raven68 Posted March 1, 2020 Posted March 1, 2020 I am a newbie to the site, but have already figured out that the custom cars are way cool. I have customized a lot of things before, but have not considered it with Hot Wheels before. So I have been doing some research to find out more, but have run into a few dead ends... I see the term ZAMAC, and looked this up to discover it is a zinc alloy for casting, however there seems to be quite a few variations, 15 or more that I have run across. I am assuming the most likely for Hot Wheels would be ZAMAC 3? Anyone know which alloy they use? Next, I noticed on one car description the term VUM, in referencing a roll bar in the car, what does this acronym mean? And finally, when stretching the length of a car to accommodate a modification, do you typically combine two castings somehow, or do you find a frame the right length from another car? I appreciate any info you can provide, Thanks. Quote
Walltrin23 Posted March 5, 2020 Posted March 5, 2020 So I will give you some feedback on what I know. I don't know what ZAMAC version Hot Wheels has ever used. Not really sure if different versions of the material will effect customs. Maybe other customizes could help out? All I know about VUM is that it's plastic, not sure exactly what that means either. Maybe its covered with a chrome finish? If I am wrong I am sure I will be corrected by some one. The third question I will say this.... I would combine two castings first. You know what your working with versus trying to find the correct donor car to fit the bill. Unless you have a large selection of donor cars to choose from. Good luck with your customs, have fun! Quote Awesome Signature by Coolbreeze!
SAMMYRAY Posted March 5, 2020 Posted March 5, 2020 ZAMAC is zink, aluminum, magnesium and copper. Vum is the process of chrome plating plastic which isn't really chrome. I use whatever means necessary to make my base work whether it's using two of the same base cut and splice together or use a different base or even a combination of bases. This is the combination of bases and scratch build parts. I used a Willys gasser bass that was shortened by removing several pieces I added front and back parts from Dodge a100 and the rest is aluminum sheet stock. 4 Quote Signature by Coolbreeze
raven68 Posted March 5, 2020 Author Posted March 5, 2020 Thanks for the info. I originally was thinking that there might be a difference in melt temps for the different types of zamak alloys, but they are all pretty much the same being mostly zinc based. (I was thinking along the lines of soldering parts together...) However, I may not need to go to such extremes, many seem to be using various epoxies/glues to join parts together, and on the scratch building side, have found some using styrene for scratch building. I have used this material a lot over the years on other modeling projects, so this may be the option for those things you just can't seem to find. Looking at the pics SAMMYRAY posted (Cool D100 !, really nice), it looks like you used some type of adhesive to make splices/joints between parts... Is it epoxy? The floor/fender and joint bridging parts look to be made from thin metal plate, or is this plastic painted to match the color of the original frame? A new question; Recently ran across pics of joining two different bodies together, while I understand the part about matching up dimensions and body lines, the real question is how to bond the two pieces together... I am guessing that you would use small strips of strap to attach the two pieces together, and then concentrate on filling the visible gaps/seams? Any suggestions here? Again thanks for all the inputs. Quote
SAMMYRAY Posted March 5, 2020 Posted March 5, 2020 (edited) I use J-B Weld and JB Weld Kwik. I also use the J-B Weld quick for filling seams and other imperfections. All of my chassis parts are made from. 1/32 aluminum. Edited March 5, 2020 by SAMMYRAY Quote Signature by Coolbreeze
CLEARHOOTER Posted March 6, 2020 Posted March 6, 2020 I've used J&B KWIK for ever and still do. But in the last year I came across some stuff called MILLIPUT. It is remarkable stuff. Thins with water. Its uses are about as varied as Duck Tape. It can be shaped, sanded, applied as a paste and more things than I have been able to find out in the short time I've been using it. I'm a "believer" in MILLIPUT. Quote
JACKMAN4X Posted March 8, 2020 Posted March 8, 2020 On 3/6/2020 at 12:50 AM, CLEARHOOTER said: I've used J&B KWIK for ever and still do. But in the last year I came across some stuff called MILLIPUT. It is remarkable stuff. Thins with water. Its uses are about as varied as Duck Tape. It can be shaped, sanded, applied as a paste and more things than I have been able to find out in the short time I've been using it. I'm a "believer" in MILLIPUT. Where do I find this MILLIPUT? Quote
COOLBREEZE1626616022 Posted March 8, 2020 Posted March 8, 2020 https://www.ebay.com/i/362568256611?chn=ps&var=631716228406&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=631716228406_362568256611&targetid=883510870202&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9023996&campaignid=9250237609&mkgroupid=93913847756&rlsatarget=pla-883510870202&abcId=1145977&merchantid=137723787&gclid=CjwKCAiAzJLzBRAZEiwAmZb0arpYcCZ1YJ8NWP1w6mquYkYzo7MxlkSUb29tuXLYJUMfCVuLIRJU4BoC2fAQAvD_BwE Quote
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