Windows

34-glass

Windows

The windows above are from Hot Wheels 3-Window ’34s. You’ll notice that the windows differ in tint color; clear, pink and yellow.  You can see that you can alter the look of your custom simply by using different colored glass. Which is a good reason to pick up several extras of the current hot castings… windows and interiors change over time and you may desire a blue tinted window when all of the ’70 Chevelles currently shipping are using smoke tinted, for example. film-spray

This product from Testors allows you to alter the tint color with a smoke-hued spray on finish. Needless to say, it works best on clear windows. Follow the instructions and be careful to avoid getting the spray on the outside of the window. Another idea might be to mask the outside of your window and spray the inside with flat black paint. The result is a limo-tint look. But it’s more than a “tint,” of course, it’s a solid blackout. It looks great for some applications. Cutting Window GlassIn the case of most diecast, the windows are not really glass, but a type of clear plastic. As a result, they can be cut & trimmed with just a bit of caution and care. The rotary tool (or Dremel, if you prefer) will make quick work of the task but sometimes the speed of the tool will melt more plastic then it cuts.  The preferred method is slow hand cutting. As seen in the photo below  mask off the glass on both sides of the cut line, like so:

window-masked

This window glass is from the First Edition ’32 Ford. The body has had the roof removed, so only the upright, front windshield section is needed. Using the jeweler’s saw, begin the cut. The tape mask will help avoid scratching the windshield should the saw blade slip out of place. Even by hand the process is rather quick and here is the windshield being cut:

window-cutting

and the rough look after cutting:

window-cut-rough

You’ll notice the rough edge where the cut was made. To smooth that out I carefully trim with a sharp X-Acto knife and here’s the final product:

window-final-smooth

Once you’ve cleaned up the window glass you can use some 1500 or 2000 grit sandpaper and wet-sand the edge into a very smooth surface. Or, if satisfied, leave it as is. Color choices, and sometimes modifications, can often make a real difference in the way your custom looks!  

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