Help on Restoring Old Models

[JPolli]

I have an older model that I would like to restore. I wish to take it apart, strip it, repaint everything and put it back together. It is about 12 years old. Everything on it is solid construction and in good condition (except the paint). I know how to re-strip the paint. However, would like some tips on how to unglue it and take it apart without ruining the styrene parts. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Jim

[vintagercr]

Jim, you could try putting it in the freezer and after awhile you can try to gently pry it apart.

[disabled modeler]

Sometimes if you can take all the chrome parts off it you can put it in a tank of brake fluid and this sometimes helps loosen the parts plus removes old paint.

[Snake45]

Many glue joints will come right apart with a little prying. Those that won't will have to be cut. I use the backside of an Xacto blade, or a razor saw.

The worst glue joints are often on the windows. If they don't pop right out with gentle persuasion, you can damage the roof or A-pillars removing them. Sometimes it's best to leave the windows in place, working around them and masking them at painting time.

What kind of model is it? If it's something still in production/readily available, sometimes it's worthwhile to just buy a new kit and start over rather than spend hours and hours of time restoring an old one. But if it's rare or valuable, it's definitely worth restoring.

[Guest]

When I restore a model, I stick the whole thing into my stripper container and let it soak for at least a couple of days if it's an old model with a lot of paint and glue. I'll take the tires off sometimes if they have good whitewalls on them. But, the rest goes into the dunk tank. I use LA's Totally Awesome cleaner that comes in the half gallon jugs. It won't harm tires or glass. But, it'll strip old enamel paint very well and some lacquers. You will be surprised how easy a model will sometimes come apart after the paint has been stripped off. Strip first. Then take it apart. You also want to use a good pair of rubber gloves when using any stripper on a model to protect your hands. If your model is only twelve years old, you would be better off to just buy a new one.

[StevenGuthmiller]

If it's only 12 years old, chances are it's either still available new, or readily available some where like ebay relatively cheap. If a new one can be had, I wouldn't waste my time on stripping it & taking it apart. I only get into restorations on kits that are vintage out of production items. Just my opinion. Steve

[jbwelda]

you are very right about that part about it being currently available or not...if it is do yourself a favor and just start with a fresh kit.

the freezer trick works especially well if you dunk the car into some water right before you out it in the freezer. that way the water expands as it freezes and forces parts apart.

jb

[Nova-ss]

Awhole different skill set rebuilding old models.I enjoy it but there are parts about it that are challenging.

I use a razor saw and a 11 blade to mostly get them apart.people here can help you with ways...ideas I mean.