I started building about 1960 when I was a little kid. As far as using thread for ignition wiring, I would run it thru bees wax to get rid of the "fuzzies". Kit bashing was a common practice. Back then, kits cost a couple bucks & I mowed all our neighbors lawns just so I could go down to Hettigers Hobby shop. He actually gave me (a 9 year old kid) a charge account. Most of my early subjects were drag racing related simply because that was all that was available. Parts packs were a big thing back then too. I remember my mom had to buy my glue because kids were huffing it to get high. I would raid my mothers vanity drawer for tools (nail clippers & files, emory boards), etc. My grand father was a doctor & I would get many tools from him. I still have a set of bone saws that I use to this day. Those were the days.