Diecast top removal

[justjon]

I just received a Maisto 2002 black Thunderbird in the mail (missing the drivers side mirror) that I bought on ebay.
but the question..
How do I remove the hardtop? or can you?
thanks, Jon

[FritsB]

Re: Diecast top removal

Top is not designed to come off Jon like with the Beanstalk models. I think it is fixed from the inside.
You will be able to take it off if you take car apart but then you will miss the boot cover.
Sorry to hear you miss that mirror. Did you check the box, sometimes they come off easy and are loose in the box.
I don't have one, otherwise I would send it to you.
Maybe another member has some spare parts

[Leroy]

Re: Diecast top removal

justjon, If yours is like mine, you put your thumb on one porthole and your fore finger on the other and squeeze inward and lift up. This releases two little plastic clips that fit into a small slot on each end of the boot, the front is two small plastic pins that drop into the sun visors. Mine at this time is still Black but the top I have on my car is Mountain Shadow Grey and one of these days I'm going to paint it to match. Hope this works for you. Leroy

[5bird7]

Re: Diecast top removal

Most of those 2002 models have those two pins that slide into the sun visors, melted into the visors so be real careful taking them off. I end up using an exacto knive to remove the melted plastic. They didn't melt much into the holes so they're usually easy to remove.

[Birdlover]

Re: Diecast top removal

Thanks Leroy!
I've had my diecast for five years and never figured out how to get the top off. I have the diecast because I never thought I would actually own a retro bird. With your instructions, I popped the top quickly. Now I can clean the interior.
Richard (Birdlover)

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Diecast top removal

Maisto has just re-released more of the 2002 Torch Red and Evening Black 1:18th Diecasts. If you get one in the "New packaging", the Blue and Silver, versus the the old package, Black, with Gold, They are glued/melted very well. Take your time and follow what Dot said above. It is do-able.

They are starting to show up on ebay now @ $24.95 plus $11.95 shipping.

I still have a number of Black ones(In the original marketing boxes). If you need one, PM me. It will be well worth your while, versus those current ebay prices.

[justjon]

Re: Diecast top removal

Voila!
off it came no damage! now do I paint out the red full accent or do I paint it into my real car/ and fritz, there is a built in tonneau/boot cover. There are not thunderbird wings on the package shelf. there also is a little box behind the arm rest in the center console, do I have one of those/ have to go look.

[FritsB]

Re: Diecast top removal

Voila!
fritz, there is a built in tonneau/boot cover.

I know, but I thought you were planning on leaving the top off. In that case you would be left with the mounting holes. If I am right the beanstalk cars have an extra cover to replace in that case.

Glad you got it off without damage. I never tried it that way, but now I know..

[5bird7]

Re: Diecast top removal

Not sure about the Beanstalk models myself but I do know that if one has one of the Maisto concept 1/18 scale models that came with the removeable hardtop separated from the model in the box, then an extra boot was included.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Diecast top removal

All of the Beanstalk cars come with a extra boot to use when the hard top is off and some of the early "Premier Edition" Maisto cars did as well.

If painting the seats was the real objective of this excercise, then it would have been easier (and less chance of breaking something) to remove the undercarraige/interior from the body with a small phillips screwdriver.

Leroy,

I might have one of the MSG hardtops from a Maisto car that I was using for other projects. If I can find it then you are welcome to it. I'll let you know.

If I can't find it and you want the factory finish on a hardtop to match your fullsize car then you should get one of the Maisto MSG cars for the top (they still come up periodically on eBay and their are probably hobby shops with them as well). You could probably sell the MSG with the black hardtop without much difficulty or donate it to a Toys for Tots program.

[luvbirdz]

Re: Diecast top removal

Most of those 2002 models have those two pins that slide into the sun visors, melted into the visors so be real careful taking them off. I end up using an exacto knive to remove the melted plastic. They didn't melt much into the holes so they're usually easy to remove.

Thanks for the tip, put my extra strong reading glasses on and now I have an easily removed top.
Now where do you get the scale model cart and cover

Martin

[Birdlover]

Re: Diecast top removal

Martin, I had the same idea. How am I going to store the top and keep it clean. I'm considering trying to fabricate my own stand, but not sure what I will use. Anybody got any suggestions?

[MATBird]

Re: Diecast top removal

Try a hobby or crafts store for a small plate holder or picture holder for the model HT - That should do to hold it. But keeping it clean??????

[SixPac]

Re: Diecast top removal

Coin holder works perfect.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Diecast top removal

I'll bet our two resident modelaire's (Frits & Dino) have already come up with something for this.