"Finishing" Die-Cast Models

There are so many more die-cast models on the market nowadays, and many are of subjects that are not available as plastic kits. I wonder how many of us have considered buying a pre-assembled metal car and dissassembling it to super-detail it and/or customize it. Perhaps even strip and refinish the metal body.

I haven't worked with metal much, but I did buy a Testors kit of a Viper that came with a metal pre-painted body, and was impressed to see the instructions detailed how to strip, sand and repaint the metal... hmmm

I'd especially be interested in cars that have both die-cast and plastic versions so that parts could be intermingled to create a little masterpiece.

Any thoughts? :flash:

That's exactly what I'm doing. Only in 1:43. I really like what I did with my 348tb, and I'm currently working on a Merc 190E.

I say go for it!

I have a photoetch set to go on a Burago F40, but it is very hard, so I want to wait until I have loads of experience! It has something like 18 sheets of photoetch, full kevlar decals and some white metal parts!
It was a gift, and very expensive and rare!:D

Other than that i have repainted the interior of a few Buragos, such as the EB110, Testarossa etc.
I also have the Pocher Testarossa which I started to make with full working lights. I want to respray that one though! In 1/8th scale!:eek:

Do you guys know of any stores that aren't online that i could getsome good models at? or if they are online do they accept checks?

i bought some new models today, one is a 911 GT3, then an M3 and finally for Jay, i got a Silver S2000. i'll include some pics of them soon. I might take the stickers off the GT3 because they look cheap but i am not sure yet, what do you guys think... also do you think i should do anything else to them or leave them as they are?
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/885215911GT3.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/73175797M3.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/265988S2000.JPG

I have one of those S2000s in 1/24, but in black. I got it in a store closing sale for $5.99. :D That is one I would "re-do" if I ever work up the nerve. I like the engine fake-out piece. Maybe I'll go but another Tamiya kit and just use the die-cast body for the second one... The suspension on the die-cast is far too simple. Damnit! Now you got me thinking... :mad: ;)

Originally posted by snowboarder927
I might take the stickers off the GT3 because they look cheap but i am not sure yet, what do you guys think... also do you think i should do anything else to them or leave them as they are?


You can get a whole host of new decals for GT3s! I have given you a link in the UK for a start, but there should be someone near you who does them! That would be cool!

http://www.grandprixmodels.co.uk/shop/shop.asp

Do a search on GT3 under 1/24 scale and see what comes up!

Here's one guy's work on some die-cast subjects. Really nice.

http://www.modelcarkits.com/cgi-bin/webbbs/board.cgi?read=39840