You know what? You've convinced me. My local flea Market that I often go to usually had a bunch of matchbox cars. I'm going to find the ones on the worst condition, buy them, and when I have the tools, I'm gonna fix them up, good as new.
You won't be disappointed - 1960's Lesney Matchbox models were made and painted to a very high standard, even for a toy that, when I was a child in the late 1960's, cost 9d (nine pence). The material used for them was, in the UK, known as 'MAZAK' - it's exactly the same as today's 'ZAMAC', but Lesney had their own stocks, which were of a very high quality. They were also proud that everything they made - models, paint, packaging, was Lead free. This was always stated on the little boxes the models came in. I have dozens of these models, some from my childhood, and I still love them. But they do look superb if restored with new materials and accessories.
I cannot tell you what joy it was to watch this. My Late Dad bought a Fird Corsair new in about 1967. It was lovely. One of the first things that he did was fit a leather steering wheel cover, cross chequered flag decals on the fron wings and a drivers side window draught excluder. I loved that car as did Dad.
I love seeing these restorations/refinishes - I used to have Matchbox cars as a kid. I remember the Ford Corsair on the roads of England in the early 70s
Tamya primer is for many the best primer in spraycan. But it's a bit pricey... Heck he might have spend half the value of the car in primer during the video... When you have an airbrush I feel like their is better alternative. I like Vallejo primer from their mecha range. It's primer design to resist being scratched in mecha junction. And resisting being scratch seems like a good thing on a car.
The windows came out amazingly well. I was certain from the way you decribed the plastic that it would have never come out that clear and smooth. good job!
It looks like the paint came out wonderful on this one, in the shots with you holding it you get some good reflections in it and the clarity and smoothness looks over the top. Great job painting that one.
Man, not having to worry about restoring the surface of them metal like a Redline gives you so much more freedom! I think this car came out especially well, and the spectraflame looks awesome
Wow. My dad had a Ford corsair years ago. Very comfortable car and an insight of the quality of build back in them days. The colour was navy blue with black leather interior.
The first car that I ever owned in 1970 was a Corsair, and I had it sprayed up in this very colour. A beautiful classy motor. Wish I could have it back.
Well, you and Marty (of Australia) can be quite pleased with your efforts on RU-vid. You both have inspired me to leave a bit of my childhood heritage for my 31 year old son. Today, I bought 19 Sixties-issue Matchbox vehicles on eBay (mostly trucks). 16 are in near-new condition, so no need to restore. I got them for under $4.50 each, which is a pretty, judging by what I saw. The other three are construction type tractors and a dump truck that I plan on restoring at some point, using the tips and tricks that I learned watching your videos. On another note, I really like the paint job you did on the #45 Ford Corsair. You do such good work. After I get my feet wet with the first few restores, I'll probably try to custom some cars. That way, my son and his progeny will have a little bit of me in those cars. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful hobby with us.
Stunning paint job. This was the first model I ever restored years ago. Wasn’t half a nice as this! I’ve always found those suspension pieces aren’t strong enough and the rear sinks. Thanks for another great video!
I think it would have been a good addition to mention the steering wheel was on the right. Excellent job one of the best I've seen you do yet. Thanks for sharing
Great colour choice , suited to the vehicle, looks fresh and clean another cool build. Thanks for posting more videos..!! The variation of your work is excellent
Saw the real deal on the back of a truck today! Not too common now and it was in need of a damn good restoration. I've liked them since I knew they existed and was thinking how I'd do it if I were to fix it up. Never would have thought of Magenta but now, after seeing this, it is clear it's the only way! Awesome work on this one!
Today is stripped the paint off of an old redline python. There's a ton of discoloration, so I'm gonna give the zinc plating a shot to see how it turns out. Thanks for these awesome vids. It was your RU-vid channel that got into restoring them. Thanks for sharing your talent and beautiful projects.
Phew! So glad another video was uploaded! Another striking result. The finish is fantastic! I’ve changed my focus to restoring Palitoy Action Man figures and equipment recently but I want to get back to the huge collection of Matchbox models I have to restore them. I never thought to polish windscreens until I saw you doing it. Thank you for providing the clear instructions and giving me the confidence to do it. I have ordered some buffing wheels from Amazon for my Dremel.
Nice job. It looks great. I have about 40 nice Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars from the late 70s to early 80s that need nothing. Its cool to see you restore the rough ones.
All your restorations are fab but the Lesney ones are my personal faves. The castings and vehicles are classic. Keep them coming - top work as always 👍🏼
I was a bit nervous as you started.. primer and details just scare me. When you were done the details I worried about were not only there but really popped out! Great job! Thanks for sharing this project. You really made the right color selection ( except the yellow) Thumbs up!
