Post by jimrichards on Aug 3, 2020 3:51:08 GMT -5
Even though I take apart a lot of die cast to change the wheels, I try not to take apart these expensive (delicate) 100% Hot Wheels, even though I have before.
So I relied on a couple of tools I modified a long time ago just for this purpose.
I cut grooves into a set of cheapo screwdrivers with the Dremel cut off wheel.
I slide the tool in between the wheel and frame, and carefully pry the wheel off.
After the wheel comes off, I slide the axle out.
To remove the other wheel from metal axle, I hold the axle with pliers and pry the wheel off with the tool.
I cut the metal axle into three pieces, and reverse the knurled ends. Discarding the center piece.
After trimming the axle to the length I needed, I glued it into the wheel, with Zap, and a drop of accelerator. I left the knurled end out, in this case it fit tighter into the frame.
I don't like my models (or modified die cast) to roll. So setting on a piece of thick glass, so it would sit level, I glued the wheels in place, again with Zap, and accelerator.
Before
After......no more big ugly axle. Of course it no longer rolls.
If I want the wheels to still roll, I do them like this.
After removing the wheel with the same tool. I cut two pieces of aluminum tubing, and one pin head, (per wheel).
I glue one piece of tubing into the wheel.
And one into the frame (axle).
Inserting the pin head from the backside, I glue the end of the pin into the wheel.
Before
After. The wheels will turn while eliminating big ugly axle, and cleaning up front end.
They may not turn true, but they didn't turn that true with the factory axle.
As I said, I don't like moving parts, so after this shoot, I glued them in place anyway. LOL
I did the same with the Mysterion
Also, detail painted the rear rims, and holes in frame.
Before
After
Thanks again Bob (tooold) for pointing out the character flaw, in these otherwise stunning die cast cars.
I refer to the 100% Hot Wheels, as the jewelry of die cast.
Jim
So I relied on a couple of tools I modified a long time ago just for this purpose.
I cut grooves into a set of cheapo screwdrivers with the Dremel cut off wheel.
I slide the tool in between the wheel and frame, and carefully pry the wheel off.
After the wheel comes off, I slide the axle out.
To remove the other wheel from metal axle, I hold the axle with pliers and pry the wheel off with the tool.
I cut the metal axle into three pieces, and reverse the knurled ends. Discarding the center piece.
After trimming the axle to the length I needed, I glued it into the wheel, with Zap, and a drop of accelerator. I left the knurled end out, in this case it fit tighter into the frame.
I don't like my models (or modified die cast) to roll. So setting on a piece of thick glass, so it would sit level, I glued the wheels in place, again with Zap, and accelerator.
Before
After......no more big ugly axle. Of course it no longer rolls.
If I want the wheels to still roll, I do them like this.
After removing the wheel with the same tool. I cut two pieces of aluminum tubing, and one pin head, (per wheel).
I glue one piece of tubing into the wheel.
And one into the frame (axle).
Inserting the pin head from the backside, I glue the end of the pin into the wheel.
Before
After. The wheels will turn while eliminating big ugly axle, and cleaning up front end.
They may not turn true, but they didn't turn that true with the factory axle.
As I said, I don't like moving parts, so after this shoot, I glued them in place anyway. LOL
I did the same with the Mysterion
Also, detail painted the rear rims, and holes in frame.
Before
After
Thanks again Bob (tooold) for pointing out the character flaw, in these otherwise stunning die cast cars.
I refer to the 100% Hot Wheels, as the jewelry of die cast.
Jim
It's an interweb thing.....