Anyone ever made valve stems for 1/18 cars? I though about cutting the heads off little nail but was wondering if anyone had a better suggestion.

Thanks

Ryan

Hi
I'm new on this forum so this is my 1st post !!

I can't believe a question like this has come up !!!- I make miniature crankshafts and valves etc as novelties- allthough not specifically for models or 1/18. (I'm into diecast but 1/64).
I make mini replicas of cranks from all the famous cars and motorbikes. Most are made as keyrings so are machined from 10mm diameter bar, but I have made much smaller and as far as valves go they can be made almost so small you can't see them !!

Not easy if you haven't access to a small lathe though- best bet is to use small aluminium rivets (used for modelling, called 'snaphead' rivets here in the UK), put one into a drill chuck, and using a fine needle file shape the end contours as its spinning. Higher the speed the better for tiny diameters- With a bit of practise you'll be amazed at what shapes you can make !! And if you use aluminium it cuts very smooth.
You can try it with small steel nails or panel pins, it'll probably just take a little longer and a bit more practise. Use fine emery or wet/dry paper as its spinning to get a final smooth finish and get rid of any bumps or ridges.

Good luck

this valve stem was done with anodized wire found at jo ann's fabric store. it comes in all sizes. i take a small pin and cut the head off then put it in my dremal at slow speed and drill the hole in the rim. cut a small piece of anodized wire held by tweezers and put super glue on it. very quickly slide it in the hole to the depth you want. this pic is a 1/64th scale tire and rim. the valve stem is blue its hard to see with this bad pic. ive been doing this trick for years now.http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL656/2703276/15396124/217846741.jpg

Thanks for the help guys :thumbsup: