This is just an update on the 50 year-old Cushman motor scooter that I bought a few weeks ago. It had been sitting in a barn for a while and looks sort of sad, but a little work should bring it back to life. It's what you call a Cushman model 62 Pacemaker built around 1953. New, it sold for less than $300. These days, scoots like that cost a lot more. It weighs about 275 pounds and is powered by a flathead cast iron engine with 7.3 horsepower. There is no transmission, but it has a big automatic clutch that serves the same purpose. Being single speed, the only controls are a twist grip throttle and a foot brake. They are easy to ride. I have some other scooters.

Today, my son, Ed, came by to show the scooter to his step-son, Johnathan, but the engine was in Maryville for some mechanical magic. The frame was on it's side in the garage, where I was trying to adjust the brake cable. The body, gas tank and seat were in the scooter trailer. So I took them down to the shop where they looked over some of my stalled projects.

When they left, Ed took part of one of my Vespas. He doesn't have a lot of time for scooter projects, but the Vespa has always gotten his attention. Ed is a great mechanic, a trait he inherited from some other branch of the family. In an hour, he can fix things that I have been working on for weeks. The trouble is that he works six days a week and doesn't even have time for his own projects.

Anyway, I hope to get the Cushman and the Vespa running sometime soon. The Vespa already looks good, but was sitting in a garage so long the fuel system is a mess. The Cushman needs minor bodywork and paint, plus new seats. Yes, seats, plural. It is big enough for two passengers, and someday I may find someone brave enough to ride behind a 69 year-old driver on a 50 year-old scooter.

My current scooter count is like this:
'47 Cushman model 52
'53 Cushman model 62 Pacemaker
'61 Cushman model 721 Highlander
'53 Allstate model 811.40 (made by Cushman)
'63 Cushman Super Silver Eagle
'74 Vespa 90 three-speed
'72 Vespa Rally 180 four-speed
'57 Cushman model 725 Road King (no engine)
I also have three motorbikes, 2 Hondas and a Benelli, but my passion is scooters.
Howard