Quicksilver 2007
Ever since I was a kid I have always loved old scooters. However I have never really wanted the responsibility of maintaining a "vintage" machine. I always thought to myself, "why can't we have the convenience and reliability of modern engineering like a Honda with the class and styling of an old Lambretta?"
Recently it occurred to me that as an adult, I actually have the skills and facilities to address this important issue that has nagged me all these years.
This project began with a very tired looking 1980’s Honda Elite 125 scooter and my usual arsenal of aluminum scrap objects. In this case street lamp, and vacuum cleaner parts make up the majority of it. Many thanks to Rich Humphrey for providing the original scooter carcass and helping with the electrical system, to Wendell Jones for his saint-like patience in bringing the engine back to life, and to Cameron Platt for these lovely photos.
For those curious about the process, I have posted a step-by-step essay of this piece over at Instructables.com. You can also dig around the archives in my blog for additional images.
Materials:
Honda Elite 125, nixie tubes, street lamp parts, vacuum cleaner parts, aluminum scrap, lights, neon.
The little cars (above left) are supposed to represent my “kills” like an old bomber plane.
In this image you can just see the edge of the purple neon that I have installed under the “hood”. A very difficult effect to capture in daylight, but it looks great in the dark.
I’ve been saving these typewriter keys in a box for years waiting for the right moment to put them to use.
The trickiest part of this project technically was the nixie tube speedometer. A subtle touch, but it makes a pretty good impact in person.
Here is a quick video cilp.