Matchbox Mashup

[gloobombking]

Not long ago I walked out of a Dollar General to get in my car and right by the curb something caught my eye.  It was what was left of some off-brand matchbox size kids toy missing parts and as always I picked it up.  I looked at it a second before I put it in my pocket and started thinking how I could re-use this in some way.  Then it came to me.  I had a Matchbox Site Hut Truck in very played with condition missing the site hut.  Together they look like this.


I took them apart and put them in the paint stripper.  Now for you guys that want to try this, I use Strypeeze paint stripper from Ace Hardware.  There are a number of different types including a citrus version but all I can comment on is this one.  Keep it away from ANY plastic pieces or you will lose em.   


The boom on the toy was missing parts so I made a cylinder from kit sprue and some plastic bits and added some wire for the hydraulic lines.  The hammer end is a small nail.  


What I have is a Mobile Pneumatic Hammer Truck and a new Matchbox model.  The toy is attached to the truck with a 2-56 screw and nut and it sits on a Faucet washer allowing it to rotate.  I have people look at this one and say---I don't remember that one!   I just smile.   Once again I gave two old toys a new life.  

[gloobombking]

Next up is a Matchbox transport from 1969.  When I got this toy it was missing all its tires, the paint was shot and the "A" support on the rear of the trailer was broken.  The hydraulic ram you see had the black cylinder attached but the ram part was missing.  The support was glued together with super glue and baking soda, then filed and sanded.  You can still see one small spot I could not hide.  I had the ram from the other side so I made one from plastic bits and bingo, it worked.  This one is restored and loaded with 2 65 Lincoln's in the two color variations and 2 Rolls and one Jag.  I either didn't take any before shots or I have forgotten to save em but at least I can show you the finished product.  Once again, a new life for an old dog.  

[BUCKY]

Great looking repurpose projects!

[JCON]

Those are awesome!!!

[gloobombking]

Here is a Matchbox Kingsize series #K2 Scammell Wreck Truck I picked out of a junk box someone had.  It looks pretty sad and had a number of coats of paint smeared all over it and the exhaust stack was broken.


I took it apart and gave it a good bath in paint stripper then gave it a new coat of red paint and repaired the exhaust stack.




And the finished Model.

[gloobombking]

This is a Matchbox Guy Warrior transport in its original condition.  I kinda wanted the load to be the same and the Matchbox Ford Corsair is pretty common and cheap when it is missing the green boat and roof rack.  The cream one is original and to my knowledge is the only color it came in.  I purchased three other well played with Corsair's on the Bay and gave them a quick resto and paint job.  These do not take long to do and I fool with them between model builds.  Now I know my Matchbox collection will not be worth one that is totally original, never touched and in perfect shape WITH the box but I'm not worried about that.  These are from a time we will never see again I enjoy the memory, I hope you do too.

[gloobombking]

This was my favorite Matchbox of all and I am lucky enough to have one with the box.  I can see myself as a kid again, in the floor for hours with this.  What fun times! 

[JCON]

Wonderful!!!

[JED]

Great stuff

[Dukemaddog]

Man, I envy you; I always wanted something like that as a kid but never had any of those particular toys. Some I never knew existed! Way to go and kudos on some exceptional restorations!