The Diecast Zone · Model Car Club Since 1994
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Topic starter
07/11/2026 10:55 am
Learned a scary lesson this morning…
When I disassemble a diecast car, my practice is to wrap up the tiny parts for a certain assembly, such as “chassis screws”, within some masking tape and label what it is. Works fine.
This morning I’m reassembling a car, and the parts that hold the trunk hinges to the body, two clips and two screws, are not with the other parts and are nowhere to be found. Finally, out places to look, I empty the plastic bag where I’d been throwing stuff away and, YUP!, there they are. I had thrown them away! The trash bag was full, and thank goodness I hadn’t thrown it out yet.
Two lessons: Use different color masking tapes for saving parts and masking areas off for painting. And don’t throw out the trash until you are done with a project.
Lesson three: I’m getting older and can’t trust myself anymore.
07/11/2026 11:27 am
All are good points, especially #3.
I had a similar thing happen to me. I sold some FM 1/43 models a couple of months ago. When I went to pack up a Dodge Charger the rear axle and one tire were gone from the box I put it in after photographing it. I looked for a couple of hours for the parts as I had sold it and didn't want to disappoint customer.
So, earlier this week I was consolidating some things for donations and after I emptied a box there the pieces were. I have zero idea how they got there but the car is now complete so I can sell it. Just a really weird experience and one I put down to a little senility at that time.
07/11/2026 12:36 pm
I used to spread out a white bedsheet under the chair I was sitting in for whrn I would drop parts cuz I just knew it was gonna happen.
07/11/2026 1:28 pm
And don’t throw out the trash until you are done with a project.
BINGO! I learned this lesson many "tears" ago. 🙄 😞
Tony Perrone reacted