We had SO many stop and ask questions at Spyderfest 2015 about how we did the paint job on Bobbie's bike- Psycho (to be renamed...). It's too long to post but let me do a few highlights here....
1. We became aware of Darkside Scientific (DS) in about 2013. I was enamored with the technology of making paint light up. I get the technology of Electroluminescent material, but never in an actual paint. I called them and had 2-3 conversations about how it could be done on one of our Spyders.
2. Bobbie & I went to SEMA car show in Vegas late October 2014 and met with the DS team. We decided to make Bobbie's bike the very first Spyder in the world to have the DS Lumilor paint applied to it.
3. Around December 1, 2014, I ordered a spare set of body panels (frunk, fog shrouds, saddle bag covers). This took about 3 weeks.
4. I called Sue Hopper and had the first of about 20 conversations about the project. First explaining the technology until she thoroughly understood it. Then getting into the design.
6. We ordered from DS several 'speed shapes' for Sue to learn the technique of painting on top of the EL coating.
7. I shipped all of the tupperware to Sue and she began the layout. Sue sent us may progress pics for approval along the way. This took about 2-3 weeks
8. Sue then sent the panels to DS in Ohio for them to apply the paint in the areas that Sue designated.
9. The DS process is a layered, very meticulous process. The bottom layer conducts electricity. there is a layer that is the phosphors that actually light up. Then there is a top layer that conducts electricity. Then there are power supplies that translate 12vdc to 100vac. This bit took about 8-10 weeks.
10. DS shipped the panels back to Sue where the artistry began. Sue sent pics along the way so we could approve each step. Sue's bit took about 3 weeks to paint and clear coat.
11. Finally the completed body panels were shipped and on the way to our home. When the panels arrived, I began the task of figuring out how I was going to wire it all up to work the best way possible. There were about 4 options and I had to weigh the good and bad of each. Finally, all of the panels were back in place with all of the wiring and controllers!
12. Three days later, we packed up and headed to Spyderfest 2015.
Here are several pics of the process.....
The panels all painted at DS and lit----
Where the wires come through to the back...
Putting the saddle bags back together....
Wire routing. NOTE- make the holes offset to allow the wire to easily bend...
Wide shot in our garage, the night I finished putting it together....
At the unveiling @ Spyderfest 2015.....
At the light show.....
