hot wheels cars are almost hard to find where i live because they are not popular like they are in us. so after a year of searching i found 17 american cars and i was like i'm going to keep them sealed and blah blah blah.... but yesterday i told my self what's the point of that? why not enjoy the car while i can. i keep them sealed so someone else after me will open it and enjoy it. and yes i opened all of them and now i can see what they really are. my advice is do it because if you don't someone else will do it
I've kept all my cars carded as long as I've been collecting, but when I purchased a duplicate mainline and cracked it open, it just felt right. You get a much better appreciation for all the features and design elements of the diecast. Not only that, I felt like I could finally breathe and not worry about keeping the cards all perfect. Plus it frees up space. Nothing but positives as far as my collecting style goes.
I recently went thru this I been moving around and I have 600 cars but like not all in perfect condition like mostly good but storing them in bins and not displaying em got so overwhelming so I had day off just got a display case and opened about 50 cars it felt so good 🎉❤ will eventually open all
I'm a designer, so I enjoy and appreciate the effort put into the packaging, that's why 80% of my Hot Wheels are not open. Sometimes the artwork of the card is too beautiful to be thrown away and rot. Unless I bought like 3 of the same cars, I always open 2 of them.
I have 78 Star Wars Hot Wheel cars and 8 Nightmare before xmas Hot Wheel cars... I can tell you that while ALL look good in their original package, the Nightmare Before Xmas ones ... the color and detail of the artwork printed onto the cardboard itself along with the design of the cars are superior to the star wars models ... Those stick out so much more and look so much nicer ... !! And i also a FIRM believer that if its one that you really need to touch and play with, then buy 2 of them ... One to hang up and one to play with that probably will get damaged because once your oily fingers touch that paint, the process has started to deteriorate ...
They will never be rare, unless, as DCTV stated above, everyone will open that model, because it is mass produced and at some point there will be none carded, then it will have a higher price carded. Another example would be if a specific casting has a variation, color, parts on it, rims. That model would be mass produces, but not mass produced with those variations. But, yeah, most of the mainlines will never become rare pieces these days.
you are right Mark, of course, but they are so cheap that you can easily solve the dilemma, by buying one to open and one to keep, obviously if you can find 2. Can I just say if someone who buys a car and sells it for a profit is called a scalper, does that mean that Target and Walmart are scalpers? Or is it OK to make a profit if you are a big rich corporation, and not if you are a normal member of the public trying to fund your hobbie? Obviously it's not cool taking advantage of someone and charging a massive markup, but then that's why it's up to the individual to know what a fair price is, and if someone is charging too much, then you are doing yourself and everyone else a favour by not buying.
diecast jam Well in your case they are cheap, around my country they cost aprox 3$, so personally i can not afford to buy 2 of the same kind just to open one and keep the other one carded.
hotwheels are made for playing in my opinion time out of playing with it, showing it, etc. then keeping it in a box for like 50 years to sell it for $3.00.
not entirely. you don't go out of your way to make cars rare and hard to find because you want kids to play with them. that part of it is about expanding the target demographic to adult collectors.
I don’t play with hot wheels, I just like having them. I prefer them on the card so that’s how they stay. Has nothing to do with preserving the value either since I never sell anything
I love having em open tho like if I go out town on business trip I grab couple like you can't walk around with cardboard in your pocket or ya can totally up to ya 😅 ❤
Great insight my friend! Roughly 95% of my collection is open. I have no regrets! Only the rarest of the rare stays on card in my house the rest get raced! (;
I mean no judgement but chris u and manuie(sorry for the spelling) and josh always have fun with ur cars (said by racegrooves) so it's really not bad of doing both playing with or displaying them
What also makes the old Redline Hot Wheels so rare and valuable is that there were no or hardly no middle aged hoarders snapping them up by the armfuls and putting them away in packages waiting for a big payday. There were only kids at the time snapping them up, racing them and loving them for what they were. I think what also makes them so appealing is that the majority are already out of the package so there is no big dilemma driving you insane on whether or not to open them because the car is remembered as being on the loose!
I agree with you 100%. I dispise scalpers because they are only in it for the money, not because the truly enjoy collecting Hot Wheels like you and me.
To me, if it's a vintage hot wheel, rare, or potentially valuable, it's an easy decision not to open. It's a tougher decision on newer, cheap hot wheels though. I would say if it's one you really like, buy two since it's not worth much. Open one and not the other. Finally, if undecided, an alternative is to open it, but very carefully so as not to tear the card. That way you can always put it back in the card and it will display well. If it later becomes valuable, it's not worth as much as an unopened one, but would be worth more than a loose one.
I've always been a loose collector since I was a kid, always opening up my cars. Just recently, I've gotten an RLC car and I was debating to myself whether I should open it or not because as much as i want to keep it carded, a part of me wants it to be loose. I'm still not sure, but this video definitely helped. Great vid!
My 8yro always gets cool stuff when we go to car shows together. He was given some older hot wheels, still packaged. He had them open and was crashing them within minutes. Some of them were worth a bit of money. At the end of the day, though, they're still toys. I display the ones I like at my office. But mostly, we just like playing with them and having fun.
Your video was very relevant because you focused on a question that many collectors have to address; Do I open a never opened before collector's item. Great job.
I need to open blisterpacks, need to have the model in hand, check it (Sometimes paint will be a bit rough on the side that was not visible), run it (Hate it when suspension is flawed). I'm aware value is cut in half in a split second, but I don't care. DLM all the way. When the card has great design and is pretty old (70's), with possibly info and listings on the back, I take the bubble away with small scissors and keep it. Only 2 exceptions in my collection : Yup I do have 2 rare variations remaining in their blisterpack. None by Hot Wheels by the way.
The great thing about collectors is the world could be in a huge war and still the conversation about the blister protecto pack for the toy car will be important. As it should be...
I agree but only keep it in the package if it's VERY rare otherwise don't limit yourself if you want to open it. you paid for it, you enjoy it, it's your decision don't let anyone say otherwise. Enjoy it any way you want. Hope this helped your decision :)
Great advice! I personally will keep my first in the package and if I happen to come across another one, I will open the one in the more damaged packaging. I have no issue opening anything. Just when you don't have any cases to store the loose hot wheels it becomes irrelevant to crack them. So I keep them in the package until the time is right to set them free with a proper display that is ready for them.
Really useful information ,as usual. I'm in the opening crew, I just love seeing the cars and being able to play around with them. I'm in the process of negotiating some real estate at home so can't wait to crack some collectables.
We pay about 1,50 - 2,00 € over here in germany for the HWs, so yeah I do open them as well. I´m not a fan of putting them with the card on the wall but I love to have the closest look at them so thats why I unlose all of them. Each get its own "zip-bag" to ensure the paintshop does not get any damage when I put them carefully into big boxes :)
One of the best parts of collecting is breaking that package open and holding the car to see it better and i then displaying it. I love going through them and sorting them in categories. The only ones i keep packaged are my character cards from Disney, Pixar, WB etc. I like having their picture on the card and they are hard to find. I only buy 1 of each car that i get. I couldnt enjoy more than that. It would be more like a hoard
I like to leave them in the pack I think they display alot better and have a better quality than being loose. I have many loose ones but I just feel like OK I opened it. Now what am I going to do with it?. I like looking at the cases and think they are just better in the original case but I agree if you have more than one it's okay to open one . But I immediately regret it after I open them
Just recently started collecting again..retired..I'm 45.so I'm looking at all my hotwheels from the "seventies" not many but like you said they make so many now..only "treasure hunt" or "super treasure hunts" would be the one I would not consider opening.I do have to say that gasser..got it and it's in excellent shape.i would enjoy mine on the shelf opened cause if you do not have a curator for your collection it will be actioned off by box or section of shelf to the highest bidder. I know because I have seen it.SO ENJOY..touch them and make moter noises! It's ultimately for your pleasure.One more thing.found a bandit car w gold rim in my box of toys..be jealous.👌1977 was a excellent year!
Open them up and enjoy! (Although damage is a concern) I personally wanted to keep it in the box for the art, but then I thought I can just snip the art to keep.
I like to free those models, even if it means losing 25 to 50% of value. I sometimes keep the card (not the plastic bubble) if it's a vintage one and I like the artwork / if there's a list of castings printed behind. Only TWO blisters on my shelves, for 1000+ cars.
I've never left a car in the packaging. I don't buy duplicates, I just open them. I feel like they're trapped in a cage and I just need to free them from the packaging
Another very good, and interesting video ODawG....I have to admit I do hesitate opening certain cars,but once I do I'm glad I did as you mention they look so much better out of the package and it's nice to be able to open the hoods/doors etc...once again very good video.
I met a new buddy at a flea market who is an avid collector and he invited me over to see his collection. Only a small percentage of his thousands of die cast were packaged. He said "I collect die cast not cardboard. ".
I collect only stock build hot wheels main line. The only cards which I do not open are the super treasure hunt but the rest I open up and store them in my showcase. What's the point in collecting cars when u cannot feel the texture of the metal or smell the fresh paint of feel the weight of the model. Keeping cars in the package makes me feel like a shop keeper rather than a collector.
The best parts about collecting are the different ways we all do it. If there is joy, keep them in the package. If there is joy in using them for what they were designed for, then everybody wins no matter what we do. Great collection here and best in all your new acquisitions.
Great insight on collecting, I used to hear this a lot with baseball cards "keep those packs unopened for more value"! Well collecting anything seems to have its ups and downs pricewise. I like looking at baseball cards, so if I buy a box of 1987 Topps cards, am I going to open the packs to see the cards or look at the box for the next 10 years hoping I can double my money? I look at the cards. Good video!
Gangster. Thanks for being you and letting me know that buying Hot Wheels at 45 is not unusual. I always open them. Got to feel the weight in my hand, the bottom etc.
Most of my cars in my collection are open but I still keep the boxes and when I’m done looking at the car I put it back in the box especially my 1970 Sidekick I take care of it and leave it in the box when I’m done feeling it.
I have a question. I have a Treasure Hunt from 2009, '57 Plymouth Fury. Absolutely love the car. It is not a Super T-Hunt. I don't know if I should open it or not. I don't plan on ever selling it to anyone but I get tempted everyday to crack it open and check out the awesome details. What would you do?
Hi, thank you for your question! If I have a car that I never plan on selling, or at least not in the foreseeable short future, I do not hesitate to open it so that I may enjoy the diecast car model shelled in all that plastic and cardboard. You can always keep the packaging for reference, which I do often (the cardboard bit anyways, much easier to store then waste plastic bubbles!). Hope that helps! Sincerely, O-Dawg
Old video, new question: It's just after Christmas and got a couple of Hot Wheels. Of course the open/don't open dilemma starts lol. My question, which was not really addressed in this video (and I have always wondered) is: How do you know if a series is rare? Hot Wheels markets their cars as if almost each one of them is a collector. For instance, I received a Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-hybrid sport Turismo. It's white. It says 3/5 which means it's 3 out of 5 Porsche models they produce. But at the top right corner it says 44 out of 250. Out of the five Porsches, are they making them in equal numbers? And same question for the 250. Are they produced in the same amount? How do I know if a particular series I received is rare or not? Thanks!!
My personal take on collecting is buying two car samples of the same model (at least), open the one to have a better view of the casting and keep the other in the package.At least for the basic car lineups, otherwise it's not very cost effective.I wouldn't open special editions of cars though, especially if it's hard to find them sealed in the first place.
The thing about these types of hobbies... all that really matters is that you are getting enjoyment out of what you are collecting. In the end, there are far more efficient ways to make money so you should really only consider what you might want to sell off in the future to pay for new additions. I'm not into hot-wheels but I do love wristwatches; a couple of scratches can take hundreds if not thousands of dollars off your watch if you are trying to resell it, but what's the point of owning them if you can't enjoy them? That's why I say eat your pie and if you have any left over trade your friend for some chocolate cake and ice-cream.
I just found your channel this week and I love watching your videos. This video was very helpful to me, and I am going to open my Hot Wheels. Thank you!
I'm 22 and I've had Hot Wheels since I could remember. I've always "collected" them to some extent, but truly started collecting them when I was maybe 12. 95% of my collection is in boxes. It's just how I enjoy them. It stores them, quickly shows me when that Hot Wheel was produced, and it keeps them from getting chips and dings when storing them. That's just me though.
Nice vid. Question: what are the plastic shelving or cases you have on the wall? And where did u get them? I need something similar but not able to track something down that’s acceptable.
Another way to display after opening is getting the 1:64 clear plastic display with a base. Take the vehicle and use the round dot Velcro. 2 or 3 Velcro dots. This way the care does not slide around. Protects from dust and can lift the car off the Velcro and place back after handling it. To tightly hold the cover to the base by cutting a size of file card paper. Write the description of the car. Place the bottom of the paper between the base and the clear cover. This way you can lift the display without the case and the cover coming apart. Writing the description of the vehicle on the paper so you don’t need to read the bottom of the vehicle. Use Velcro dots. I suggest the white and not the black color Velcro dots.
I agree and I try to collect mostly loose cars, the only ones I keep carded are STH, some older TH, and my motorcycle collection as they really don't like to stand up on their own. I also leave my duplicates carded as trade fodder.
I try whenever possible to buy two of the same car, but it's not always financially possible. I don't resell, so eventually when I have a dream room like yours I will crack almost everything. Great video.
I enjoy your videos and seeing the vintage HW. I'm also an open collector and have saved a lot of money buying loose cars [especially from collector sets] instead of buying them mint-on-card.
I have some hotwheels and other brands that I've had for years that I wish I kept in packages but I was also a kid when I got them so of course I wanted to open them. The ones I buy now I keep in packages. Don't have room for doubles and if I do but a double I give it to my brother so he has the car in his collection too
I've recently gotten back into collecting after almost 10 years. The ones i'm getting now, I leave in the box and display on the wall. I still have all my cars from when I was a kid so I have plenty of loose cars to play with and enjoy. The new ones I only open if I can only find that model in a damaged package or I get the same car in different colors.
Thank you for your insight to the dilemma of to open or not to open. I started collecting in August of this year (2017) and I leave all of mine in the cards-so far. I made a display (got the idea from another of your videos) on 2 foot by 4 foot pegboard with 11 even rows to slide the cards in and out of the vinyl grooved modeling that holds them. It can hold between 110 and 120 cars depending on the blister size. I feel like I will always keep them carded (especially the more premium ones) although I do like the idea of opening them using acetone so as not to damage the card in case I want to reseal them.
on our tractors in 1/64 the new ertls it kills me to see them in the package if i buy them. i can go to every bomgaars and get the same thing in every store. so i open them up no hesitation. open the new ones up no big deal for me like you said enjoy the model and it's features.
I have a two car blue card package from back in the day. It has a blue trans am and a trailer truck with the "Osco Drug" logo on the plastic trailer. For years I debated whether or not opening it was a good idea. Would mind your opinion on the matter.😁 The Osco Drug logo is on the blue card as well.
you know what . if some collector in my country bit confuse about to open or not to open. i always shared your video to them. for me, from any others video i have been watched; your explanation is very details and give others to open or not to open their collection. thank you bro for this video.
Open for: downhill racing, customizing, playing, easier to display, mainline cars without appreciative value, duplicates in a set Keep in package for: exclusive cars, card art sets, cars with appreciative value, original card display, rare and retired cars
It is truly a personal opinion. I don't collect for the thought of resale, I collect because I enjoy it. I think that the mainline cars being made today will never have great value so rip away and the vintage cars hey I paid for it and if it's on a crappy package and I want to open it so be it. All in the spirit of collecting not selling.
I always open mine. If I find a casting that I really like again, I’ll buy it and keep it in the packaging to COLLECT. I don’t want to ever sell them, I just like to collect them and have them.
TBH I like to keep them in the card so that I can pin them on my dorm's wall. It really brightens up the room seeing all the writing and information on the card, and then seeing the car in the blister. "They won't be rare or anything, there's no need to keep them sealed". I just like having them sealed and hung from my wall, I don't plan on selling any of them.
Well, I don't believe I'll ever become a 'collector' as such. They HAVE to run on the track or I can't justify it to my amateur engineer's conscience. So I had 65 cars the other day and now I have 85 as I found the latest 2016 selection and selected 20 cars in a local UK shop called Halfords. (Motor accessories, service parts and bicycles)(and Hot Wheels obviously) But two of them are identical Treasure Hunt '11 Corvette Gran Sport models. I've never even seen a TH with my own eyes before and am almost in a quandry, because I'm thinking, "The only thing that's better than a standard one is the little flame tampo on the side, they aren't going to roll any faster and might even be totally crap. So now I almost feel like going back and exchanging them for different cars so that someone else can have the benefit of 'Hunt' cars, if they even know what they're looking at. But a better part of me is saying, "To hell with that! Crack 'em and race 'em!" Put it this way, if I keep 'em, I'll race 'em! :¬P
So, what I've learned from this video is that you open all the new cars unless they're limited numbers; and don't open vintage cars unless you've got doubles.
Excellent presentation on the subject. This now makes me want to open up a bunch of my cars I've been saving sealed for whatever reason. Looking forward to more of your insightful videos.
Awesome video. One reason to keep packaging is for storage. For Auto World for example the plastic insert goes into the little box and it secures the cars nicely and you can stack them safely in a drawer (or for moving. JL and GL packaging is less useful.
thanks for sharing your opinion! Almost every cars of my collection is opened. II realy like to do stop motion video and make customs. Only somes rares vehicules ares keeped on the package (I will use them for trade or sell in the futur).
I like to open them and put them on the display turntable under lighting.I switch out one every day to look at.I will have it on the counter top to look at while drinking a coffee in the morning.
for me most of the pleasure of collecting lies in the possession of something rare and difficult to find. i kind of look at it like curating your own personal micro-museum. so for that reason i prefer to keep collectibles in their packaging, simply because that is the rarest form you will find them in. for putting on display i feel that the ideal situation is to have both a packaged version and a loose one. having the loose item set in front, maybe on a small stand, with the packaged item as a backdrop looks a lot sexier then some loose cars on shelves. in terms of monetary value, it also bears keeping in mind that the higher $$$ value also makes it a more attractive item for trades and can get you something far more difficult to obtain in return.
There’s a way to open a packs without ruining the pacakage I believe it was with acetone, since you open it without messing up the package you can close it up again
I've collected 6000+ 1:64 diecast since 1965 and all the cars I sold for big money were loose. I also enjoy my displayed cars so much more. No one collector argued they were worth less for being outside the package. I warn young collectors not to spend hundreds on protectors and acrylic boxes for they are just wasting money that should towards actual vehicles.
I personally open but I tottally see why people don’t too. It’s just personal preference or if your in it for the money or not. If your not in if for the money then take it out the box if you want. If you want to sell it you will probably want to keep it in the box
I was given a bunch that I guess were from an estate sale. Packaging is trashed. Was mulling over opening them but I guess this answers the question. If you want to open it and it's not foolish to do so or you have a dupe anyway, have at it. I remember as a kid some small drug stores would have them in a little carousel case so they were already opened anyway. Made it easy :)
I'm not a hardcore collector. I don't go one shop to another hunting. I only go looking for some when I go grocery shopping. Whatever peek my interest, I buy. Then I open them up for display.
Besides being a 3y old video, it's very relevant still. I love opening my hot wheels, specially if it is a mainline from the current year, I don't think too much about it being "rare". I make videos too, but in Portuguese (i am a Brazilian). Thanks for the insights.
I don't especially mind if I open mine or not, my Dad has quite the collection and they are all in packets still, he does this to hold the value. I open them so I can feel them and look at them, I'm a very hands on person hence why I open mine, the only reason I wouldn't open them is because I want the to stay in good condition.
My son is three and we collect Hot Wheels with special features/ moving parts. We have yet to encounter a vintage or rare car so when we finally do encounter a car that I'm hesitant to open, it will be interesting to see how my son reacts....I might just be forced to open it.
I really liked the video on opening and not opening rare Hot Wheels. I agree that many of the current mainline Hot Wheels will never seek $100.00+. Unless, it is a convention car or something that is limited to 1000 to 2000 units.
Ok, I'm 58 years old, I have played with the cars since I was like 5. I have now about 300. Lots of them are loose, but I have a LOT of new ones because my wife knows how much I enjoy them, she buys me a couple every time she gets paid. I keep all of them because I am a mechanic and a car guy (lifelong). Some I have, I have had since I was young. I don't think I will be around much longer, so was wondering what to do with my stuff. I love your wall cases, where do you get them? Hobby shop ? You want to buy my stuff? Cheap! Lots of Nascar, shit load of muscle cars, some rare Dale Earnhardt, including a Bass boat with trailer. Caterpillar, John Deere, list is long. Thanks for your help.
I’ll probably gently open my hw premium models but use acetone on the back of the card so i can toss the blister and keep the awesome artwork (while also enjoying the car by itself of course)!
Hi, I'm a new collector just getting started, how can I find out what to look for in a car, such as which colors are rare, which models are rare, etc. I don't want to waste money just buying every car I see. Is there a guide book or something? thanks
how does it feel unboxing a car when you were still at that stage of making a choice, btw should i start opening my cars when i get some types of displays to put my cars on?
I just got a couple from the store a few days ago & had another my dad got me because I own the real thing. I decided to open them before watching this. I figured as well that they're really just toys, & they are massed produced. I was so satisfied when I opened them that I think I just might collect them now. I had no idea they made some that look how real gearheads would design them. Those are the ones I'll collect.
Very good video and i agree with you fully. For example i like to collect both loose and carded, i keep all the Treasure Hunts and special series carded and i open all the mainlines, so i can enjoy them and put them on track sets and play sets.
dude! there is just 1good solution....OPEN it! but make sure the package or box or whatever is still in a good condition so that after opening it and holding it for detail articulation observation....you can still put it back in its package and display it..it also act as its containment unit..!!!why still debate about it!!problem solve sir!!so that when someone finally decide to buy it,it is still in the best condition,complete and protected!!!it's nice to help a fellow collector...enjoy!!!
@Dredstone Milestone: Once you TOUCH the car with your oily fingers.... You started the process of that oil to eat away at the paint .... Even by putting it back in the case, that oil is still on the paint .. Its just a matter of time ... I am all for touching and playing with it, but don't do that and put it back in the case and try to sell it to someone ...
ive got around half opened as i love to display them, but have almost 300 of my cars stored away as i have no room to show them at this point. great vid, cheers
i agree about card condition helping to decide opening or keeping sealed as time goes along the carded oldies are getting harder to find in minty shape.. and when you have a large open display the damaged card means nothing ... but you just never know when you may just decide at some point you just dont want to collect and may not appreciate the stuff forever ... i speak more for myself .... id like to be able to pass it along to another collector who will appreciate them sealed still ... and offcourse you then would recover some money in your older years.... i have alot open and on display but more so the top ten casting of my choice ..and i have a bunch of sealed pieces seperate from them but beat up cards are not a priority rip them open !! ps i have something all boxed up for you,,,, pm me a postal location to send it ... chow
PickerNation Thanks for stopping by Brad, and you raise some good points that show how considerate you are as a collector. Only thing is that if you do sell your collection, a lot of collectors (like me) will appreciate a loose mint car just as much as a carded car - and are willing to pay the same if not at times more. Just follow a seller like Trentesteele2010 on ebay, and you will see how much his mint loose cars sell for at auction - usually more then if they were carded. Not saying this is typical of every case, but it seems to be more and more common. The way I look at it also is the monetary value I invest in my collection is a distant second to just enjoying them for myself while I can. Who's to say the kids of tomorrow will even collect Hot Wheels cars - they may be collecting iphones for all we know! :)
Great video brother...if I only had a wall like yours then all my cars would be loose on the display cases...I'm definitely not a card collector...I see you've grown your hair brother...great seeing another vid...have a blessed day...I'm curious if you had any customs on display or in your collection...
mrSenCTVT Thank you very much! I don't have many customs, just a few I did years ago but they aren't anywhere near the quality that you produce, and hence are not on my display wall. One day when I have more time at home and not working, I'd like to get back into customizing.