Triang Duke restoration

[WH16]

I'm not sure if this is the right place, but 'scale models' seemed like the closest candidate.

With quite a gap from our youngest child and next oldest, we no longer have any of the 'big' toys they had, so rather than buy some future-landfill blow moulded plastic junk, I thought I would pick up a classic all-metal pedal car.

This is what I found, and in the process found many others which where significantly more expensive.



From some basic googling it is around 70 years old.

The plan is to make it look more like this...



At least in spirit, if not actual execution - rivet counters and purists stay away, it's just a bit of fun, not a full replica, and I wanted to get it done in a week of lunchtime naps (his, not mine), so I'm not going to obsess over details.

[WH16]

It's not complicated but a few pics of how it all works for when it goes back together.









So all in, a few pop rivets to drill out, and the larger pins on the steering I cut and pressed out as I want to fit bolts with some Teflon washers to smooth it out a bit.

[WH16]

Steering wheel wrapped. A bit trickier than handle bars or a squash racquet, but turned out ok given the small size.

[WH16]

And a first coat on the inside and outside. I didn't think it worth the time to rub back to bare metal, but it will have a light sanding between coats.

[Jo-say8k]

Cool project!
Will you be adding mudguards and exhaust?

[WH16]

Jo-say8k said:

Cool project!
Will you be adding mudguards and exhaust?

I'll probably not go that far initially, but if I have time to mock-up some parts for the 3D printer then maybe later (the boy will probably break them off anyway).

[Jo-say8k]

There goes the no claims discount

[WH16]

A couple more coats and some decals, plus a cheap ladies belt from Amazon.



And a few spare switches I had laying around plus some instrument stickers from eBay.

[WH16]

A bit of chrome paint for the wheels.



And a bit of chrome on the radiator shroud.

[Jo-say8k]

Looking good!

[WH16]

That'll do.

[Every day a journey]

That's kinda cute and loveable!

Nice work!

[Simpo Two]

Nice project, well done!

I'd just add on the headlights and supercharger.

[WH16]

Simpo Two said:

Nice project, well done!

I'd just add on the headlights and supercharger.

Yeah, if I get the time I might 3D print some more bits, but I didn't really want to turn it into a never-ending project.

[808 Estate]

Superb.