Most car models are made of injected molded plastic. The quality of such kits is constantly improving, but this technology has its limitations. Most expensive multimedia kits turn to photo-etched components for detail parts with an accurate scale thickness, such as seatbelts, windshield wipers, and wire wheels.

If you are like me you may have a few older car kits with poor excuses for wire wheels in your stash, like the 1/32nd scale Matchbox 1934 Aston Martin Ulster. Many of these kits are reasonably accurate and in some cases are the only kits available of some fairly obscure automobiles. These kits are still easy to find on eBay, too, and many are cheap!

Herb Deeks comes to the rescue of these kits with an inexpensive photo etched conversion set scaled to fit 1/24th, 1/25th, and 1/32nd scale wheels. The set is simple and includes photo-etched inner and outer spoke sets, four spacers, four hub posts, four washers, and four axles. A set of four disc brakes is also included for some later cars such as the Jaguar XKE. The instructions are straightforward, and depict several alternative methods for inserting the photo-etched wires depending on the nature of the kit wheel/tire combination.

Conclusion

Any good model is the sum of its parts. Add a set of these wheels to that elderly 1/32nd Matchbox Auto Union kit that’s gathering dust on your shelf, and a good kit is that much better. Highly recommended!

The Herb Deeks wire wheel conversion set retails for $15, and it is available direct from Herb at the address below. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for his latest price list.

Herb Deeks Models
1516 E. Santa Ana Street
Anaheim, CA 92805