Interesting topic Casey. For #3 someone, I think on this forum, sanded off molded in windshield bars ( ala nascar ) from a windshield, then polished it up, so thinning on would certainly be feasible. For #5 I have seen several times where a model has had the bottom of the tires sanded flat to give the impression of a bit of squish. I have never seen anyone create that slight bulge youre talking about. Im sure not gonna try it, I have a hard enough time getting all four tires pointing the same direction!