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Tinman wrote:The ones I use for matchbox models are 2mm x 4mm self tapping (although they might be sold in inch sizing which is easy enough to cross reference).

Thanks, that's more in line with what I was needing. That's the size I was using when I was using machine screws and tried to tap threads. I haven't seen any self-tapping online in quantities under 10,000 but I found out there's a Fastenal store in town. The website says they carry (or can order) 2-56 "self-threading" screws. If the sales help is knowledgeable I may be able to work with them toward a solution. In the meantime, I've been gathering scrap cars to practice on. My initial experiments lead me to believe that all restorations efforts are for naught if I can't put the thing back together, and I don't want to learn with the models that I want to keep. I may also have lined up a drill press and that would make the task much easier. It's a friend of a friend type deal, so I have to get all my ducks in a row in order to make the best use of the opportunity. My hope is to go in once and see what's possible, then only have to make one of two more trips with ten or twenty models in hand.

In the meantime, I've been sidetracked into restoring some pre-war diecast and slush-cast. Most of what I'm doing now is working on my technique and also trying to paint match. Some things are so far gone that they really need to be painted to be displayable. I don't understand the fetish of diecast collectors for original condition items. That's fine if you can find and afford mint items, and playwear has a lot of appeal, but some things are just too far gone. We restore antique cars, houses, radios and hundreds of other items. The restored versions always sell for more than any condition other than pristine original. Yet toy restoration is frowned upon. I think the general problem is that people don't do it right; especially when it comes to paint colors and detailing. I think I can do better than most work I've seen.

"I don't understand the fetish of diecast collectors for original condition items"

Because you do not collect them.
Some are rare to find in any condition,restoring a standard model to a rare version will never ever be the same.
I do not own as far as I know any repaints I hope, but thats just me.
J

Bernie wrote: I don't understand the fetish of diecast collectors for original condition items.

My thoughts too Jason and "fetish?" I don't think that applies here.

johnboy wrote:

Bernie wrote: I don't understand the fetish of diecast collectors for original condition items.

My thoughts too Jason and "fetish?" I don't think that applies here.

i think a "fetish" is spot on JB
i would never knowingly buy a repainted model although i have some doubtful ebay purchases which get consigned to the spares box as soon as a replacement in any displayable condition comes along
but i wouldn't knock anyone who does restore or collect them , it's when their passed of as genuine but that's a different topic

Maybe the word 'Fetish' was incorrectly used by "Bernie" and I am sure we understand what he means. From my own point of view, certain models are so hard to come by we will take the first example that comes along and most of the time the one we can afford will be in a bad 'Playworn' condition and it will be treasured just as much as if it were in as new condition and at no point would we consider having it restored to it's former glory, it just does not happen the same way as it does with Antiques, real cars or Houses.

GHOSTHUNTER.

nearlymint wrote:"I don't understand the fetish of diecast collectors for original condition items"

Because you do not collect them.
Some are rare to find in any condition,restoring a standard model to a rare version will never ever be the same.

Merriam Webster: fetish
noun fe·tish \ˈfe-tish also ˈfē-\
: a strong and unusual need or desire for something

I never spoke of converting one model to another, I simply want some models to look presentable to someone who has only a mild interest in old toys. Contrary to your assertion, I do collect them. I have over 2500 diecast ranging from the first Tootsietoy to recent Minichamps. The first example that comes along is the only example, there will be no upgrading to something nicer. Very few are from boot sales and eBay, nearly all have been solely owned by myself or, in the case of the models from the 1920s, a member of my family. It seems foolish to me to buy the same thing over and over when you can make it like new yourself. Playworn would be my preferred condition, but pieces break. Replacement of those pieces nearly always requires disassembly, and if major work is involved, repainting the repaired area or replacement part.

ghosthunter wrote:at no point would we consider having it restored to it's former glory, it just does not happen the same way as it does with Antiques, real cars or Houses.

Which is the part I don't understand. Virtually every collectible is restored, even priceless Old Masters. The insistence to not restore goes against conventional logic and falls into the range of abnormal. I see the need to want to maintain originality, but not the desire to buy a better piece rather than restore. Unlike a Rembrandt, more than one copy exists. But that other copy is not your copy. You can go out and buy a newly restored MGB at auction just like the one you owned as a teen, but it will not be the car that you got your first kiss in.

I picked up another small bag of screws over the weekend just to get the info off the package. As promised, here are the sizes and photos of the packaging. As you can see, my local hobby shop gets them from Walthers. I could also order them direct from Walthers or take the size to a local fastener supplier and get them. These are the screws I use for Matchbox models.

Thanks, my local hobby shop doesn't carry anything like that. They're all brass machine screws. I only have one other shop in a 100 mile radius and they don't carry train stuff at all, just R/C and drones. I ordered some #2 x 3/16 "self-threading" from Fastenal but haven't had a chance to try them yet. They have finer thread and aren't pointed at the end. I've tried screws like yours and they seem like they would work best of all, I just couldn't find them in less than a 1/2" size. What you've shown me will go a long way towards being able to get them directly from Walthers.

I also bought some #2 brass washers from Fastenal based on some repair threads of yours. I have a lot of pre-war stuff where the axle loops are broken off and I'm hoping that I can perform similar magic to what you've done.

Glad I could be of some help!

I ordered a package of 3/16 and one of 1/4 and look forward to trying them out. The move to 1/4" was because I'm not sure if I'm underestimating the effect of the baseplate.