toe joe

[fixer]

Had this one for a while and noticed it has 5 spoke wheels, the only ones I found on Christian's site in this colour combination have 5 arch wheels, just wondering if my one is common or is it my usual lack of observation

[vetrad]

It is possible to switch the plastic booms between tow trucks so it is hard to prove authenticity of this. To my knowledge, the white boom Toe Joes were only paired with darker green models and issued in Two Packs. The model you show is the early lighter green color and I do not think it was ever issued with white booms (though, I also have one of these, but I suspect it is "home made").

[fixer]

Hadn't thought of that, but as it came from a bootsale last year for about 50p I doubt it was done to fool anyone if they have been swapped

[motorman]

I have no Toe Joes in my collection for the same reason David has alluded to, and yet despite concerns over their authenticity, you still see the odd listing with "Rare coloured booms" or "Rare coloured hooks" commanding quite high prices.

In my opinion unless they model comes in a sealed Blister pack from a reputable seller, I would always stay well clear, and keep my Fun Vouchers for another day!!!

[vetrad]

Here is a picture of mine in light green (which I believe is home made). You can see there is some damage to the top, right boom post. If you look around the tops and bottoms of the posts on yours and see ANY irregularity it is not a good model. If you do not, then who knows. The one behind it I do think is genuine and has the correct later issue color and wheels.



Here's a funny one I found in the wild. Under the circumstances I found it, I believe it is genuine, but I cannot prove it.



-David

[fixer]

David had a close look as you suggested using a magnifying glass and was unable to see any damage, I will try to get some pictures for your opinion

[fixer]

Any thoughts on these, can't see any sign of being changed, sorry if pictures aren't too clear I am Only using my mobile phone

[vetrad]

Hi Fixer,

As you picture it, I do not see any abnormalities with the plastic around the booms on your model, but I still do not think it is correct. It is an anachronistic combination of parts. That lighter green Tow Joe with 5 spoke wheels was only made from about 1972 to 1976. The white booms were not introduced on the 61D Wreck Truck until 1978. The cross-over of these parts did not occur until the darker green Tow Joes were made in the Twin Packs in the late 1970's/early 1980's. I have seen prepro Tow Joe's with white booms but they have a more translucent quality and your Toe Joe is not the early casting without the front window ridge. The timeline on this one does not add up.

-David

[nickjones]

Hi All.
I know I am fairly new to the Superfast range but I have to disagree with David on this one, I used to own a pre pro 8e Mustang in orange (37a colour) with solid BPW which dates it before the Mustang went into production, It had a white interior, The normal production Mustang had a red interior and it was not until the model was converted to Superfast that the white interior made its appearance. Also the 45 Corsair and I believe the 33c Miura started with white interiors so I would assume that Reg's model is an early pre pro, That is unless the casting timeline proves otherwise of course.

[fixer]

there is an identical one listed on ebay at the moment finishing on 14 dec (sorry not to good with technology don't know how to post link) seller is rich4rd_e , so maybe it is genuine or someone has knocked out a few on the side