There are two basic types of paint strippers, solvents or caustics. The caustics are lye based and are generally used to strip paint from wood. The solvent strippers range from some of the “green” ones based on the chemicals in citrus (oranges) to the most aggressive, usually containing methylene chloride. Methylene Chloride will burn skin almost instantly. You must wear eye protection, have adequate ventilation and wear protective clothing when using Methylene Chloride strippers.
Automotive brake fluid is another alternative although maybe not as fast as conventional strippers, it is one of the safest. Not only is it less likely to harm skin, it won’t hurt most plastics. Model railroaders have used it for years to remove the paint from their diecast model trains and accessories. It is important to thoroughly wash the stripped casting before repainting or any remaining residue could hinder future paint projects.
Acetone is another commercially available stripper that can be found with the paint thinners at any paint store or with the paint products at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc. Although flammable and the concentrated vapors can be toxic, it is safer than most of the commercial strippers. Store it in a glass jar with a metal screw top. Acetone will dissolve will dissolve some plastics and tends to evaporate through the plastics it doesn’t dissolve. It should be noted that a safety label should be affected to the container and the container should be stored in a safe place. Even though you know what is in the jar, others may not. After carefully dissembling your model put metal parts in the jar and let them soak. The paint will usually slough off in a few minutes. You can snake the casting out of the jar using a wire hook or pick it out with tweezers or forceps Although using a metal screen to pour through is faster and removes more of the paint residue. Light brushing with an old toothbrush will usually remove any stubborn spots. Use a wooden toothpick to get any remaining paint out of door and hood lines. If the paint is stubborn, you can just keep repeating the soaking. One advantage of acetone is that it completely evaporates and won’t leave any residue to interfere with repainting. The primary problem with acetone and skin is that it removes the natural oils. Just avoid skin contact as much as possible. Keep the acetone away from windshields and other plastic parts as it will destroy them.
As a final thought I would like to stress the importance of safety when stripping diecast cars trucks or any type of metal model. If you are unsure of whether or not the solvent you are using will cause harm to yourself or the model then it is recommended to use brake fluid.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Gilio
Many NASCAR fans collect NASCAR memorabilia. If you want to start collecting such items, there are several benefits that you could have, such as: the feeling that you are showing support for the sport and the potential of making a profit. There are a lot of variations in NASCAR collectibles but there is a big difference between the NASCAR merchandise and the NASCAR memorabilia. NASCAR merchandise are those items that fans use and wear, like clothing, and home decorations. On the other hand, NASCAR memorabilia is used to refer to the objects that have some deeper value and often times expensive.
There are a lot of professional NASCAR collectors and dealers that consider limited edition car models, die cast cars and others to be memorabilia. If you are new in collecting NASCAR memorabilia and have a friend who is a total hardcore fan of the sport, you may want to seek his advice on how to start your very own collections. There are also several Web sites that can help you get started and NASCAR fan clubs that sell memorabilia.
Now that you have the idea between a memorabilia and merchandise, the next thing you need to think about is how you can start to collect such items. There are a number of options you could choose from. There might even be local shops near you that sell NASCAR collectibles. Most of these items can be found in specialty sports and racing stores and try to find those that have a collectables theme. To find local shops that cater your desire to collect NASCAR memorabilia, try searching for them on the Internet or a local phone book.
Using the Internet can also help you in finding the information you need about several other collectors out there. Some of these collectors might even sell NASCAR memorabilia. Additionally, most shops that specialize in the sports of racing also operate online. If you want to use the Internet as a way of getting started or finding the collectable you need, a simple search using phrases such as “NASCAR collectibles” would suffice. However, if you want to search for something particular, you may choose for something like “Dale Earnhardt die cast car”. These are just alternatives and examples you can apply in your searches and they mostly depend on how patient you are in looking for the right memorabilia you want.
Another great way to help you find a NASCAR memorabilia for sale, are the races. However, most of the items you might find in racetracks are considered to be merchandise, there are other items that can be categorized as a memorabilia. A lot of NASCAR racetracks have shops in them and some of them even allow other NASCAR dealers to set up shops. Third-party dealers are a great way in finding collectibles.
There are also garage or yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets and online auction Web sites that can help you in finding a NASCAR memorabilia. These sites typically specialize in selling used items but most of them are still in great conditions. You might be surprised to find memorabilia from retired drivers and other collectibles when you check the mentioned locations out.
NASCAR memorabilia that are ideal to collect are autographed NASCAR photos and helmets that are also autographed by your favorite driver. There is a Web site, namely www.redline-7000.com that contains a number of memorabilia depending on who your favorite drivers are. This is just one Web site example that you can visit to help you get started in collecting NASCAR memorabilia.
Those mentioned methods on how and where to buy NASCAR memorabilia are just a few of the many ways that you can apply. There are fans out there that create their own methods through the use of their own creativity and patience. These traits are important for a collector. You should also know the reason why you want to start collecting NASCAR items. If you are collecting for the sole reason of enjoyment, you may have more freedom in buying the items you want. Others who collect to make a profit should try to buy a NASCAR memorabilia using a business standpoint; purchases must be made wisely. Additionally, you should have experience in researching as this can help you in determining the estimated value of rare or limited edition collectibles. This will prevent you from being ripped off from the original price.
Hot Wheels are metal diecast toys that are manufactured by the Mattel Toy Company. They debuted in the marketplace in the year 1968 and were a smashing success. The original line of Hot Wheel cars included 16 different cars, which are now more commonly known as the “Sweet Sixteen”. These 16 diecast cars came in assorted colors and makes and were originally manufactured in plants located in the United States and Hong Kong. As of 1972 all Hot Wheels cars are produced in Hong Kong exclusively. In the early years between 1968 and 1972, Hot Wheels came with one very distinctive trait on each car. Each set of tires had a red line emblazoned on them much like our modern automobile tires have white walls. This was a very effective trademark of the diecast cars as those early models were affectionately dubbed the Redlines and thus the Redline era was born out of it.
Redline Hot Wheels are probably in every males past for the past 40 years. Early Redlines were patterned after popular car models of the era and were thus ingrained into the American culture. In fact 9 of the original 16 Redlines diecast Hot Wheels were patterned and mimicked actual automobiles of that time. The 7 other diecast Redlines were fashioned like race cars and exhibit cars.
The early Redline Hot Wheels had many other specific traits as well as the redline tires. For example they mostly were painted in brash metallic colors called Spectaflame paint and had chrome styled hot rod type rims. The styles invoked the imagination of young boys around the world. The cars were also packaged in blister packs with flashy colored cardboard backs.
Most young men are now enthused with capturing these childhood memories and now the hunt is own to collect these rare vintage early Hot Wheels. Much like baseball card collecting, Redlines and Hot Wheels collecting in general is on the rise. With the dawn of the giant internet auction house eBay, it has made it easier to find and buy even the rarest of old Hot Wheels from reputable dealers and individuals. Make sure to identify the grade and shape of the Redlines you are buying and do not be afraid to ask for close up pictures before making a bid or buying. In the age of the internet, it will not be hard to find Redline Hot Wheels for sale.
Volkswagen, the German car manufacturer based in Wolfsburg, Germany, has been building cars since the 1930s. While some of Volkswagen’s vehicle models have become cult classics, this devotion to the brand also extends to die-cast replicas. Die-cast replicas of the Volkswagen Beetle, Microbus, and other models have generated a dedicated following of collectors.
History of Volkswagen Replicas
Like many die-cast replica products, early Volkswagen replicas were produced primarily as children’s toys. Wiking marketed 1:40 scale beetles, transporters and pickup truck replicas in the 1950s. Corgi followed in the 1960s with a wide range of Volkswagen vehicle replicas. Taiyo and the EF White Co. also produced Volkswagen model toys in the 1960′s. Not many of these older replicas and toys are still available on the market, and when they do appear, they can command a hefty price at auction. A Hot Wheels 1969 Volkswagen Beach Bomb replica, of which only 25 are known to exist, was sold for a record $72,000 at auction in 2000.
Popular Volkswagen Replica Models
The Volkswagen Beetle, and the Microbus are by far the most prolific models in die-cast circles. For over 40 years, these two Volkswagen models have been replicated in die-cast form by many manufacturers in a huge range of standard and customized formats. While most of the other Volkswagen models are represented in die-cast replica manufacturers’ product lines, they do not match the scope of replicas available for these two models. This is not surprising, given the cult following of the Beetle and the Microbus in full-size form beginning in the 1960s and continuing to the present day.
Manufacturers of Volkswagen Replicas
Over the years, several manufacturers have produced replicas of Volkswagen vehicle models. Some of these manufacturers include:
Revel Germany – Revell Germany, most known for their plastic model kits, also currently has a popular line of ready-made 1/18 scale die-cast vehicles, including several Volkswagen models. In addition to the standard Beetle and Microbus models, Revell also manufactures some older Volkswagen models, such as the Karmann-Ghia.
Jada Toys – Jada produces standard replicas of a wide range of Volkswagen models, as well as customized models in both 1/24 and 1/64 scales.
Corgi Toys – Corgi Toys manufactured a few Volkswagen models in the late 1950s and through the 1960s.
Hot Wheels – A Volkswagen beetle model was one of the first Hot Wheels products in 1968. Hot Wheels continues to manufacture a variety of 1/64 scale Volkswagen replicas.
Micro-Machines – Micro-Machines released a line of Volkswagen replicas in the late 1980s through the 1990s. Micro-Machine models are slightly larger than N-scale models, which range from 1/148 to 1/160.
Maisto – Maisto manufactures a line of VW replicas, but the quality of their models and the vehicle detail are lower than those of other manufacturers.
Volkswagen die-cast replicas continue to be a popular choice for collectors in a variety of scales. Manufacturers are taking advantage of the popularity of the Volkswagen by continuing to maintain product lines that contain Volkswagen models, particularly the Beetle and Microbus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Fisher
As a young boy I always had little figurines like GI Joe, the green Army men and plastic tanks and don’t forget the little soldier with the parachute that didn’t always open. Those were fun to play with but when I got my first Hot Wheels that changed everything. It started an interest in cars that never stopped. Those little suckers were fast and there were so many models and bright colors to choose from.
From there I got into watching auto racing, not much on the TV those days (I’m going back a bit), I believe Wild World of Sports carried some of the big races of stock car racing. I’m not sure if it was called NASCAR at time, it’s to far back to remember. As time went on TV coverage got much better, I started watching Indy Cars races some Formula One and drag racing of all forms. By this time I was buying car models spending a lot of time gluing them together, painting and adding decals. Most of the time I made a mess of them, I had no patience, not letting the glue dry fully before moving on to the next step.
Then I discovered diecast cars, they came in so many models and sizes and there was nothing to do except to put them on display and enjoy them. I’ve been collecting NASCAR diecast cars for awhile now and it’s kind of addictive, you can’t buy just one or two because you buy your favorite drivers diecast but his car has different paint schemes. So you buy the different paint schemes and then they come out with a Special Edition and you have to it as well.
Now I’ve got them all lined up on shelves and in display cases, I may have too many but I enjoy them and I think it’s a great hobby to get into and I will continue for along time.
So where do you look for that next special edition, hard to find or the newest NASCAR diecast. Well you can go to your local book store and check out the magazines, there are several good ones out there; you can try hobby shows, flea markets, you never now what you can find a garage or lawn sale or you could always search the internet for websites and blogs. So get out there and start collecting today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carmine_Salerno
