SCOOTER DETAILS

Name of scooter & reason: I call it ‘Baby!’ What other themes did you consider: Galleons, wizardry and the Pied Piper from my childhood. Scooter model: Vespa T5 classic (1996). Date purchased & cost: Early spring 2015 (From ‘Cornish Wayne’ in Yorkshire). Inspiration for project and theme: Childhood interests. Time to build & by who: About eight months by me and my son-in-law, John Wheater. Any specialised parts or frame mods. What & by whom: Horncast aircraft style nose-cone (Gatch) and Spitfire choke and petrol taps by me. Engine spec: Standard but with a SiP exhaust. Describe engine performance, power delivery and scooter handling: All good; it’s more-or-less standard so there’s no issues (touch wood). Top speed & cruising speed: Top: 65mph(ish) and cruising: 60mph. Is the scooter reliable: Yes. Paintwork & murals done by: Gatch. Is there any powder coating: No. However, the sidepanels were originally powder coated, which must have been a nightmare for Gatch and his team to prep for my paint work. What was the hardest part of the project: None. I enjoyed every minute of it! Do you have any advice or tech tips for anyone starting a project: Have deep pockets and enjoy the process. Is there anything still to add to the scoot: A themed spare wheel cover, a polished rear mudguard with a Spitfire engraved on it, and propeller blades to the horncasting so that they will spin when I’m riding it! Is there anyone you wish to thank: John Wheater, my son-in-law for the support with build throughout, Gatch for the paintwork, Joe Redfern (my pal) who put me in touch with Gatch in the first place, and Tracy, my wife for her support and a little bit of financial assistance here and there!