Cleaning a 1:18
 

Hey, I have a black 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R Vspec II die cast 1:18 scale model. It has collected alot of dust and dirt all around, and I was wondering if there is a proper way to clean it to bring it back to it's show car status. I just know using water with some bounty isn't the best thing because it can get into places and rust, mess up plastic, etc. Is there any specific thing you guys use to clean off your collectables? Thanks.

I had this problem with a couple of models before I got a display for them, and used an air compressor to blow all the dust off/out of the model. Then I just wiped it down with a clean (and dry) cloth :wink:

if you don't have an aircompressor, you should be ale to get some keyboard cleaner. You know the stuff that comes in aerosol type cans. that ought to do the trick. Q-tips work well for quick wipe downs in the cracks too.

Welcome to JW btw. and happy cleaning :wink:

Hm, sounds like a plan. Thanks. 8)

became a member to ask that? 1st post = how to clean 2nd post = thnx bb

at least he started off on the right foot. he may actually have good intentions...but i haven't seen him post since, so looks like hes a 2-post ghost :wink:

he didn't asked for the videos and that could be a good sign. You noob-freak

Heh, you guys got a funny ambience here. 8)

DeMoN, you sure you didn't follow me over here from Maxima.org? :wink:

As for the post, hey.. You gotta start somewhere. :)

he joined in June 2003 and you did yesterday, yet you think he followed you here :?
BTW, we have a 'funny ambience because all of the idiots (not saying you are one :wink: ) we get coming here looking for vids :D

I just lick my models.. and that dose the trick.. :mrgreen:

^^ hmm ... so i guess a pet dog might just do the trick ..... :mrgreen:
IMO dingo's way is the best ...

I agree but I sometimes I have problems with removing the stickers that hold the bonnet or the doors(in maisto 1/18 i think). There's a special spray for these that makes the glue melt.
(I think you can also use it to make the plastic parts of your car shine :? )

Hey where are all the car vids at??? Can u give them to me PLEASE! J/k, couldn't resist... :wink:

Anyways, to answer the above question.....one word, "Swifter", takes off ALL the dust without damaging your model, I use it all the time..it's absolutely amazing! btw, nice model, I have the same one in the same colour. :P

You Naughty Boy :twisted:

whast swifter ... never heard of that .... it that a piece of cloth or something .. ?

The "Swifter" is that duster thing with the feathers attatched to a stick? :?
If it is, I can imagine it doing the job partly aside from it just kicking the dust all over the place, but I was looking for something to make the car shine a bit also.

Oh yeah? You have the same model? Is yours from AutoArt also?
:)

do you lick the Lambo and Evo dirty when your done playing with those too?

my buddy uses actual polish (a tiny bit) on most parts of the car and the always look shiny and awesome although im not sure which parts he puts the polish on and which parts he makes sure he doesnt polish.

Hm, interesting enough. Thanks. :wink:

but don't do the mistake of using those products that have polish, only use wax.
Your models have only one, maybe two layers of very thin painting, and if you use polish, after a couple of times you could end ruining the paint job.
Unless the paint is without life (???) and looks obscure, use a tiny bit just like dons5 says

Vadim: Yeah, that's exactly what Swifter is.....but they also make Swifter clothes as well that come in a box, I usually use the cloth. As a matter of fact, either version doesn't kick up dust, it actually attracts dust....somehow the dust just sticks to it! If you want something to make your model shine, try using some car wax like turtle wax etc.
Btw, my skyline is also by Autoart...you can kinda see it in the pics I posted in another thread (Pwoarrr's collection)

antonioledesma: Good point. I didn't think about polish being a hazard to the paint. Thanks for the hint. 8)

Pwoarrr: Im definatly gonna check out these "Swifter" clothes, thanks. :wink:
Heh, so you got the same exact model as me, huh? Cool. Beautiful replica, ain't it? The only thing that I am not very satisified with on the model are the tires. They look a bit too thin, no? And overall the wheels look a bit small. The rim design is picture perfect but the wheels look just a tad too small. Maybe 17's instead of the real 18's it rides on. Or maybe it's just me... :?

Yeah, it is a kick ass model!
I do find the rims being too small as well, other than that, I think its pretty much spot on. 8) Ever thought about a wheel swap?

oh ok so use wax but not polish sweet, is there a difference in the end result?

oh ok so use wax but not polish sweet, is there a difference in the end result?

A wheel swap? Heh, should I use spacers too? :lol:
No seriosly though, can it be done? It doesn't look like theres too much room, and where would I get larger skyline rims?

Yep I do.. Want to join me.. :lol: :D

i have 2 suggestions, use the keyboard cleaner, or try to keep ur models in a dust free display, its much better and NEVER have to suffer with cleaning em, just spraying some air and thats it

Finally got around to posting a pic of my Skyline.. Enjoy.

They really ought to make the wheels on this model bigger. The real cars wheels just fit the body much better then the models wheels.

http://img136.exs.cx/img136/5717/myskyline3iq.jpg

Sorry for the really late reply dude, I didn't see this till now! About the spacers and wheel-swap, I haven't done any yet, but I'm pretty sure it can be done. If you want more info, you should talk to some guys on the diecast forums, they should know the procedures. As for bigger skyline wheels, don't think you can find these exact wheels....but if you want bigger aftermarket wheels, you could grab a set of 1:24 (not a typo) rims off of a DUB or JADA car.

Nice pic btw! 8)

Hey thanks.. Long time no speak. I noticed these die-cast car forums are kinda dead. My thread has been up on the list forever with no replys. Weird... Also havn't been on for awhile. Anyway, Im just gonna stick with the stock wheels, their not that noticable, right? Doesn't look bad. Gotta start working on the real car now(93'maxima). Gotta do a wheel swap on that(ugly stock wheels) 8)

Yeah this section tends to be a bit slow......check out Diecast Xchange (www.diecastxchange.com) if you want quicker response to your diecast questions. :wink:

Nah, the stock wheels are fine...I'm leaving mine the way they are.....
What kinda rims are you getting for your Maxima?