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Forum 18
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Topic starter
22/10/2026 5:10 pm
Well, this one was a LONG wait - and I've discussed the production version (vs. their prototype ) recently, but now I have one in my hands. 👍 🤓
THE GOOD:
1) Nice finish.
2) Lots of little, terrifically done details and some really nice photo-etched scripts!
3) Terrific looking spare - but not sure why it's a blackwall.
4) Great hood hinges - with scale rust (already ).
5) Primer colored underside - not shinny body color (like we initially thought ).
6) Some-what heavy! 😉 😊
7) Awesome tailgate hinges (but no L&R side cords ).
8) Carpeted floors.
THE BAD:
1) Possibly the worst headlights ever done in 1/18. 😡 😠 😡
2) Goofy looking grill with silver painted hood chrome! 🤮 🤮 🤢
3) Modern whitewas tires (don't match the spare ) with oversized wheelcovers. The wheels look strange.
4) The car sits with an extreme rake!
5) Poor build quality. The antenna was loose, chrome "hockey sticks" are barely attached, and my RF suspension spring is missing.
6) Modern brake cylinder?
7) Nice battery, but NO cables.
8) Nicely done dash with A/C vents - but THERE'S NO A/C under the hood! 😳 😵 😠
9) Very stupid looking frame, some of it could be highlighted in black though.
10) Noticeable gap between the windshield frame and A-pillar.
11) Hideous tailgate window hinges - way too intrusive!
12) Front seats don't not fold preventing access to the rear seats.
IMO, Maisto's wheels, headlights, grill, and stance are MUCH better. Let's see how I improve Acme's '55 - you just KNOW I have to do something, right? 🙄 😏 Let's hope their '56 AND '57 Nomads are better!
22/10/2026 6:50 pm
Yes mine arrived the same way lol.
22/10/2026 9:22 pm
Wow, the rear bumpers look, to me, to be different sizes and the tires look a bit wide for ‘55. Just sayin…
Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
23/10/2026 12:07 am
- Maisto's bumpers have optional guards but ACME's bumpers are a bit oddly shaped, and they lack bumper bolts. ☹️
- Yes, the whitewall tires are too wide & low, very modern. Item #3 on my BAD list. 🧐
Steve Jacobs reacted
Topic starter
26/10/2026 8:10 am
Since this ACME Nomad is a bit off but could be fixed - why not mess with it a bit. I have a few ideas..... ....as I rub my hands together and bellow out, "Boo ha, ha, ha.... " 🤪 🧐 😳 🤪 🤓
David Green and Benjamin S reacted
Topic starter
26/10/2026 5:19 pm
The wheels will be the first thing I fix. 😉 Those "modern tires" stick out like a sore thumb.
For all those who can't take it - like me - here's a quick fix if you're willing to pirate "period correct" tires from Maisto's '55 Nomad.
ACME's rims are a two-piece affair. Chrome backing plates are glued into the backs of the rims.
Separate those, then simply pull apart the "press-fit" axle (I assume there's the same basic set-up on the front).
Then cut-down the ACME rim to create a narrower "surround" so the Maisto tire can achieve a snug fit - without doing this, the tire will not fit properly around the rim.
Then simply re-install everything. Of course, I had to have a bit of "wheel fun" playing around with other rims and seeing how blackwalls would look. Afterall, the spare is a blackwall.
I'll eventually lower the rear ride height; ACME has it sitting way too high.
David Green reacted