JEEP J10 HONCHO 1981

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.

Honcho 1981 by Hot Wheels 1/25 totally redone by Frank