how to customize a model car

There are a variety of ways to customize a model car, but, outside of painting the model the color that you choose, the easiest way is to apply custom decals. A wide range of decal options are available: for example, you can adorn your model with racing sponsor decals to give it a professional racing feel, or make it a hot rod by adding some flames to the hood. Regardless of your choice, the following steps will help you to apply a set of custom decals flawlessly.

Difficulty:

 

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hobby knife
• Model spray paint
• Glossy spray lacquer
• Warm water

1. • 1
     Determine both the color of the car and the custom decals that you'll be applying. Before you paint your model and purchase the custom decal set, you'll need to plan ahead and make sure that they don't clash. For instance, red flame decals won't stand out on a car painted the same shade of red.
   • 2
     Paint the hood and body pieces. Apply the paint in light, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next.
   • 3
     Apply the decals. Using a hobby knife, cut each decal from the paper sheet (including the paper backing itself) as close to the ink as possible. Submerge each decal in warm water for about two or three minutes before applying it to your model. When the decal freely slides on its paper backing, it is ready to apply. Hold the decal and its backing next to the area that you want to decal, then gently use a moistened fingertip to slide it onto the model.
   • 4
     After the decals have dried you can begin to apply glossy spray lacquer to the body and hood. Like the painting process, you should apply the lacquer in even coats, letting each one dry before applying the next one.
   • 5
     Assemble the model car. Once all of the pieces have dried completely, carefully assemble the model. Model glue will immediately melt and deface any applied paint or lacquer, so make sure that no glue comes into contact with the exposed painted areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Hobby stores, especially those that focus on model building, will be the best place to find decal kits. In the event that your local hobby shop does not have the decal set that you want in stock, the shop can probably order it for you.
• Take caution when working with hobby knives, as they are extremely sharp and can cause serious injury.
• The fumes from spray paints and lacquers can be hazardous, so always use them in a well-ventilated, preferably outdoor, area.

how to make a model car display case

Collectors of model cars have great pride in their hobby and love to show their collection to others. Many of these display cars and models have very small parts and extreme detail, requiring you to protect them and keep them exceptionally clean. A display case does this and adds to the model's allure and helps to show it off. Here's how to make a model car display case.

Difficulty:

 

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1
     Measure the model car's dimensions to assure you build the case to the right size, allowing your car to rest snugly, but comfortably within it.
   • 2
     Cut and varnish a small squared piece of wood to a size one-eighth of an inch larger than your car in every direction.
   • 3
     Purchase and cut five small, thin pieces of clear thermoplastic in the exact same measurements of the piece of wood you cut and varnished for each wall, and one for the roof of the model car display case.
   • 4
     Adhere the walls onto the wood with a quick and clear drying model glue to form the four walls. Clean up any spills or runs quickly to avoid marking the thermoplastic look messy and cloudy.
   • 5
     Apply the two small hinges to the back of the case with the model glue to avoid cracking the thin thermoplastic with screws or tacks.
   • 6
     Place the top onto the case squarely and affix the hinges to it with the glue. Let it dry for at least an hour.
   • 7
     Insert your model car into the display case carefully and close the lid. Display your model car in the clear display case under bright lighting and enjoy.

     Tips & Warnings

     • Be careful that the case is fully dry before attempting to lift the case so that it doesn't come apart and damage your model case

how to make a model car painting stand

One of the most important stages of building a top quality model car is the paint job. However, it can be difficult to apply a good paint job and make sure you get complete and even coverage if you try to hold the model in one hand and use the other to hold your spray can or airbrush. A simple solution is an easy-to-make paint stand that will hold your model and free both hands for applying the paint.

Difficulty:

 

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 4 wire coat hangers
• Medium duty linesman pliers
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pencil
• 6-inch square block of wood, 1 or more inches thick
• Electric drill
• 3/32 inch drill bit
• Plastic turntable
• Contact cement
• Masking tape

1. • 1
     Cut 12-inch pieces from the long side of each of the four hangers. Make a 90-degree bend, 2 inches from one end of each of the wire pieces. Cut four pieces of duct tape 6 inches long; then carefully wrap these around the short side of each "L" shaped wire piece. This will pad the wire holders to prevent damage to your model, and will also provide some extra grip to your paint stand.
   • 2
     Use the ruler and pencil to draw a line on the surface of the wood block, 1½ inches from one edge. Draw a second line 1½ inches from the opposite edge of the block. You should now have two parallel lines three inches apart. Next, mark the spots where you will drill holes in the block to mount the wire holders. Start at one end of the lines you've drawn and mark five hole locations at 1-inch intervals along each line.
   • 3
     Use the electric drill and 3/32 inch bit to drill holes ½ inch deep at each marked position. When you're finished you should have ten holes in the wood block, five along each of the two lines.
   • 4
     Glue the wood block to the center of the turntable with the contact cement. Allow 24 hours for the glue to set completely. Then insert the wire holders into the holes, two per side. You can adjust the wire holders for different size models by relocating them into different holes, and also by rotating them. Position your model over the holders and secure it to them with masking tape.