Pic Thread: Customized Hot Wheels,etc

[special-K]

Looking back I think I should have msked off the rear end and saved that graphic and still had tail lights details...oh well.
Next,I finally put a nice set of wheels & tires on the '14 HW Workshop Custom '69. Then I took a '67 and tried some yellow paint I had,because it's a go fast color. I'd like to put some convincing drag wheels and tires,like a couple '62s I did,and try to figure out how to make mini decals:

[special-K]

This is my first GMC Panel. I t was a Hershey's version. I didn't realize the tires had blue streaks and that played into what color paint i chose. I was thinking an original looking color and I had this green,so gave it a shot. I was thinking about white side panels to go farther with the stock-ish look,but decided to leave solid...for now. While I'm happy HW made a GMC for once,I don't expect to buy these much if any more because they made them too big to sit with the others.

[special-K]

The first Custom '69 here was left over pieces from one I made from two. the tires had the yellow accent,so I tried painting black. I actually kinda like it. The second one was a "Haulin' Asphalt" I painted a color I like to make the one I wish I had real!

[flashed]

Those look great ,Im going to try that one day .

[special-K]

Thanks for the compliment,John. anyone can do as well. You should try it. Lots of bang per buck! I really like doing the white top two tone,but all of these were just quickies,plus the colors were more on the custom side than factory-like. You should try doing a beater Nylint and turn it into something special.

[special-K]

The yellow on the '67 didn't do it for me. It needed more detail. It would have been cool with decals to make it look more like a drag truck. Anyway,I stripped it bare again and gave it a 50th Anniversary paint scheme. Hey,I know,it's not a '68,but could be one with side markers eliminated...right? My camera is in my work truck which is in the shop,so just have to close your eyes and picture it for now

[special-K]

I finally got my camera and truck back yesterday. I took a couple pictures >

[flashed]

Those are so cool ,Im still collecting em ,one day Im going to try that.

[1badgmc]

That looks pretty good. I only ever found 2 of those '67s or else I'd be game to repaint one. They need to put the casting to use and bring out some more variations. I think it looks so much better than the '69 stepside.

[special-K]

I hear you. I've been surprised so many '69 Stepsides have come out since the '67 Fleetside was introduced with no follow-up. I want to do others but only have one other to keep original. It's the same with the '83. It hit me to try a factory looking 2-tine on one of those but I only have one. 67s & 83s are on my list for swap meets and flea markets this summer. I can't wait to see one with Real Riders and cool wheels

[1badgmc]

Originally Posted by special-K

I hear you. I've been surprised so many '69 Stepsides have come out since the '67 Fleetside was introduced with no follow-up. I want to do others but only have one other to keep original. It's the same with the '83. It hit me to try a factory looking 2-tine on one of those but I only have one. 67s & 83s are on my list for swap meets and flea markets this summer. I can't wait to see one with Real Riders and cool wheels

With the '83, I've gotten to the point where I pick up all of them that I see. I was just buying 2, 1 to open and 1 to keep in the blister. Since the release of the yellow one and the Road Trippin', I buy all of them I can. So far that's only been 3 Road Trippin' and 5 yellow.

[special-K]

I'll be doing that,too. If nothing else I can send one to a member having trouble finding one as members have done for me

[special-K]

Any new customs out there? I'll probably do some this winter as cabin fever therapy

[flashed]

How do you remove the graphics without messing up the paint ?

[special-K]

All that I've done I strip bare, prime, and paint. I had a plastic cap from a laundry detergent jug I filled and could plunk the whole body in stripper. I wish it was that easy with real trucks

[90\87Formula]

Originally Posted by flashed

How do you remove the graphics without messing up the paint ?

This is Tim's thread, but I use GOO GONE with a Qtip. Light pressure with good ventilation or you'll get a headache. Dab the Qtip on a paper towel after getting some color on it; so it doesn't go back on the diecast.

[special-K]

Thanks for the tip. This is everyone's thread, I just started it. I was thinking to show the customs (body swaps) you did that are for sale. But, how about if you do?

[Old_Soul]

Here are a couple hot wheels I've done in the past.

[flashed]

I like those ,especially the 55 Gasser .

[special-K]

Me too! I can't paint nearly that good. Mine turns out all shiny and same color overall. Got any tips to share?

[Old_Soul]

Thanks guys. If I'm doing a full repaint I get all the old paint off using aircraft remover. I usually then paint my main color with spray can. On the small stuff or random panels I use testors paint with a small brush. Most of the time I paint all the chrome parts with testors aluminum. I also use testors dullcoat in a spray can if I want it to have a satin finish. And on the "rust" like on the gasser I mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in a cup and then add steel wool and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then dab the car using the soaked steel wool in the areas you want to rust. Let it dry and continue with more coats until you get your desired look. I use a heat gun to dry to make everything faster.

A few more.

[BigMike]

Okay, I'll post a few that I painted. Wish I had taken pictures of all of the ones I did but I've done so many. I use only automotive paints, usually House of Kolor bc/cc. I have a 30x16x16 metal hobby paint booth and use iwata airbrushes. I have tons of other customs but they are not all trucks.

[BigMike]

A few more...

[flashed]

Those are very nice ,show us more ,does not matter if they are not trucks .

[BigMike]

My buddy owns a company called The Custom Crew, him and Louis Tanahara (one of the designers that put Jada Toys on the map) designed and put into production a piece called The Sledster. It's a COE based on the 51 Merc Louis designed for Jada. Anyways I helped them with prototypes and limited editions so I'll show you guys a few of those.