Repairing Hot Wheels Batmobile

[ConstruX]

When I moved to California all my movie cars were packaged and shipped via UPS. My batmobile didn't survive. I would try to fix it myself but the small plastic pieces that hold the back wings up are damaged beyond repair. I would have to fabricate new ones. I have already contacted Mattel to see if they could supply the parts and they said they don't fix or supply replacement parts.

I don't like the idea of throwing it away and buying a new one. Any other recommendations?

 

[robn1]

Is it just the pins that are broken? Are they a rigid plastic?

 

[ConstruX]

Yup, the four pins that hold up the wings are made of plastic and are the main problem. The only other issue is the broken yellow rod at the end of the smaller black wing.

 

[robn1]

Rebuilding would be tough since they have to match the unbroken ones on the other side. If they're styrene plastic you may be able to glue it together with model cement, as long as they don't have to support too much weight. If it's resin cement won't work, you'll need super glue or epoxy.

 

[NeonHybrid]

I would pin them together. Get a small 1mm bit and drill into each of the breaks and glue in some sturdy wire. Paper clips are good as they are fairly ridged. It will hold together a lot better than just gluing it. As for the glue I would go with super glue.

 

[ConstruX]

Unfortunately, I don't think gluing or pinning is an option as I don't have all the broken pieces. Some of them must have been lost in transit. Thanks for the ideas.

I saw the die cast model at a store yesterday selling for $80. I bought it for $25.

 

[Jedi Dade]

I think that the assertion that its unfixable might be premature... the missing parts on the other hand... that could be a problem. Since you're thinking of tossing it and buying another - you really have little to lose.

I think I would just try to glue it back together with some CA (superglue) and carefully repaint. A little CA, putty and paint can really go a LONG way.

Another option is to "go nuts" and add additional detail to both sides so that they "look" the same. a few pieces of styrene rod and small parts from the Greeblie box (I'm thinking aircraft landing gear or other hydraulics would look the part pretty well. artfully applied and painted it might even look better than the original... but it would never be the same as it originally was. Some people think that's a plus but if you're doing this for collectible value you're outta luck. If you're doing it because you like it - then have at it... if you totally mess it up - you were planning on buying another anyway...

Jedi Dade