How to Restore Tonka Toys
Those old, beloved Tonka toys no longer have to sit abandoned in the sand box or basement. You can restore them to their original beauty - a process that has become a well-loved craft by many. Once a toy is restored, your children can play with it again, or you can display it in a collection and bring back fond childhood memories. Tonka toys are made mostly of strong sheet metal, making them easy to clean, repaint and restore.
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Things You'll Need
- Dremmel tool
- Precision flat-blade screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Hairdryer
- Large storage container with lid
- Wire hangers
- Muriatic acid
- Latex gloves
- Goggles
Instructions
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Part Removal
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1
Remove the front bumper by grinding off the inside part of the rivet with a small Dremel tool. Pry the rest of the rivet out with a precision flat-blade screwdriver, and the bumper will fall off.
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2
Remove the Tonka cab by locating the small tab underneath the front bumper. It will be bent inward. Slip the screwdriver under the tab and pry upward just enough so you can insert the tip of needlenose pliers to straighten the tab completely. Straighten the tab on the back of the cab in the same manner and slip the cab forward to remove it from the frame.
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3
Remove rubber parts like wheels, exhaust stacks and other accessories by heating the parts to make the rubber more pliable. You can use the hot air of a hairdryer for about 30 seconds or place the rubber insert area next to a hot light bulb for about 20 to 30 seconds. Pry the parts off with the screwdriver or another flat object.
Washing and Painting
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4
Place a large rectangular plastic storage container outside in a well ventilated area and fill it halfway with water. Add two gallons of muriatic acid to the water. Follow the muriatic acid package directions when mixing, and be sure to add the acid to water and not the water to the acid. Be sure to wear plastic gloves, protective goggles and clothing that covers the skin.
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5
Straighten wire coat hangers into hooks. Place each toy part you want to clean and strip on the end of separate hooks. Lower the parts in the muriatic acid mixture, leaving the other end of each hook over the edge of the container so you can remove them later. Place the lid on the container and leave the parts in the mixture for 24 hours.
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6
Remove the parts from the container and rinse with a pressure nozzle attached to a garden hose. The paint and rust should simply rinse off. If there is still a great deal of rust and old paint, soak the part for another day.
Dry the parts immediately with an old towel and spray with primer paint, or they will begin to rust again immediately.
Spray the parts with an enamel paint, then replace all the parts by reversing the steps used for removal. Use axle and bumper replacement nuts, which you can buy at craft or hobby shops, or online.
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