Getting rims off axle 1/24 Maisto NSX

[HomerS]

I'm looking to do minor detailing of the Maisto NSX diecast.  I wanted the blue (assembled) version instead of the maroon kit but cannot get the rims off the axle.  I checked YouTube but the only video is another brand and the rim pops off the metal axle much easier than what I'm experiencing.  The spokes are thin so I'm concerned about trashing using tools to pull them.....

Any suggestions?

[kilrathy10]

Well... Sometimes wheels come off without much deliberation, but other times it's a WWE wrestling match... I've tried this with troublesome wheels and tires... I use a twist and pull method that seems to work pretty well... Basically, I twist one wheel while simultaneously pulling on the other....To better illustrate, the wheel I'm twisting is not the wheel I'm actually pulling... I twist one wheel with my thumb and pull on the other... Works best if the body is separated from the chassis, too...And use gloves... I use Gorilla Grip gloves that are thin enough to feel what you're working on, but protect your fingers from cuts and such....  You will still have to exert quite a bit of force on the one you're pulling, but they will come off, eventually... Believe me, you can pull a lot harder on the wheels if you have gloves on, which eliminates the need for any tools....

I am curious, though... If one is a kit, and one is assembled, why not just switch bodies...They're exactly the same, right? Or am I misunderstanding?

Edited September 2, 2020 by kilrathy10

[HomerS]

21 hours ago, kilrathy10 said:

I am curious, though... If one is a kit, and one is assembled, why not just switch bodies...They're exactly the same, right? Or am I misunderstanding?

I bought the pre-assembled model as it comes in dark red or blue, but the kit comes only in the dark red.  I don't need to drop $20 on the model for the wheels and axles separated but I do feel like I'm being outwitted by the situation.  I will have to grab a pair of the Gorilla gloves as the rims are hard to get much leverage on.

[kilrathy10]

3 minutes ago, HomerS said:

I bought the pre-assembled model as it comes in dark red or blue, but the kit comes only in the dark red.  I don't need to drop $20 on the model for the wheels and axles separated but I do feel like I'm being outwitted by the situation.  I will have to grab a pair of the Gorilla gloves as the rims are hard to get much leverage on.

All right, Buddy... I hope that helps you out... Oddly, I've never seen them in kit form... I will have to investigate...