Customer Reviews

How to Restore Classic Toy Cars, Trucks, Tractors, and Airplanes

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This book basically says "sandblast the rust and then buy the missing parts". At best, it is a book about renovation not restoration. "The hubcaps 'appeared to be chrome' so we re-chromed them" is not a restoration statement but that of a hack. There is nothing on research (color matching, decals, creating missing parts, and so forth) and his examples are an endless repetition of the same theme of sandblasting . . . blah blah blah. He can't even tell you how to restore a serious dent or bend in the metal. The author does not seem to be a restoration expert but a writer about restoration. There is padding in the form of photographs of collectors. Tin plate models are really not covered in any depth yet these are the most difficult to restore. The list of suppliers of parts is pathetic. Don't waste your money. It is not even worth a 1 star rating.

If this book is supposed to be a how-to book as its title states, it falls very short. I couldn't find anything of use for me, since I want to restore much more delicate models, than those shown. Even the things the author talks about do not really explain how to do anything.

I should have paid attention to the first reviewer.

This book is terrible! All the author talks about is sand-blast, then throw a coat of paint on it. Doesn't talk about how to restore a product to like new condition. Absolutely no body work is shown, uses tools incorrectly, etc. Even the pictures in the book show pitting after completed paint jobs and other incorrect techniques.

I am SO disappointed in this book. I should have listened to the other two reviewers who gave similar reviews.

This is mainly for American Toys (which is fine), but, I was hoping for some Japanese toys also. But, still a good resource. Thanks.