Vintage Toy Crane Lamp

This 'ible goes back to the old school. Before all kids played with plastic cars and got trophys just for participating. These toys, now vintage memoribilia from yesteryear, can still be found relatively easily because they were so sturdy and well built. Just hit a garage sale or two or maybe a flea market and you should be able to pick one up for around 20 bucks. The one I used is old, rusted, and beat up, but that's what makes it so great. Get a lighting kit, an old style filament bulb and you are in business and can make your very own vintage toy crane lamp!

Old Toy Crane
Lighting Kit - mine just had a plug but you can add a switch if desired
Power Drill
Chisel (or something to pry metal tabs)
Needle Nose Pliers
Wire Strippers
Punch
Multiple Sized Drill Bits
Screw Driver
Hammer

This will vary depending on what type of toy crane you get. Mine had a black metal divider in the middle of the body that I needed to drill a hole though so I could feed the wires through. This toy was held together with metal tabs that were inserted into the body and bent so that the pieces would stay put. I just had to turn the toy over and pry up those tabs with my chisel and needle nose pliers to remove it. Removing that piece made it much easier for me to get to it with my drill. 

I used a punch and a hammer to make a little indent where I wanted to put the hole. This helped me when it came time to start it so that the drill bit wouldn't bounce around. Take your time and don't push too hard, let the bit do the work. Start with a small bit and work your way up to one that it a bit larger in diameter then the cord. 

I hate that I have to even type this, but before you take this step on know that you are doing this at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable doing this it is not necessary, you can simply run the cord behind the truck. I am not liable for damage to yourself or your property.  

There, now that that is over with... If you end up with a lighting kit with a plug at the end of it you will have to cut the wire at some point to fit it through the trucks body. Cut through the outer protective casing and separate the two wires inside. Be sure not to cut any other part of the wires except where you want them separated. Strip the two ends and put the one side through the truck. Then use wire nuts, reconnect white to white, and black to black and use electrical tape to cover all of your connections. 

I put the basket from the toy back on to make it look like the truck is lifting the bulb up. I also used an old fashioned bulb to add a cool vintage feel to the finished product. This bulb generates HEAT, so be sure to either put it in an area where little hands cannot reach it, or choose a bulb that will not burn or hurt curious little hands! 

I am really happy with the final project and my little guy loves it! Hope you guys like it too and it brightens your day! Haha