Giving old cars new life.

[watchticktock]

Hi,

I have a few older (70's) Scaley Minis and TR7's that I would like to bring up to date, somewhat, with current analog standards. I run my cars at home, so I have no restrictions.

The cars will all make it around my Sport track now, but being able to keep them on the track is proving to be an issue. The tires have dried, hardened, cracked. Motors sound like they did as a child, but I imagine I can do better. I took my cars to a hobby shop in Niagara Falls NY, a few years ago and was able to find some silicone tires that "fit". They help get around the track, but I think the outside diameter is too large as well as too wide. I was limited to what would fit the wheel diameter.

I am looking for something to bring the life back into my childhood toys. I didn't leave Scotland with much, so it's really just to complete a goal to have my toys GO! like they did when I was a kid.




Brian.

[chappy]

Great Plan Brian and I like your choice of cars.
For tires you may want to check the Paul Gage urethane tires out.
He has areal assortment , even those for vintage cars like you are talking about.
He is a very helpful chap and if you email him with your requirements I bet you will hear from him
with suggested fixes for new tires.
Best of luck
Bob

[watchticktock]

Cheers Bob!

I see you you're just along the 401, Oshawa area myself.


Brian.

[chrisguyw]

Hello Brian, There are lots of routes you can go with these cars, depending on how well you want them to run, and how much you would like to spend.

1/ On the low end (and apart from a good clean/oil), you could replace the pick up braid, and true/sand the tires you found in Niagara. You could also try to lightly sand the original rear tires, to see how far into the tire they have perished...if after a light sand they "come back", you are in luck. If they do come back, you can try rubbing a very small amount of 3 in 1 oil into the surface of the tire..

2/You could get new "repro" urethane tires from RSSLOTRACING.....these guys have the widest range of repro Scalextric tires by far. Paul Gage does not (as of yet) make a tire specifically for this car, but, he make make something with similar internal/external dimensions.

3/For a few more dollars, you could contact scalextric-car.co.uk......these folks specialize in original replacement parts for the vintage Scaley stuff. (you will be looking for parts for the Scaley C122......that is the model # of you minis).

4/On the top end, you could get into replacing bushings/wheels/tires etc. etc., with some more performance oriented bits, and while this option will certainly make a significant difference, it will be the most costly....likely more in fact than buying a "newish" C122 on the auction sites, and, it will certainly detract from the original cars' charm.....

If it were me, I would try to keep it as close to original as possible........I have a C122 with all the stock bits, that has been blueprinted...it runs like a champ!

If you need any more help/work done, next time you are in Toronto...drop by MiniGrid.

Cheers
Chris Walker

[watchticktock]

Thanks very much Chris for taking the time. I just googled MiniGrid, so I will make that trip soon and bring some of my older cars with me.

My intention with the cars is to make them run well, without detracting from the charm of them, so I think we're on the same page.

I wish I had known how to maintain all my cars a long time ago. I think this forum will be the best thing to happen to my collection.


Brian.

[chrisguyw]

Hi Brian, Please let me know when you are planning to drop by MiniGrid, and which location (miniGrid has 2) you are planning to visit.

I do help out at both locations on the weekends, but if you are planning a visit during the week, with a bit of lead time I can plan to drop by.

Cheers
Chris Walker

[nhdungeonracer]

[chrisguyw]

[watchticktock]

I am running two of the Scaley wall warts now, however an adjustable supply is the route I would prefer to go. The track is long, 3 kits and some loose finds over the years, so I know that the supply isn't the only work I have to do.

Here are a few more pics of childhood cars. These were all used when I got them, but I'm assuming from the 70's.



Missing screws, rear tires on the front of the TR7's, decals added, blah blah. They have all seen a lot of laps, but I think they deserve a lot more ;)


Brian.

[chappy]

Love them Brian, I have a few myself.
Paul Gage does ship free and tires are priced right.
They are a good tire with detail on bothnsides.
if you find his link on the forum here just click it and you will see what I mean.
If you cant find something , then an email will get him quickly, and he is from Canada so no custome etc to bother with.
We are not to, far apart are we .
Also a lot of clubs in your area too.
All the best
Bob

[watchticktock]

Thanks Bob, I have seen PG mentioned in almost every tire post, and Canadian is good! Another member here has graciously offered me some education on car maintenance this weekend, so I will reach out to PG after that. I'll replace what is needed, and keep the mods to tires and braids. Like you said before, it's part of the charm of these cars.


Brian.

[ourwayband]

Cool to see your vintage rides!
You will find new tires on these classic cars will really make them shine.Small investment for a large amount of fun..Replace the rears..Like you said,these cars have a charm all of their own..
Welcome the HRW..
Rusty

[TuscoTodd]

Those look like they will be a LOT of fun after the a little refresh!
Welcome to the forum! :D

[watchticktock]

Thanks Todd!


Brian.

[vins123]

Hi Brian
i have been looking on your car, they seems well made!
does all the rims from you car are the same?
if yes, on some you transfer some narrow to the front and large one to the back...
on your TR7 you had 4 larges rims the front one can be transfer to the back of the others, in that way you just upgrade the handling of your can without any modif... you had the chassis for that
Sylvain