- Carburetor door
Originally, I thought my scooter was Pelican Red. However, after looking at several VW sites containing Pelican Red Beetles from the same era, I am beginning to think I might have plain red. The VW Pelican Red appear to contain more orange tones. Mine is more of a burgundy. One piece will be black paint:
- Legshield
My painter buffed the headlamp bucket while I was there. The original paint was actually very beautiful. I think I will enjoy red afterall.