couple questions

I am a big time noob at diecast modeling, but I have a good background on which diecast cars are the best. I was just wondering where all of you get custom parts, like rims, and body kits and stuff. Are they only custom made, or can you buy them? My first project is the modification of the dark green Maisto 1/18 Mercedes S500. I am looking for some AMG rims to put on it, and possible some bodywork similar to the S55. The AMG rims I found, would come off of Maisto's SL55 AMG shown here: http://www.exoticar.com/images/products/prod/38642.jpg http://www.exoticar.com/images/products/prod/g99y2k7.jpg
But instead of buying the whole car, I want to know if anyone sells the wheels separately.

Also, I am searching for the '19 star spoke rims, http://byo.bmwusa.com/configurator/images/FBImages/745i%20Sedan%20-%2019'%20Star%20Spoke%20Wheels.jpg that are found on several BMW 745i's, scaled down to fit Kyosho's BMW 745i 1/18. Has anyone seen a set o those? And how exactly would I take the wheels off of the Kyosho if I were to modify the wheels, I didn't see any holes for the screws because it's so detailed.

HMMMMM I think you want to be here
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1144
in the diecast modeling section.

If its 1/24 you can buy wheels for plastic models that are sold seperately. Besides that everything is custom made.

There aren't really any aftermarket parts (unless you use dubs) so you're gonna have to fend for yourself. Bodykits can be made with epoxy putty or, if you're desperate, bondo. Just remember to strip the paint off before you start puttying.

One more question (not in the FAQ), is there a type of plastic chrome paint, that goes on chrome, and dries but still has the 100% mirror effect of chrome? I bought a bottle of Tamiya chrome, and it's only paint mixed with fine silver glitter. I want to get that 100% chrome reflection effect. AutoArt's 1/18 Lexus GS400 has chrome rims, is that paint or was the plastic manufactured like that?
http://www.exoticar.com/images/products/prod/70041.jpg

...i think on the Lexus, that chrome plastic was manufactured that way... actually, i believe all of the diecasts that have "chrome" rims are manufactured in chrome plastic and not painted... i've used chrome spray paint before for the rims of one of my Cadillac's I customized and you really can't tell a difference between that and silver; the chrome spray paint really doesn't come out chrome like at all...at least in my situation it didn't

Actually I believe that the chrome is applied to the wheels baga. I've had chrome chip off before and the plastic underneath is usually yellowish.

The chrome paint I've used doesn't come out chrome and often stains with fingerprints. I think that the companies do not actually use spray on paint, maybe something they dip it in? I don't know how to exactly reproduce the effect though.

:eek: Gafoto isn't sure how to do something in diecast modeling! That's a first hehe :p, well, that i've seen.

But yea, i've had things like chrome bumpers chip, and under it is a grayish standard color of plastic.

Well, I know how to do it....I just don't think I have the ability to do this at home:

http://www.muellercorp.com/chromeplatingplastic.htm

Theres a paint called Alclad II. The chrome paint is some of the best out there. However, for those of you that dont have airbrushes its going to be very hard to find. Alclad II has released a few chrome rattle cans but they are usually for lexan, or are extremely hard to find.

Damn you Mike tantalizing us with your knowledge. "Oh the spray cans cannot be found but they're excellent, so sorry." Perhaps a link to somewhere that sells this stuff?

Damn you Mike tantalizing us with your knowledge. "Oh the spray cans cannot be found but they're excellent, so sorry." Perhaps a link to somewhere that sells this stuff?

They come in bottles for airbrush... www.alclad2.com (http://www.alclad2.com)

Actually I believe that the chrome is applied to the wheels baga. I've had chrome chip off before and the plastic underneath is usually yellowish.

The chrome paint I've used doesn't come out chrome and often stains with fingerprints. I think that the companies do not actually use spray on paint, maybe something they dip it in? I don't know how to exactly reproduce the effect though.

...yeah...that's what i was thinking when i said manufactured that way... that it was basically dipped into some plastic/chrome stuff... and i've had that fingerprint problem with the chrome spraypaint too...

What's an air brush lol (im such a noob), ive heard of them, but never actually seen any.

Here are a few airbrushes: Airbrushes (http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/tools/airbrushes.html)