Modding the Hotwheels 1:18 KITT

[jim010]

I quite like the model Hotwheels put out, but it needs more. One of the first things that it needs is carpet. I used microfiber upholstery fabric. Works really well - way better than flocking, IMO.

Here is how it looks so far. The seat rails needed to be painted black, as did some trim - nothing big.

After this, seat belts, because even KITT had them. Then the box on the bottom will be removed and the LED circuit board repostioned for a cleaner look. Engine detailing with wires and decals, and the moded detail on the bottom of teh car will be redone. And teh black paint on the rear glass will be fixed.

Enjoy:

[jim010]

Carpets done.

Now I'll tackle the 'box' under the nose.

[jinkazama]

Hey man, you are a BRAVE guy pulling your hot wheels elite kitt apart to modify it like that[lol!].When do you think you can post pics of the finished product?Cheers![and good luck with it also!]

[DiggiDiDuck]

Nice to see, but why another thread for this
There is already a modding thread for the Hotwheels ELite KITT in this forum!!!

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18455" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Would be cool to have all modification together instead of spreading in hundred threads.

[jim010]

That member is doing a different project. Following 2 projects on the same thread woould be confusing.

Ask the mods to merge it then if 2 threads of 2 people doing different things bothers you.

Looking at the box under the nose, I see that I can get rid of it. The box was made to make room for the LED circuit chip, but if the chip is angled, then the box is no longer needed. I'll get on this tonight.

[jim010]

I have cut out the 'box' under the nose. The circuit board fits just fine. If it is angled 45 degrees, the LED lights will still line up and fit into the clear red plastic box for the scanner.

I will close up the hole in the underside and paint satin black.

This is alI will do for now. I will continue to detail the interior, followed by the exterior.

[jim010]

Here's a shot of the underside. You can see where the box was trimmed away and the circuit board inside.

I also removed the black paint on the rear glass. To do it properly, the glass would have to be painted flat black on the underside of the glass. Taking the clear plastic would likely wreck the plastic, though. I will need to use satin black paint and redo the paint on the outside, but much thinner than Hotwheels had it. I'll leave it as is for now. It looks much better this way.

And a final shot of the interior in the car. Center console will need some more modding at some point.

[DiggiDiDuck]

Good work!
I have also thought about removing the black frame of the trunk hatch and to slim the metal frame. You say it won't be possible to seperate the plastic from the frame - can you post any picture to show how both are fixed together?

Do you have any positive effect on the new scanner position and its light effect?
Thanks in advance

[jim010]

Good work!
I have also thought about removing the black frame of the trunk hatch and to slim the metal frame. You say it won't be possible to seperate the plastic from the frame - can you post any picture to show how both are fixed together?

Do you have any positive effect on the new scanner position and its light effect?
Thanks in advance

Thinning the metal frame could certainly be done, but it is hidden well enough when the hatch is closed. Be alot of filing down. Another option might be to see if the hatch from a Greelight Trans Am would fit. I doubt it, but you could get lucky. The clear plastic is so thin that I'd be afraid of the plastic getting bent or even ripped when trying to separate it from the metal frame. It is glued directly to the metal frame. Too risky in my opinion.

The scanner to me seemed to be just as bright as before, so no ill effects. I will line the inside of the red box with foil to brighten it up, though.

I did notice that one LED was not working, but it seemed to make little difference to the scanner effect. Also, the grill was mounted in backwards. Also had paint chips on the body side molding. Hotwheels needs to enforce their quality control better. Their Ferraris that I have bought don't seem to suffer issues like this.

I think I may trim away more of the plastic underneath there and make a chin spoiler like the Firebirds had there.

[KITTfan]

Great modifications! The rear window looks perfect now, what did you use to remove the black edge? I think there is thin metal frame around the window in real Trans-Am so yours look accurate.

[AppleMacri1980]

very brave you did that man....

[jim010]

I used my finger nail and a credit card to scrape off the paint without damaging the plastic.

The rear glass on the Firebird does not have a metal frame, just a thin band of blackout paint along the inside edges of the glass. Along the top, the band is thick and fades into the glass. Defrost lines are missing too. Maybe a Firebird owner can chime in?

The model comes apart quite easily, unlike some GMPs, Kyoshos or Autoarts.

I mod lots of my diecasts. These mods are pretty simple that most could do them. Especially the removal of that box under the nose.