Dinoco McQueen 12V Race Car

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 4:55 pm

This weeks Project- Flip a Jeff Gordon 12V race car into Dinoco McQueen. I still haven't seen this done but have heard people talk about it.
WE (WillyPwDad and I) are doing this project together. He had the custom decals made and I am doing the paint work. I think its going to be pretty cool!

I had no idea these little race cars were so tedious to take apart! I am kind of scared having to reassemble it after its painted. I am guessing this one will have to fully cure before that.

This morning I stripped it all down, and will sand everything and maybe paint a few parts to see where I am on paint. This is the first time I will paint with Rustoleum paint so I don't know how far it will go for coverage.

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 9:08 pm

Couple Parts

Back of seat and the rear fin

Top-- Not doing the eyes. There was no way since this car was predrilled for the windshield

Hood and Wheels

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 9:08 pm

Nothing is cleared yet, will do it in the morning.

goosemonster · Post by **goosemonster** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 9:09 pm

FREAKEN AWESOME!!!!

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Thu Jul 26, 2012 9:23 pm

Thanks, I forgot to mention... We have the original decal set coming from HobbyMasters, so the Goodyear stickers on the tires will get switched out with the Lightyear, and the head lights and tailights will be correct...

drew510 · Post by **drew510** » Fri Jul 27, 2012 9:30 am

Was that car brand new before you tore into it? It sure looked clean. Might be hard to find, but what about swapping eyes from a McQueen?

Willy'sPWDad · Post by **Willy'sPWDad** » Fri Jul 27, 2012 10:12 am

I actually like the idea of no ideas, makes it seem more like the car and less like a cartoon, but that's just me!

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Fri Jul 27, 2012 2:34 pm

drew510 wrote:Was that car brand new before you tore into it? It sure looked clean. Might be hard to find, but what about swapping eyes from a McQueen?

Pretty Much! barely had a mark on it. Just really dislike JG so couldn't resell it like that :lol: :lol: 8-)

I could do that but would need a donor mcqueen, and psycho people here think a used one is worth $230...

I am ok with no eyes. I think it would look bad on this model because of all the screw holes at the top that hold the windshield on that would not be covered up by the sticker

I didn't put eyes on my Francesco for the same reason, I am not super into the eyes, and I think without it makes it last a little longer for age. if that makes sense. can still be a big boy race car.

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Sat Jul 28, 2012 7:27 pm

Update- Got the decals on, and I must say....... Pretty Fricking Awesome! WillysPWdad came and helped with the decals since I was intimidated. :oops: :lol:

Here a shot with the tires and mock up...

Here is the top view

Other side

Chrome Air cleaner and valves

Everything still needs to be clear coated and then bake for a few days before assembly...

bruces_eviltwin · Post by **bruces_eviltwin** » Sat Jul 28, 2012 9:25 pm

my daughter wants it!

SAHDman · Post by **SAHDman** » Sat Jul 28, 2012 9:28 pm

That looks so awesome

wired · Post by **wired** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:52 am

Holy smokes Gwinney/PW!!! You guys are making one sweet ride-on. I hope you made more than one set of decals ........cuz I know people are wanting some right now. I've got a JG car right now that needs a resto. Ironic, but, it would be easier to make a blue Mcqueen out of the JG and my little one prefers the red Mcqueen! Keep the posts going. The car looks perfect!

madmaxdecals · Post by **madmaxdecals** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:20 pm

Very cool

chozian · Post by **chozian** » Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:55 pm

My son would love this. Thanks for posting.

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 12:29 am

I can't resist... I started assembly tonight. In The Dark. No one ever called me a genius.

SAHDman · Post by **SAHDman** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:01 am

Who did the graphics? They look really good. I'm thinking you might see a copy cat or two start showing up around here!

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:44 am

Well, WillysPWDad had the graphics made from a shop he had a connection with. I don't believe they would make another set for anywhere NEAR the price they did it for him. I know this concept has been talked about but has been elusive because of the cost of the decals and production of them. It will be interesting to see how this one sells, if the prospective buyer gets how tough it was to create and how rare. I can't wait till its done and I can get all the real pics of it because its way too cool! Even my husband said last night he wishes we didn't have to get rid of it, and he NEVER says that, lol

SAHDman · Post by **SAHDman** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 11:28 am

Yeah I would imagine the cost of the decals is crazy high. Especially if you still need to leave some room to make a little money on the flip. Can't wait to see the finished product

Willy'sPWDad · Post by **Willy'sPWDad** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 11:28 am

I know this has come up before but I really did call in ALL my favors on the graphics on this one, I even had to say it was for my kid. They would kill me if they knew I was selling it. I think gwinny is doing a great job (at least she keeps telling me) and this has been a lot of work on her part (also i keep getting told) but i think its going to be worth it in the end. I might be able to get the layout they printed from if that helps anyone out...but don't copy us LOL

P.S.
Just teasing you gwinny, I've gotta get my shots in somewhere ;)

gwinnythepooh wrote:Well, WillysPWDad had the graphics made from a shop he had a connection with. I don't believe they would make another set for anywhere NEAR the price they did it for him. I know this concept has been talked about but has been elusive because of the cost of the decals and production of them. It will be interesting to see how this one sells, if the prospective buyer gets how tough it was to create and how rare. I can't wait till its done and I can get all the real pics of it because its way too cool! Even my husband said last night he wishes we didn't have to get rid of it, and he NEVER says that, lol

drew510 · Post by **drew510** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 1:20 pm

But hasn't all the hard work been done now on the decals so that they now have the files, reproducing them should be easy, right?

Willy'sPWDad · Post by **Willy'sPWDad** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:37 pm

I see what files they have and make it available to anyone who wants it, i don't think it was the artwork that was the hard part, it was getting them printed and laser cut that I would imagine is expensive.

drew510 wrote:But hasn't all the hard work been done now on the decals so that they now have the files, reproducing them should be easy, right?

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:40 pm

Willy'sPWDad wrote: I think gwinny is doing a great job (at least she keeps telling me) PUNCH and this has been a lot of work on her part (also i keep getting told) PUNCH but i think its going to be worth it in the end

P.S.
Just teasing you gwinny, I've gotta get my shots in somewhere ;)

Haha. Aren't you mean. You know I have worked my tail off on this machine... still am. In 100 degree heat. How's your air conditioned office... Totally kidding :lol: :lol: :lol:

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:43 pm

drew510 wrote:But hasn't all the hard work been done now on the decals so that they now have the files, reproducing them should be easy, right?

I think the scary part will be the cost of all the decals because of the size and material that goes into it. All the words/numbers/bolts were all separate decals. I would love to make more of these because I think they are so incredibly cool, but I just don't know if the cost would weigh out, unless it was for my own kid. I don't set too much of a budget when its a keeper.

madmaxdecals · Post by **madmaxdecals** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:45 pm

Those would have easily ran into the 100's at a sign shop...most of the sign shops I worked for had a $25 minimum...but something like that with design time and materials you are easily over $100 dollars and maybe $200 especially if they used laminate

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:48 pm

yeah its the heavy duty vinyl. My husband said last night he really can't imagine this being driven, its too nice and it needs to be a show car

drew510 · Post by **drew510** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:49 pm

Ah, I get it, so those are layered vinyl, not printed vinyl. Yeah, I could see how that would cost a ton.

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 2:51 pm

No its full color printed vinyl, so the lightning bolt was one graphic, the dinoco was alone and the 95 was alone and I layered all those together. Then there were several other 95's and Dinoco's and then of course the hood. For the white bolts on the front fenders, I free handed those out of left over vinyl.

madmaxdecals · Post by **madmaxdecals** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 3:24 pm

Yeah...printing is slightly cheaper, but still very expensive...then it gets covered with laminate....they have to design it, make a cut contour, print it, laminate it, plot it out, weed it, sell it. It is pricey

Willy'sPWDad · Post by **Willy'sPWDad** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 3:35 pm

We did the weeding ;) and the masking, we are experienced vinylers!

madmaxdecals wrote:Yeah...printing is slightly cheaper, but still very expensive...then it gets covered with laminate....they have to design it, make a cut contour, print it, laminate it, plot it out, weed it, sell it. It is pricey

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 4:11 pm

And expert bubble poppers! LOL... Those bolts were big.

Its all finished, I just added a few hand paint details and I will get pictures in just a bit. It will be heartbreaking to part with.

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 6:13 pm

Inspiration:

And its complete!

DefensiveWound · Post by **DefensiveWound** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:22 pm

Freakin awesome! Clean build...like always!

SAHDman · Post by **SAHDman** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:45 pm

Very well done!

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:46 pm

Thank you. Its going to be soooo hard to part with. I just keep staring at it! lol

madmaxdecals · Post by **madmaxdecals** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:23 pm

Awesome job Gwinny. I still don't know how you get that paint so glossy....mine keeps getting that haze look even after several coats of clear.... :roll:

bruces_eviltwin · Post by **bruces_eviltwin** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:44 pm

that is the coolest power wheel never made! GREAT WORK!

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:57 pm

madmaxdecals wrote:Awesome job Gwinny. I still don't know how you get that paint so glossy....mine keeps getting that haze look even after several coats of clear.... :roll:

Well, a few new steps I've added that make a big difference... I wet sand between last coat of color, about 12-15 hours between, and lightly. Then last color shot goes on really smooth.
Then clear I switched to krylon.

I wet sand again after 15 hours and last coat of clear,

This one looks like it was painted with auto paint. It looks that good

I hesitate saying I wet sand because someone who is new may not know what they're doing and could really mess up...

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:59 pm

bruces_eviltwin wrote:that is the coolest power wheel never made! GREAT WORK!

Thank you, going to have to agree with you on that!

wired · Post by **wired** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 2:55 am

Gwinny you are a Genius.

landon · Post by **landon** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:35 am

:shock:
jaw, meet floor... floor, jaw.

SigEp · Post by **SigEp** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 11:43 am

Looks sweet. Now get that thing sold before one of your neighbor kids crashes it! :lol:

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:27 pm

I know! LOL... I don't let them ride them once they're painted. I had to have my kids drive it in the garage last night and they fought like cats and dogs and cried over who was going to do it.

I have 2 people interested so far, trying to come up with the money.... All my neighbors that walk by are just in awe at how awesome it is.

landon · Post by **landon** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:28 pm

gotta know... what's your asking price?

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:31 pm

Crazy, but I am only asking $285, because I want it gone. Its like giving a child up for adoption.. Its heart wrenching to look at it. I put so much of my heart in these things and it truly does bother me to get rid of them. Like if my house was on fire... priority would go get my real kids out, my computer, and then Mario and Francesco... lol

I know I could get more for it, esp in this market, but I don't want to sit on it even for a few weeks.

drew510 · Post by **drew510** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 12:50 pm

gwinnythepooh wrote:Crazy, but I am only asking $285, because I want it gone.

I think that is pretty reasonable. My Ducks Harley sold at auction for $350 and I was disappointed. With all the custom airbrushing that DW did, I figured it would go closer to $500. The black on that thing looked like you were looking deep into space. The Ducks Bigfoot went for $250, which is what I would have asked for the Beavers one had I sold it publicly. Both of those had extensive, but simple, decals.

gwinnythepooh wrote:..priority would go get my real kids out, my computer, and then Mario and Francesco... lol.

So, Gwinny, do you have FAKE kids, too?? :lol: ;)

Jeeps Downunder! · Post by **Jeeps Downunder!** » Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:56 am

That thing need's to be in Glass... :shock:

bruces_eviltwin · Post by **bruces_eviltwin** » Sat Aug 11, 2012 12:22 pm

hey thanks to the latest utube video of lightning mcqueen demand is up and so are prices id guess :D :D :twisted:

gwinnythepooh · Post by **gwinnythepooh** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 9:21 pm

Bittersweet day- Dinoco is sold. Sold for full price with 3 people in line behind buyer

madmaxdecals · Post by **madmaxdecals** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 9:02 am

Congratulations....and I'm sorry :)

landon · Post by **landon** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 9:05 am

Let me offer a sympathetic congratulations, as well.
With how good that looked I'm surprised Robert Iger himself didn't swoop in and buy it from you!