Quick Tips: Many Ways to Skin a Cat (or, Take Apart a Diecast Car)

The great thing about diecast racing and modding is that the sport continues to grow – attracting new folks all the time. Whether you’re new to diecast racing, a long-time participant who’s transitioning from stocks to mods or an old (modder) dog wanting to learn a new trick, these quick tips will teach you a thing or two about step 1: opening up a diecast car.

1. Be gentle. When it comes to drilling posts, slow and steady wins the race. If you take care at this crucial phase, your car should come apart and go back together with ease. See how Honest Diecast does it in “How to take apart Hot Wheels using a drill. DRILL BIT SIZES INCLUDED!”

How to take apart Hot Wheels using a drill. DRILL BIT SIZES INCLUDED! -- https://youtu.be/27FY-1niCZ8

2. Keep it clean and smooth. In “How to Take Apart Hot Wheels and Matchbox Diecast Cars and How to Put Them Back Together”, Rust Belt Diecast Racing files the rough edges off his posts and uses lubricant to make sure his tapping process goes smoothly.

How to Take Apart Hot Wheels and Matchbox Diecast Cars and How to Put Them Back Together -- https://youtu.be/Iz1sf5BvlRA

3. Find what works for you. It’s great to learn from experienced modders, but sometimes you just need to try something a bit different. When traditional drilling didn’t pan out, Paul Youdelis developed a method using a vix bit. See what he does in the video “A BETTER Way to take Diecast Cars Apart!”

A BETTER Way to take Diecast Cars Apart! -- https://youtu.be/SnjJzaG1eW8

4. Work with what you’ve got. You don’t necessarily need to invest in the heavy tools to start modifying diecast cars. Some folks use hand drills and, in “How to Take Apart your Hot Wheels Step by Step”, 3rd Eye Diecast shows you how a Dremel can work just right.

How to Take Apart your Hot Wheels Step by Step -- https://youtu.be/KTuxRD6FOgY

5. Some like it hot. If you want to open up your car, but want to leave the post intact, try the soldering iron method. For a quick overview, Redline Derby Racing highlights this technique in the video “Take apart diecast cars without drilling”. If you want to see all the details, check out “How To Open a Diecast with a Soldering Iron” by Diecast Show Customs.

How To Open a Diecast with a Soldering Iron -- https://youtu.be/0VeTvTGxBWM