The Museum is a great place for people to share their skills, socialise, and support each other. One of the best ways is to be part of a team restoring fascinating objects from long ago.
Our current project is the authentic total restoration of a 1926 Indian Scout motorcycle that was donated some years ago. Though mostly complete, it had been used in the 1960s and 1970s for racing, and was in poor overall condition.
The Indian Scout motorcycle was built by the Indian Motocycle Company from 1920 to 1949, and for many it is regarded as the best motorcycle Indian ever made. The Scout was rugged, reliable and fast, and a military version was used extensively by US and other Allied forces during World War II. They were also highly regarded as racing machines.
From the Serial Number we know that our Indian Scout was built in 1926, and is of the original 1920 design made famous by New Zealander Burt Munroe in the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian”.
Our restoration team is led by John Heselwood, an experienced antique vehicle restorer. After detailed research we have the authentic original specifications, and our plan is to restore and repaint this Indian Scout to as close as possible to its original appearance.
Our volunteers will put in the hundreds of hours of work required, but we will need to replace some parts that were removed and lost when the bike was used for racing.
Please help by sponsoring a part
1920s Indian Scouts are rare and very collectible, and this is reflected in the cost of parts. We have identified a source for each part, but need about $5000 to cover the costs. Please help by selecting a part from the list below, and use the donation panel to donate enough to purchase it. Enter the name of the part you sponsor in the “Leave a Comment’ box.
When complete, this Indian Scout will be displayed with a storyboard with the names of those who helped sponsor this project.
The Parts We Need
Chain guard $230
Generator chain guard $70
Battery box $70
Toolbox $160
Saddle $700
Amp meter $180
Amp meter housing $150
Headlight assembly $800
Taillight and bracket $410
Klaxon horn $360
Klaxon horn bracket $100
Oil filler cap $80
Foot boards $200
Foot board rubber inserts $70
Handlebar grips $80
Rubber for kick starter $45
Exhaust pipes $300
Decals for fuel tank $30
Paint and paint supplies $450
First Nation Acknowledgement
Redland Museum acknowledges the Quandamooka People, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where we work.
We acknowledge their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in our Community.
