Mock Up of Seat Arch, Legshield and Frame

Mock up to date. Still need to weld a couple of plates onto the frame for 2 other bolt points but you can get the idea.

Legshield Modifications

Since I lengthened the frame a bit I will need to lengthen the legshield a bit. As well, the rear of the legshield will need to be reprofiled a bit to fit the LI rear. I plan to add an inch from a beat up/cut up old LD legshield to lengthen and reprofile the legshield I will be using.

LI Forks

The LI forks needed to be lengthened by approximately 2 inches to fit into the LD front end.

As well, the top of the LD fork where the handlebars attach is different than the LI.

I had my welder cut off an 8" section from the LD forks and weld it onto the cut LI forks.

Seat Arch Cut Out of LD

This is the seat arch cut out of the LD which will be attached to the modified frame. I've decided to bolt the seat arch onto the frame instead of welding it.

I welded a piece of angle iron onto the frame to attach the front of the seat arch. Not a very pretty weld but it does the trick.

LD to LI Frame

I set about rebuilding the engine with a deanspeed 190. I also commenced chopping up one of my LD frames - specifically cutting out the seat arch to attach to the S1 frame. Martin Yee approached his conversion by, among other things, cutting and reprofiling the legshield. After much consideration, I decided to cut the front of the LD frame and have it welded onto the rear do the S1 frame. To accomplish this I carefully measured the LD frame and indicated where I wanted my welder to attach the rear of the S1 frame. I chose to increase the overall length of the scooter by about an inch. My welder was able to shrink the LD frame tube and enlarge the S1 tube. This allowed him to slide the LD tube into the rear of the S1 tube.

The Idea For the Conversion

I've been collecting LD parts for the better part of 6 years now with the idea of building matching His and Hers 1957 LD's. However I was always bothered by fact that LD's are a slow as molasses and really bouncy.

One day I was trolling the internet and happened upon jonbretta.net and pictures of a conversion of an LD that used an S3 engine. I was inspired and contacted jonbretta to get info on the builder. I contacted the builder, Martin Yee, and he was very helpful in providing me information on his build. I was also inspired by what Lambretta innovations did with an LD.

I decided to attempt this conversion. I was able to locate a basket case rolling chassis including an S1 frame and forks and S3 engine.