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Topic starter
19/02/2013 5:01 am
A small change............
I've always been a fan of good wheels and tires on a model. successful models are ones that indeed look like miniatures of the real car and poor wheels and tires can quickly ruin that illusion.
I think one of the reasons why I don't collect many pre 1960 cars is because I find the wire wheels on all but the most expensive models to be too 'fake' looking.
But it is not just wire wheels that can use 'upgrading'.
Here is a Sun Star Cougar that I changed out the stock wheels and tires for ones from GMP.
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Here is another of their Cougar models with the stock wheels and tires
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The difference in cost between one set and the other cannot be much but I think the difference on the car is quite noticeable.
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If I was ever asked by a manufacturer how to get the most out of a mid priced model I would tell them to spend a fe extra pennies to get good wheels and tires on the model.
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19/02/2013 5:31 am
Frank, I agree110%. The GMP tire sets are the best! I was able to get a
GMP Chevy Ralleye set and it transformed the Ertl Authentics 67 Impala. Over the years I've snapped up any Maisto that had sidewall detail to swap tires on models that had none. Good job you did...looks fantastic now!
19/02/2013 6:46 am
Looks great, the GMP wheels do look better; however I don't find the originals bad.
Topic starter
19/02/2013 8:06 am
they are indeed, not that bad..........
it is just that they could be better and my feeling is that there is likely not that much difference in cost between them.
The same is not true with quality verses cheap wire wheels but even in that instance I think the extra cost is worth it.
19/02/2013 9:50 am
Too bad that more manufacturers don't make wheel sets.
For instance I would love to be able to buy high quality:
Wire wheel sets
Dunlop steel wheels as used on 60s Jaguars
Exoto and Kyosho make these wheels. Wish they'd crank out some extra sets and sell them like GMP did.
Although, can't say it made GMP that big a profit.
Topic starter
19/02/2013 10:53 am
Wire and other wheels are available..............
check out places like Scuderia Modelli and Mikes Diecast on the internet. I've gotten wheels and tires from both and have been pleased with the results.
Here are a few examples
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19/02/2013 11:49 am
Great work Frank! Wheels DO make the difference.
19/02/2013 5:28 pm
Glad I made the comment, Thanks!
Where did the wheels on the Filipinetti Ferrari come from?
Topic starter
20/02/2013 2:46 am
I got them from an outfit in Italy..........
that was called Red Run Models - they are unfortunately out of business.