Straightliner59 Posted November 9, 2020 Share Posted November 9, 2020 I have always enjoyed the little AMT kits. One of their shortcomings has always been a shortage of wheels. These kits are becoming more expensive to purchase, and some are not too commonly found (especially the 'Cuda, which has a very nice set of Cragar SS wheels). The American Racing wheels that I have are mostly afflicted with sinkholes, although I managed to save a couple. I realize there are aftermarket wheels available in this scale, however, they are mostly for exotic cars; Understandable, given that the market is driven mostly by those and Formula 1 stuff. I have several of them built, in the display case. They include a 'Cuda, a Torino, a '36 Ford, a '48 Ford, and a Chevelle. Ten or more years ago, I started working on one of the '68 'Vettes, to build as a Stock class NHRA racer. It was shelved, due to a lack of decent wheels and tires. One day, when I was driving for NAPA, I noticed a transmission seal that looked like it might be perfect for the slicks. I jotted down the part number, so that I could pick one up at the counter. It was perfect! It scaled out exactly to specs! Needs a bit of reshaping of the sidewalls, is all. Still, front wheels and tires were an issue. It was right about there, that my interest waned... A couple of nights ago, I was rummaging through my boxes of 1/43 scale parts, and discovered that I had two of the '67 Firebirds. Since I have been becoming more interested in vintage circle and road racers again, lately, I decided to take a razor saw and some Evergreen to the wheelwells, to flare them. Of course, that led right back to the wheels and tires issue, which leads to this post. I think I have mostly solved this dilemma! I began by chucking the American wheels in the lathe, and cutting them down , so that only the spoke cross-section of the wheel was left. I gathered a selection of the wheels I would likely use, and used them, as-is, to make molds. Castings will be less "dangerous" to work on, than original parts. Oddly, the only wheels I have that I didn't mold were about four sets of '57 Chevy wheels, which I only mention, because I don't know where I got so many '57 Chevys! The wheel's diameter is 3/8". Thus, I used a 3/8" end mill to hollow out a short length of 3/4" Delrin, on the mill. I intend to make tires as I need them for a given project, then mold and cast those, so I only need to make a master for each tire. Now, all I needed was a rim that could be easily duplicated in varying sizes--because rims don't like to be cast in open-faced molds--at least I never had much luck with them. The rim was simple. 3/8" Evergreen tubing, quickly tapered on the inside edge, and cut off, as needed, for length, to match the width of the tire. Attached are photos I have of my built 1/43 stuff, a few pics of the current projects and of my 1/43 scale tire and wheel project! The aluminum is going to become a pseudo-Centerline/Super Trick front wheel that I will mold. Interestingly, the Halibrand style wheel is from an old Aurora A/FX Grand Am funny car. It looks pretty much at home, in the Delrin tire! I will modify it some, and mold it, as well. Might make a nice set of wheels for the 'Vette! I will probably dismantle the 'Cuda, and cast its Cragars. I would like to rebuild it as an "inspired-by Blowfish" salt racer. I also want to redo the Torino as a Stock Car. I have an AMX that will probably become a road racer, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbtr6 Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 Take a look at Grand Prix Models online, from England. They may have some wheels and tires. Perry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vamach1 Posted November 10, 2020 Share Posted November 10, 2020 I have bought 1/43 Minilite wheels from an Ebay seller in the UK before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted November 10, 2020 Author Share Posted November 10, 2020 4 hours ago, gbtr6 said: Take a look at Grand Prix Models online, from England. They may have some wheels and tires. Perry Thanks, Perry. That will keep me busy, for a minute or two!? 4 hours ago, vamach1 said: I have bought 1/43 Minilite wheels from an Ebay seller in the UK before. They may have come from the place Perry mentioned, above. Thanks, Rex! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DustyMojave Posted December 19, 2020 Share Posted December 19, 2020 I've never run across these 1/43 AMT kits at all. I do have a Monogram Cobra 289. I also have a couple of Testors with die cast bodies, a 40 Willys and a Corvette GS. Those might be a source of wheeels and other parts for you. I haven't looked them up on evilbay lately to know availability or typical price though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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