How to Build Antique Model Cars

Build your own antique model car.

Model cars are built to scale and often require a lot of attention to detail since they are meant to be exact replicas of actual cars. Not only do antique model cars require this same attention to detail, but they often require the use of vintage materials, such as wood and tin. Some models may require varying amounts of plastic pieces, as well. The style and quality of the antique model car you build will entirely depend on the model car kit that you buy.

Things You'll Need

• Modeling glue
• Modeling sandpaper
• Modeling paints
• Hobby knife

Instructions

1. Buy an antique model car kit that has a skill level that suits you. Skill levels are marked on the box in numbers. Level 1 kits are for beginner model car kit assemblers or children, and usually have fewer pieces and do not require cutting, gluing or painting. Level 3 kits and above are for advanced assemblers only and are much more demanding to build.

2. Follow the instructions provided in the antique model car kit very carefully. It's important not to skip or change the order of steps in the instructions. As you take each piece out from the car kit, use a hobby knife to trim away any excess packaging from each piece and sandpaper to smooth the edges of each piece.

3. Look at the instructions from the kit to see if you have to paint the pieces before you assemble them. In most cases, you will paint the pieces first, so choose your modeling paint colors and give the pieces one or two coats, depending on what is recommended on the paint bottles. You can paint your model to be a replica of an actual antique car if you have photos of the car in question. There should also be a photo on the box of the antique car kit to give you an idea of what the end result should look like.

4. Let the paint dry completely, then follow the instructions to assemble the antique model car by using modeling glue to attach the pieces together if they don't snap together. All the small details about the interior and exterior pieces of the model will be included in the instructions.

References

• Collectors Weekly: Antique and Vintage Model Cars
• Scale Auto Mag: How To
• Model Cars Online: About Skill Levels

Resources

• Model Cars: Model Car Kits
• Bruce Arnold Models: U.S. Model Cars