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People throw away the best stuff. Take this gem of a find: a Power Wheelz Harley Deluxe in perfect working order, aside from a fizzled battery and a missing charger. My kids were delighted as soon as they saw it, but I'd already started making plans for it! For one thing, I needed to get it running again. But more difficult would be restoring its looks to some semblance of its former glory - lots of chrome and sparkle paint mainly.
Some sanding and a few cans of spray paint later, this is the result: a badass hog that anyone would be proud to own!
Some sanding and a few cans of spray paint later, this is the result: a badass hog that anyone would be proud to own!
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Signing UpStep 1Find Something to Paint
A few years ago I wrote an Instructable on how to renew old children's toys. I suppose a lot of the methods used there are similar to what I'm doing here. Namely, find something cheap, clean it, mask it, and paint it. I'll go into some specifics here, focusing on ride-on toys like the Harley.
As I said in the previous step, I found this little gem in the trash on garbage day. It's likely someone else would have picked it up if I hadn't gotten there first - there are guys who drive around in pickup trucks scooping up anything of value before the garbage trucks arrive. So, definitely a lucky find! Keep your eyes peeled.
If you're having trouble finding anything of value, check out Kijiji or craigslist for something good. Remember, the appearance can be dirty and faded. All that matters is that the plastic shell is intact and the electronics aren't fried. You can probably find something used for less than 50 bucks.
Speaking of electronics, they're pretty simple. the Harley's electronics consisted of a 3x3 inch board stuffed with relays. If the electronics don't work, you should be able to fix them without too much effort. I needed to replace the battery on the Harley, which tends to cost between $35- $50 for a new battery. eBay is the best place for them. I also picked up a new charger at the same time.
As I said in the previous step, I found this little gem in the trash on garbage day. It's likely someone else would have picked it up if I hadn't gotten there first - there are guys who drive around in pickup trucks scooping up anything of value before the garbage trucks arrive. So, definitely a lucky find! Keep your eyes peeled.
If you're having trouble finding anything of value, check out Kijiji or craigslist for something good. Remember, the appearance can be dirty and faded. All that matters is that the plastic shell is intact and the electronics aren't fried. You can probably find something used for less than 50 bucks.
Speaking of electronics, they're pretty simple. the Harley's electronics consisted of a 3x3 inch board stuffed with relays. If the electronics don't work, you should be able to fix them without too much effort. I needed to replace the battery on the Harley, which tends to cost between $35- $50 for a new battery. eBay is the best place for them. I also picked up a new charger at the same time.
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And here's how to do it! Awesome!
Pics attached, more as I go!
Jeff, that's an incredible job. What lucky kids! If I were to take on a project like that, I think I'd be too afraid that if I weren't able to restore the toy to working order, then my young kids would never let me live it down. ;)
I can't say I know much about painting, but can you tell me the benefits of wet-sanding vs dry, and when it's appropriate? Thanks!
If you're concerned about putting something together again, you could either take lots of photos as you take it apart, or mask everything carefully and paint it without removing any parts.
Wet sanding is useful for sanding surfaces that would quickly clog the fine grit sandpaper, specifically plastic, metal and other waterproof surfaces. The water acts as a lubricant, preventing the sandpaper from clogging.
Your kids are the luckiest!