How do I remove wheels?

[Safire6]

All I've ever done in regards to modeling is to build them. I have never had to take them apart. I want to remove the wheels that are on this GT6+ that I built 2 years ago and replace them with something more period correct. The rear wheels pulled off pretty easy (apparently I did not use much glue on them.) However the fronts are a different story. Testors tube glue was used. What do you guys use to "melt" glue?

TIA

 

[Mike999]

Testor's tube glue works by actually melting the plastic parts together.  Unlike super-glue (CA glue), there is no magic Debonder that will "melt" it or otherwise get it loose, as far as I know.   

Some people have suggested putting the model into your freezer overnight, and the low temp might make the glue bond easier to break, just by pulling on it. I've never had much luck with that myself but it might work.

The most likely solution:  carefully cut off the wheels with a razor saw.  Drill holes into the axle stubs and put pins into the holes, to mount your new wheels.  

 

Edited May 12, 2020 by Mike999
goof

[Tom Geiger]

1 hour ago, Mike999 said:

The most likely solution:  carefully cut off the wheels with a razor saw.  Drill holes into the axle stubs and put pins into the holes, to mount your new wheels.  

Bingo! Exactly what I was thinking! I’d use straight pins, you can easily cut them with wire cutters

[Brutalform]

Or another possibility is, maybe remove the wheels and the A arms as a unit. That way you can better cut them as suggested above, making it easier without damaging the arms. 

[thatz4u]

try using an artist's brush & mineral spirits, may take several app's use slight pressure to remove

[espo]

I think that Brutalform has the right idea. Getting the wheels off the front is going to take a lot of manhandling and that way they're off the model saving it from getting damaged and at the same time make it easier to work on the wheel and spindle.   

[unclescott58]

4 hours ago, Mike999 said:

Testor's tube glue works by actually melting the plastic parts together.  Unlike super-glue (CA glue), there is no magic Debonder that will "melt" it or otherwise get it loose, as far as I know.   

Some people have suggested putting the model into your freezer overnight, and the low temp might make the glue bond easier to break, just by pulling on it. I've never had much luck with that myself but it might work.

The most likely solution:  carefully cut off the wheels with a razor saw.  Drill holes into the axle stubs and put pins into the holes, to mount your new wheels.  

 

Mike's advice is the best. Though I've had some fairly good using the freezer method, on models glued together use Testors tube glue. Again, if that does work, a saw maybe the only answer. 

[El Roberto]

Once in a while I've been able to take glued parts apart by applying a generous amount of Tamiya extra thin cement. 

[unclescott58]

On 5/12/2020 at 10:49 AM, Safire6 said:

All I've ever done in regards to modeling is to build them. I have never had to take them apart. I want to remove the wheels that are on this GT6+ that I built 2 years ago and replace them with something more period correct. The rear wheels pulled off pretty easy (apparently I did not use much glue on them.) However the fronts are a different story. Testors tube glue was used. What do you guys use to "melt" glue?

TIA

 

What happened? Did you ever get the wheels off? And can you tells more about this kit? I know it's a Triumph. But what scale? And who makes it? 

Edited May 15, 2020 by unclescott58

[Safire6]

Hi unclescott,

I haven't tried to get the wheels off yet but I think I'm going to try thats4u's suggestion first. It is a Lindberg 1:25 scale kit. I'll let you all know how things go with the wheels when I get them off.

 

 

 

[Safire6]

So here is what I did to get the wheels off. I cut through the spokes with a small Dremel tool cutoff wheel, leaving just the hubs. Then I cut through end of the hub with the Dremel leaving just a short length of hub. I carefully applied liberal amounts of paint thinner to the glue joint with a small brush and let it sit for a minute. Then I slowly rotated the hub until it started to move a little and kept applying paint thinner until the hub came off. The kit wheels and tire were attached. (No tread at all on the tires.) Now it looks more like a proper British sports car!