Hey there Everyone! :D

First post so I guess I should introduce mysefl huh? :)
My name's Peter, I Live in Brazil, I'm a huge Corvette, Muscle Car, Pony Car and Hot Rod fan and also I'm new to Die-cast customization, With only a couple HW wheels swaps under the belt. :rolleyes:

as you can see by the title, I came here because I need help customizing a Greenlight 1979 Corvette I got for my birthday. I was able to notice, after opening the package that one of the front wheels is horribly twisted, making the car unable to run. Since Greenlights are only available to me through internet auctions, and cost around R$25,00 each, I have no other choice but to swap the wheels for new ones, and I've only got one chance to do it right, or else the car could be ruined :(

That's why I'd appreciate to have some questions ansewered, if possible:

Is the way they place the axles on the base the same way as on a hot wheels or is it different? Do they use those three "claws"?

Is it possible to swap the Greenlight Wheels for a Hot Wheels set?

Is there a thinner version of the large RR wheel? The ones I have are too wide and won't fit the Vette's fenders, it's not because of the axl, but because of the wheel itself.

Which wheels roll faster? 5SP with white lettering or CM5 with BW's? It's the two wheel sets that most look like the wheels on the corvette, but one has lettering and the other has the same rim, unfortunately i couldn't find one with both things on.

What is the best way to protect the car during disassembly? I intend to keep the original paint and deco

If I cut out the rivet head's skirt, leaving the pin untouched, is it possible to weld the pin head to the base and reinforce it with epoxy and Super Bonder during reassembly or the car will become too fragile/easy to dismantle?

If yes, what kind of weld should I use?

If not, can I still use Epoxy and Super Bonder, as its proven to be the cheapest method or it'll still be too fragile?

Thanks! :thumbsup:
Peter

Alot of questions can be answered in a general form on our site below - Hot World Customs.

Specific questions will need to be answered by those who have worked with the individual pieces.

Hey there Everyone! :D

First post so I guess I should introduce mysefl huh? :)
My name's Peter, I Live in Brazil, I'm a huge Corvette, Muscle Car, Pony Car and Hot Rod fan and also I'm new to Die-cast customization, With only a couple HW wheels swaps under the belt. :rolleyes:

Hello Peter and welcome to the coolest, most helpful hobby board online.
Your choices of subjects to collect and/or customize is good...Wheel swaps are a great first step for anyone wanting to delve into diecast modifying, they can make a car,,A CAR.
Sorry to hear your B-Day corvette had issues from the package, this makes it a great candidate for the fix of a wheels swap, I can't say I have customized any GLs casting (hard to find & expensive here), but they are similar internally with other brands so the how toos are universal.
as you can see by the title, I came here because I need help customizing a Greenlight 1979 Corvette I got for my birthday. I was able to notice, after opening the package that one of the front wheels is horribly twisted, making the car unable to run. Since Greenlights are only available to me through internet auctions, and cost around R$25,00 each, I have no other choice but to swap the wheels for new ones, and I've only got one chance to do it right, or else the car could be ruined :(

Not true Peter..The beauty of diecast customizing is You can do and do again until you get the results you want...An epoxy called JB QUICK is essential for working with custom builds.
Front wheel "twisted"? You could try a small screw driver to straighten it back, but if you really want to do this wheels swap...You'll need to open the casting (like you would a HWs) drill out the rivets or remove the screws if it has them, and then a dremel with a "Barrel grind bit" can be used to remove those axel hold downs "3 claws", here's a picture...http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g203/jnkfleet/000_0506.jpg

Once the old axels and wheels are removed, you just need to select your swap set and use the JB QUICK to bond them into place,,check for proper alignment as the WELD sets up, and then use some more to replace the body to the chassis.
We like pics (before,during,after)so if you can show us your PIP (project in progress).
Need any more help ..ask away

That's why I'd appreciate to have some questions ansewered, if possible:

Is the way they place the axles on the base the same way as on a hot wheels or is it different? Do they use those three "claws"?
Yes similar to other brands.

Is it possible to swap the Greenlight Wheels for a Hot Wheels set?
The choice is yours, with time and patience you can swap any type wheels/tires you wish.

Is there a thinner version of the large RR wheel? Yes different companies make different tire sizes, Johnny Lightning has a variety of RRs sizes/widths, with or without white letters..BF Goodrich,Good-Year,Hoosier,Firestone..

The ones I have are too wide and won't fit the Vette's fenders, it's not because of the axl, but because of the wheel itself. Common issue, more extensive (grinding material) modifying of the inside of body, chassis can be done to help this issue.

Which wheels roll faster? 5SP with white lettering or CM5 with BW's? It's the two wheel sets that most look like the wheels on the corvette, but one has lettering and the other has the same rim, unfortunately i couldn't find one with both things on. About The same really..Test may be needed to tell.

What is the best way to protect the car during disassembly? I intend to keep the original paint and deco. Latex gloves when handling the casting will help prtect it.

If I cut out the rivet head's skirt, leaving the pin untouched, is it possible to weld the pin head to the base and reinforce it with epoxy and Super Bonder during reassembly or the car will become too fragile/easy to dismantle? Yes

If yes, what kind of weld should I use? JB QUICK

If not, can I still use Epoxy and Super Bonder, as its proven to be the cheapest method or it'll still be too fragile? "Super Bonder/Super Glue" is a cheap way to assemble diecast pieces/parts, but JB QUICK is the best to insure it stays together...I use drops of Super glue to hold parts together until I can JBQ them.

Thanks! :thumbsup:
Peter


Hope I helped, stick around
Jeff Fleetwood

Thanks for the info, that should be enough for my first real customization project, the only other custom I made is a 67 Camaro turned into a Heavy Chevy, with the hood removed and spoilers and a supercharger made out of sculpey. After I'm done with the vette, I'll dismantle the camaro an rebuild it, with modified interior, wheelie bars, new hand-made engine and better spoilers.

Sorry if I didn't use the correct word when saying ruined, but it's just that with the materials available, I can't repaint the body :p :)
I'll have to spare some time the next time I go to the capital to buy the proper materials tools, paint and some spare parts too :D

I'll probably have the vette ready by next week, since I'll only get my tools back on tuesday, but I guess I'm gonna put some really fast wheels on it, intead of rubber wheels. :roll:

yeah, I'll keep the rubber wheels for my next 1979 Corvette.

Customizing just gets better and better doesn't it?

Current projects: 1979 Roller Corvette, 1979 Custom Corvette, 1967 Heavy Chevy Camaro, 1967 Showroom Floor Camaro,