Tin car scale

[GentleForge]

Hi everyone,

I’ve got a question for you. I’ve picked up a tin car model free of charge. I know I can do something beautiful with it, but I could use some help with the things that are bothering me. 
 

First of all, the material is very thin. I want to cut out the doors, hood and trunk to make the moveable. However, how can I make sure that the material stays strong enough. Should I use resin on the inside to add some weight and structure to it?

Secondly, I want to strip the paint off. What is the best way to do this without damaging the surface.

[Mark]

Paint can be removed from metal with common household paint remover.  I would remove all separate parts first, so paint remover does not get trapped behind or between parts.

I wouldn't cut any panels open.  Actually, I wouldn't remove the paint before at least checking into the value of the item.  It is only original once, and the paint on that one looks good for its age.  Checking into it, you might find that color combination to be rare or unusual which would warrant leaving it as-is.

[Ace-Garageguy]

I'm with Mark.

That's beautiful just the way it is.

If it were mine, I'd just try to find photos online of what it's supposed to look like, then make some headlights and a hood ornament, a simple chassis, and wheels and tires (if you don't have them).

Trying to make a serious model with opening panels from that great old toy is almost guaranteed to destroy it, especially if you don't have well-developed miniature fabrication skills.

Edited November 21 by Ace-Garageguy

[GentleForge]

Thank you both for your advice. I will look into at and rethink what I will do with the model.