Junkyard Find: Opel Diplomat

I am changing it up a little today! I'm straying away from my usual concours-quality restorations, and going in quite the opposite direction... I want to build a junkyard diorama at some point, and while I don't have all the plans laid out quite yet, I figured I could start working on some cars to go in it. Now I have plenty of cars that I destroyed as a kid to put in the back of the "lot" when it is finished, but I need some really convincing junkers to go out front, marked for sale as restoration projects for potential buyers!

So here is junker #1, a Lesney Opel Diplomat. This is the parts car that donated its hood, interior and windows to the silver Opel Diplomat Transitional project I did a while back. I have a big box full of Lesneys that I've already harvested for parts, so hopefully this junker collection will grow! I have already figured out some ways to make them look a little more realistic, but for now, here's what I've got...

Like LA's Diecast Blog on Facebook

#36c Opel Diplomat Superfast Transitional: Wrap-Up

Here's Project #2 for the day... I had the silver paint out already and thought it would suit this lovely Opel well. Some sharpie marker touchup on the wheels and she's good to go!

Original Project Post

Before:

After:

New Project: #36 Opel Diplomat Superfast Transitional

Good evening folks! I'm waiting on decals for the Greyhound, so I thought I'd get the ol drill out and start on something else in the meantime. So I dug around in the junk drawer and found this gem of a car. I always thought these transitionals were cool pieces. They were made in a hurry in order to fight Hot Wheels, and I think they're fascinating.

Arriving at the workshop

I didn't notice until taking the pictures that the left A-pillar is snapped... My restoration skills aren't quite to that level yet, so until now I'm using a regular wheels Diplomat, and combining parts, mainly the body and hood. The hood on this one has a big dent. Someday I'll fix that one up as well.

It's interesting to note here that there is a bit of a shade difference between the two.

Touched up the old wheels using my trusty silver sharpie marker. They look brand new! 

Project Update: Lesney #25d Ford Cortina

Good evening folks. I know I just updated you on this project yesterday, but I've been working on it some more today. I've gotten the wheels sorted out, and the body has been primed. So let's get to the pictures!

 

Here's the body, primed in a self-etching primer, which chemically bonds the paint to the bare surface

I broke a couple of the wheels while removing them from the axles, but I got some donors from a tired Opel Diplomat. As you can see, I employed my ham fists once again drilling the base on the Opel...

I discovered this little gem of a Dremel attachment, for grinding down the small end of the axle. Works like a charm and the wheels just slide off. A drop of glue when they go back on, and you're set.

Here's the chassis reassembled, with the novel little steering mechanism in place. Luckily it was in perfect condition. 

So there we are! Nearing completion of this project. I haven't decided on color yet, but it will be another one of my "What If" cars, as in not an original Lesney color, but something that you could've imagined them making back in the day. I should have a final post on this project up soon! 

Like us on Facebook and Twitter

New Matchbox 9 Packs found!

So I just got back from Walmart and came across these. I haven't seen them before so I assume they're new. I left them both behind, don't collect those exclusive castings. They look pretty nice though! Has anybody else seen these?

Looks like we've got an Opel Frogster and a Batmobile. A pretty decent lineup I'd say. If you missed the Dodge A100, you've got another chance to get it. 

We haven't seen the Opel since way back in 2005! Even though it isn't something I really collect, it is nice to see Matchbox reusing some old castings. 

Here's the one Frogster that I have. 

Remember to like LA's Diecast Blog on Facebook!