Things You'll Need:
- Hot Wheels cars
- Dremel
- Paint stripper
- Metal epoxy
- Metal files
- Sandpaper
- Graphics software
- Laser or inkjet printer
- Paint
- Clear coat
- Tweezers
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Step 1
Gather drawings and photographs of the car you want to emulate. Consider merging pieces from the bodies of different cars for a unique customized car. Mix features like headlights, fins and wheels.
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Step 2
Purchase Hot Wheels cars that match the body and style of the cars you want to create.
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Step 3
Purchase decals with your name, company logo or other images (see Resources below). Alternatively, you can make them with graphics software, like Photoshop. Use a laser or inkjet printer and sticker paper.
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Step 4
Dismantle the car. Remove the wheels. Strip the paint. Remove features you don't want by grinding them down or cutting them off.
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Step 5
Smooth the surface with sandpaper or a metal file. Dust off the car with a clean cloth. Use a metal epoxy to attach parts of cars together and to fill in spaces. When the epoxy is dry, sand and smooth the car. Wipe clean.
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Step 6
Paint the body with the base color or metal flake. Allow it to dry. Apply a second coat or a glaze. When it's dried, add details like flames or stripes. Use tweezers to apply the decals. Apply a clear coat. Allow it to dry overnight.
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Step 7
Browse the Internet for skilled artists if you want a more professional job than you can do yourself. Many artists do specialty customizations, ranging from NASCAR cars to branded trucks and farm equipment and emergency services vehicles.
