George Bojaciuk

Early FMs (as will many early run diecasts) will do this and yes, heat and humidity will accelerate the process. During the tumbling process, a solvent is used. It gets deep into the pores of the model. If not cleaned properly, which was the case, this solvent tends to leach out over time. It opens the pores further and causes the metal to go funny. It's like aluminum oxidizing. A few years ago, while at FM, I had addressed this with an engineer and they resolved the issue with proper cleaning of the Zamak. To avoid this issue, its a good idea to put a coat of wax on a model. Let is sit out for about a month, then wax it. Working with GMP and Meguiar's we developed a Care Kit. The wax seals the paint and prevents any issues from "popping" up. For cars that have this problem, you can try polishing the area. If it is too deep, the paint will blister off. Then, the only solution is a repaint. I have a friend who does this for a living. Later cars should have this problem resolved. I know that the Maroon '41 Lincoln is notorious for this and it starts as fine paint distortion. This is a great stage to stop it. Hope this helps. BTW, if you personally need a Care Kit, Gregg, let me know.

Not a problem John. Once I get my car running, I hope to get back to the articles. There aren't enough hours in a day. I did pose the question of Sprint car tires and wheels to GMP and they are open to the idea. Question is: Do you want just tires? Tires and wheels? What? I'm open to a few suggestions. Oh, Gregg....the shirt size is XL.

I appreciate the kind words. I actually work for myself, but GMP has been such a great bunch to work for that they are my only client right now. That's by choice. Real car guys making models. On another note, I did propose an idea to Gregg and he liked it. Once I get my act together here at home. I may be writing again. I do miss it. When you do what I do for a company, you wind up with little time for yourself as far as building goes. I recently put together 2 dioramas within a weeks time. They were both 14 x 18. If I show you...well, that laser dot would be on your forehead.

Thank you all for your kind words. I've been out of circulation for so long I figured I was forgotten by now! I've been bugging GMP to do wheel and tire sets for quite a few years. I even started getting others to write in. This is a market test and if sales are good, there will be more to come. The K-H are the 5 spokes that look like double spoke Magnums. It was distinctive to a '67 Shelby. I should also point out that the GT type wheel could be done as well as the steel slotted wheel w/cap and trim rings. GMP also did '69 Cyclones and GTOs. The GTOs have a nice selection of wheels and tries. As programs evolve, new sets would be introduced. You will have to adapt them, but this bunch should be good at that. I did managed to get GMP to agree to keep the sets under $10. I'd like to see them made easily available and affordable. When I built my '70 Nova SS I used Mint type wheels and tires and that model popped. I know I can paint tire letters pretty well but I have to say the detail is pretty crisp and I wondered why I wasted all that time!

They will look great! I also have tooled the 5 spoke Kelsey Hayes wheel. No dates on the sets yet. I only got word on Thursday of last week while I was in Hershey at the Goodguys event.

These are the 10 spoke wheels.

Initial test run thru GMP. Then thru their dealer network. I know we've done GTOs , Cyclones and '67 and '68 Mustnags and Shelbys. Lot of wheels to make a lot of people happy. Any new program will have set done as well.

Just wanted to let you guys know that GMP has given the "green light" for 1:24th wheel and tire sets. Their first set will be a '68 Shelby set. These wheels will be detailed and "Goodyear" will be tampo printed on the tires. If this venture proves to be successful, more tire and wheel sets will be made available. The retail will be $9.95 for a set of 4. Obviously, you will need to modify these to fit your models. I've used "mint" type wheels and tires in the past and it really adds a new dimension to the model.