How do I Make a Small Craft Toy Car?

Toy cars a classic plaything.

Toy cars have been a universally popular plaything for many decades, with movable cars providing the best in entertainment value. A simple, homemade craft toy car requires only a few basic mechanical elements in order to function, but for the best car, those elements need to be in proper balance and proportion and built from sturdy materials. Combine wood and moldable craft plastic for a basic, yet durable homemade toy car.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden craft dowels, ¾-inch diameter
• Oscillating rotary cutter with cutting wheel
• Power drill with 1/8-inch bit
• Plastic coffee stirrer straws
• Wood glue
• Scissors
• 1 ½ tbsp. white meltable craft plastic beads
• Microwaveable plastic mug
• Acrylic paint
• Craft paint brushes

Instructions

1. Cut four cross-sections of the craft dowel, each 1/4-inch thick, with the oscillating rotary cutter and cutting wheel, to make the wheels. Drill 1/8-inch holes in the center of each wooden disc.

2. Cut two 1-inch-long sections of coffee stirrer straw and thread each on onto a toothpick for the axles.

3. Fill the holes of each wheel with wood glue, then thread two wheels onto each of the toothpick axles, positioning them on either side of the coffee stirrer (some extra toothpick length will stick out on either side). Let the glue dry, then snip away the extra toothpick length.

4. Melt the craft plastic according to the manufacturer's instructions using a microwaveable mug.

5. Wet your hands and work station to keep the plastic from sticking to them.

6. Form the plastic into a car shape by rolling it into an oblong shape, like a fat sausage. Make this shape narrow enough to easily fit between the wheels on the axles you just made so that they'll spin clear of the car's body. Flatten one side to form the car's undercarriage by pressing it against your work surface. Form the hood and trunk on the opposite side of the plastic by pressing indentations in place with your finger, making a forward and rear ledge shape with a raised middle for the cabin.

7. Attach the wheels while the plastic is still wet, pressing the straws against the underside of the plastic car; they will stick in place. If they don't, the plastic is too cool; dip the bottom of the car in the mug of hot water to re-soften it.

8. Let the plastic cool until it's opaque and hard. You may have to re-shape the plastic as it cools to keep it from sagging and losing its shape.

9. Paint the car using acrylic paint.