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Matt d wrote:Hi
I’m new to this forum. My name is Matt, I’ve been collecting dinky and matchbox for a few years, nothing too special. Been reading the posts, very interesting. I’m glad I found it!
I do have a question if it’s ok. Does anyone know how to remove the headlight and grill assembly from a dinky 25 series truck?
Thanks in advance

Welcome Matt
I found this pic of the backside of the grille. It appears to be a split rivet ( for lack of a better term) the goes into the slot on the truck behind the grille and then its spread apart to hold the grille in place.

https://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=htt ... mrc&uact=8

http://www.planetdiecast.com/hwdphotos/ ... 623478.jpg


zBret

zBret wrote:

Matt d wrote:Hi
I’m new to this forum. My name is Matt, I’ve been collecting dinky and matchbox for a few years, nothing too special. Been reading the posts, very interesting. I’m glad I found it!
I do have a question if it’s ok. Does anyone know how to remove the headlight and grill assembly from a dinky 25 series truck?
Thanks in advance

Welcome Matt
I found this pic of the backside of the grille. It appears to be a split rivet ( for lack of a better term) the goes into the slot on the truck behind the grille and then its spread apart to hold the grille in place.

https://www.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=htt ... mrc&uact=8

http://www.planetdiecast.com/hwdphotos/ ... 623478.jpg


zBret

ZBret is right Matt... it has a split rivet on the back that is spread or compressed to fit or remove it from the body casting. About the only way (that I can remember of the top of my head) to get the base off and access this rivet is to remove the axles which hold the base in place.

Ian

Hi Gents,
I am starting to think about restoring diecast cars. (big change from restoring full size m/cycles and military vehicles! )
First job is replacing r/h wing and windscreen on an original chitty chitty bang bang.
Is the method of dismantling similar to other corgis, drill out rivet (s) ? Then, replace by drilling post and fitting repro rivet?

Baz

Welcome to the forum Baz. We do have several members here who are in a more qualified position to answer your question, but from my understanding it is very similar to other Corgi models. One word of warning. It sounds like this is your first Chitty resto project. This model is very complicated inside because of the working features so once the model is in pieces, it will look like a daunting jigsaw puzzle to put back together. Take pictures and make detailed notes to help you.

Ghosthunter.

Hello there, I'm 28 years old french hot wheels collector, I'm here because I may find a rare matchbox and I like you to tell me what you know about, if it seems original and what could be the value.
The model is a 20c Impala Taxi with grey wheels and without tow bar.
My first question is, is it really a pre-prod model ?
Does it exist same gpw model but with tow bar ?
Thank you for any help,
Best,
Monty.
I put pictures in the next post.

Hello,
I'm 28 yrs old Hot Wheels French made collector. I'm here because I may find a rare matchbox and I'd like you to tell me what do you think about.
It is a 20c Matchbox Impala with grey wheels and whithout tow bar.
Is it really a pre-prod model ? Does it exist other variation GPW with tow bar ?
What is the value ?
To be honest I won't keep it I think, I just like to know if it's a good bargain. What looks special to meis thoses yellow headlights.
Best,
Enzo.

Is anyone has seen one of those no tow bar variation somewhere ?

Since none of the usual suspects have risen to the challenge, here are my thoughts:
- As Nick says on his catalogue page for this model: “I guess it was to add play value that Lesney saw fit to add a tow hook but it is something I have never seen on a real taxi”. It is therefore quite possible that a previous owner considered the tow hook unrealistic and removed it.
- This idea is supported by the super-detailing of the headlights and rear lights, suggesting that the model may have seen service on e.g. a model railway layout (where a large triangle of white plastic sticking out of the back of a vehicle would have looked extremely odd).
- Having said that, it is interesting that the body and baseplate have closed up to leave no trace of a gap or any sight of the tow hook “tab” on the interior moulding. On the other hand, the small curl of baseplate metal at the end of the tow hook recess shown in your photogrpah implies that the tow hook has been cut off with a very sharp implement.
- It is definitely not a pre-production since the baseplate has the tow guide at the front.
- GPW 20c Taxis are highly desirable if genuine (even without their tow hooks!), but there are plenty of fakes in circulation. In order to determine whether yours is a fake or the genuine article, we need photographs of the axle ends in order to be able to determine whether or not they have been factory finished.

Great answer thank you, sorry but can you explain «e.g. a model railway layout». My english has some limits...
I can't see the tow guide at the front, could you be more clear ?
I'll try to get more pictures of the axles.
Thank's anyway !
Best,
Enzo.

MontyBock wrote:Great answer thank you, sorry but can you explain «e.g. a model railway layout». My english has some limits...
I can't see the tow guide at the front, could you be more clear ?
I'll try to get more pictures of the axles.
Thank's anyway !
Best,
Enzo.

According to Mr. Google, 'model railway layout' translates as 'maquette de chemin de fer' (which, using my schoolboy French, looks about right).
The tow guide at the front is the raised, elongated, squared-off ridge underneath, between the forward baseplate rivet and the front bumper (see photograph below). It enables the car to be securely attached to a Matchbox tow hook, such as that on the 13d Dodge.