I start
this work with an old diecast model by “Hot Wheels” from early 80’s, found in a
model exhibition event ,the model is
poor in detail and poor in plastic quality, not styrene or similar but a
plastic like PE or PP, hard to work in the intention to modifying it.
The door are without window frame, the mirrors are big and bad moulded, the wheels are preposterous, tail light wrong for this stepside model, total absent the undercarriage details, the axles only few outline; the interior poor and made also here with soft plastic hard to work especially for the dash.
I’ve
modified all the parts mentioned for give at this diecast an honorable aspect,
and change it from “ vintage toys” replacing it as vintage and rare model at
least… I hope.
First step
was disassembling the model and rebuild the undercarriage…I’ve added the frame,
the transmission tree, the front and rear axle, the reduction gear and his axle
then I’ve add the engine and gear bottom . I’ve put the double exhaust system and
put also suspension , on the rear axle “King” and at the front two
“Monroe" springs . I’ve added also the protection for the engine ad the
gasoline trunk .
More is
over I thought, so I’ve passed to prepare the door glass frame…thought be easy,
I’ve discoverer that wasn't … I’ve had
to eliminate the false frame in the Honcho’s body and try to set the new frame
(attached at the door) in the right position…hard done but done..
At the rear
I’ve “chromed” the bumper and I’ve modified it with rebuilding the step (not
present before ) where is applied the license plate.
The
front grille it has been “chromed” and modified with get insertion new direction lenses on the
bottom, also added extra lights mount on
the bull bar. Rebuilded the tail lights ‘cause the mould on the body was incorrect;
other change it had been add new wheels and tires the now are good on the lifted axles.
After this
I’ve prepared the interior where I’ve put the carpet I’ve put new upholstery
(two tone)at the seats ad put the central arm rest/seat; new steering wheel, radio,
new glass for the windshield and the back glass, added the sun visor and
the interior mirror plus the dome light. For the cluster I’ve holed the dash
then putty and fix with new panel instrument, on the rear pillar now the safety
belts. A lot of work is taken for prepare the interior doors panel rebuild
totally ( the original was only mould on the door and not so good) now is
present the glass crank, the door opener,
the arm rest and the air grille.
Doors now
have new door handles (before only shape) and new truck mirrors. The body
(sanded) is paint with a new burgundy color, aerial and licenses plate complete
this Honcho…now pictured in his natural landscape.
H
oncho 1981
by Hot Wheels 1/25 totally redone by Frank
