Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

Jul 11, 2020 02:28PM

Okay , I’m stymied. I was about to clean up the Grande subframe and weld in the Cheetah patch. But I feel better getting opinions on how bad of shape it’s in. I have no idea why that lip was rolled over. And it seems a little twisted, but I figured it would straighten out once it got bolted in. Also in 3rd pic the screw wasn’t cut used to hold the washer I guess .

I understand it’ll be oughta sight in the end. But I want it looking decent , welded up, and painted. So what do you all think ? Keep going or get a replacement?

Re: Wonky subframe?

Satan 666 /

pepilapeau

Jul 11, 2020 03:37PM

I guess for me it would depend on how much you could get a nice one for? It would be piece of mind to know its straight and minty but I tend to try and fix broken shit.

Re: Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

lrb OP

Jul 11, 2020 03:56PM

I'm not saying I want to be rid of it. I'm just looking for for some feedback on the welding job that was done. I'd hate to tack weld the Treats support only to find I'm not able to use the subframe. I can only put up 3 pics and was hoping these were good shots.

Re: Wonky subframe?

Dirty30 Dillon /

hydra

Jul 11, 2020 06:45PM

Honestly, the weld is fine. Not sure what the goal was, maybe they had a hairline crack where the pedal arms cut through and couldn't keep a bushing in there.

That slight bend is on a lot of subframes, but the DEEP bend is from someone ham-fisting the subframe apart to get the engine out. You can bend it back but it won't be perfect.

Is there a reason why you're putting the support on this bike? I've had plenty of vespa subs that were just fine with molded kitted setups. It's a lot of work to do for something that's preventative of a slow, easy to spot failure.

Re: Wonky subframe?

cheetahchrome . /

cheetahchrome

Jul 11, 2020 06:52PM

That shaft hole repair is solid but it doesn't like a lot of thought went into it as far as to how well its going to support the plastic bushing. The original metal hole has a gentle flange swedged in it so that the plastic bushing and then metal shaft have a nice smooth bet to support vigorous pedaling.

That hole looks too sharp and will cut through the bushing in no time leaving you with a metal on metal double wonk.

Go shopping before you wast the 45.00 you spent on the subframe plate,

Those plates wont let you down BTW

Re: Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

lrb OP

Jul 11, 2020 07:06PM

That's what I couldn't see! Ok Cheetahchrome. I'm going to dry fit the motor and pedal crank. You think maybe I could build it up with a metal shim inside a new bushing?

Re: Wonky subframe?

cheetahchrome . /

cheetahchrome

Jul 11, 2020 09:55PM

Sure would be fine. As long as the plastic bushing had nice suport so it won't get cut or smoosh out with the weight of pedaling. If I had any subs left I would send you one for shipping but alas I have been greedy and sold them all for profit.

Re: Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

lrb OP

Jul 12, 2020 07:34AM

No problem. That! Shoulda been the first problem addressed.

Re: Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

lrb OP

Jul 12, 2020 09:48AM

BTW, Bravo subframe work in a Grande frame?

Re: Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

lrb OP

Jul 12, 2020 01:10PM

^ disregard. I forgot .shocks & foot pegs mismatch.. doik!

Re: Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

lrb OP

Jul 12, 2020 02:53PM

Ok. Rule no.1 make sure you’ve got all parts. Cheetah, the weld is spot on. I found the bushing but no spacers and washers. ( rule 1) So I believe the PO maybe wanted to make sure the set up was good, (Which it is),before moving forward, pulled the lip down, mothballed the project, and then I came along. I pull the pedal crank out to line up the shaft and sprockets , perfect. Rolled The shaft to make sure it was true.So know I’m off to Buy & Sell to find the needed parts. All advice greatly appreciated!

Re: Wonky subframe?

Dirty30 Dillon /

hydra

Jul 12, 2020 05:43PM

You can 100% run a bravo sub on a grande with just tiny adjustments.

Re: Wonky subframe?

Les B. /

lrb OP

Jul 12, 2020 05:56PM

Thanks Dirty. But I figured out , I think, what went on with this one. If I need, Mc Master-Carr may have spacers and bushings I need. Whenever I clean this up, I will post a pic.