1/64 - The Custom Hot Wheels Community

In the world of aftermarket modification, the possibilities of how one can build and customize their car is seemingly limitless. From custom rims to engine parts, paint jobs, stereos to even custom fabrication for the more seasoned customizers – every part of a car can be made to be unique. But one drawback to all of this is that it can end up being quite expensive as the parts add up, leaving many projects stuck in limbo and in some cases completely abandoned. But what happens if you scale down the car you’re working on?

 

That’s is where I came across Instagram user and Sacramento CA native Pablo.Diecasto916 and discovered a new world of modification. His work was unique, and the detail on each of his projects was immense, from two-tone paint and custom wheels to incorporating LED lights on one of his recent builds. There are awards and conventions for this unique hobby as well. With my interest peaked,  I reached out and had a conversation with Pablo.Diecasto916 about what it’s like turning a mass-produced Hot Wheels toy into a one-of-a-kind collectible that can’t be found on store shelves. I asked about what got him into it and just what it’s like working on his projects with a little Q and A. Here’s what he told me:  

 

 

 

QUICKLAP: Tell me more about what you do. What got you into HotWheels customization? How long have you been customizing?

 

Pablo.Diecast916: I started customizing hot wheels 6 months ago. I joined a few Facebook HotWheels groups and seen people were making HotWheels super realistic and customized. I came from collecting Funko Pops and also customizing those as well.

 

QL: Where do you get your inspiration from and how do you come across the various materials (wheels, bodies, etc) for your projects?

 

P.D.: I attracted the attention of a customizing group and was asked to join their crew. There are about 20 of us who customize and talk shop on a daily basis. We teach and help each other. Kind of like a real garage. I get my paint materials from Michaels craft store and Walmart.

 

QL: Do you do this as more of a hobby or do you customize for clients by request?

 

P.D.: Right now, I make customs for myself. I’ve given a few customs out to friends as (R.A.O.K.) random acts of kindness. I'm enjoying the craft so I don't want to jump right into commissions. Some people do and end up getting burned out and forgetting why they make customs.

 

QL: How long on average does it take to complete a project?

 

P.D.: Most customs can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a day. It all depends on whether you’re doing a simple wheel swap to a complete custom. By complete custom I mean stripping the original paint, primer and adding new paint and wheels.

 

QL: Do you plan on doing models like this on a larger scale (1:24, 1:18, etc.) or do you plan on sticking to HotWheels? What’s your favorite car to customize and why?

 

D.P.: I plan to stick to hot wheels. There are a lot of different castings to choose from so there’s always something new to customize. My favorite cars to customize are Volkswagens. They’re cool and you've got a lot of options to work with.

 

QL: Are there competitions for what you do? If so, can you tell me more about them?

 

D.P.: I've heard of competitions at car shows and car meets. I myself haven't entered into any competitions. I'm doing this for the fun and fellowship with friends. Any time I'm approached about how to customize I help in any way I can. I've met a lot of great people in the Hot Wheels community.

 

QL: That sounds awesome. It’s cool that there’s this community you can work with and talk to. Do you pick up your cars new in packaging or do you ever, say, go to yard sales or flea markets and get them that way?

 

D.P.: I usually buy them new or if I can find a reasonable deal in the fb group I'll buy from members. I've got a wife and four kids so I don't usually have time to hit yard sales or the flea market. They are solid spots to find great deals though.

 

QL: Are you teaching your kids the ropes of working on Hot Wheels customization? Do they spend time with you as your work or help out?

 

D.P: My oldest is ten and she's into just about everything I'm into. I usually give her hot wheels she can paint the way she likes. My youngest daughter is 3 and she likes watching me work on customs, but my boys prefer to play with the cars rather than work on them.

 

QL: Hah. Of course they do. It’s nice to hear that they all take interest in your work in one way or another. Do you take your family to car meets when you have the time?

 

D.P: I haven't been to any car meets unfortunately. They’re trying to get some planned in the future for the fb group. For now, I meet up with a couple members from my club and go hunting for cars. Sometimes you have to hit 2-5 stores to find the cars you want.

 

QL: What stores have been considered a “gold mine” while on that hunt?

 

D.P: For me it's been grocery stores like Safeway and Bel Air, Walmart and Target are hit and miss.

 

QL: Awesome. I also noticed that one of your models had LED lighting details. Is that common in your projects or is that something you do once in a while? I imagine that might take a bit of extra work to get it to function properly.

 

D.P: That was the first time running lights. I plan on doing more with lights. You guessed right, it does take longer to get the lights just right and not all castings and fit a led setup.

 

So, a snapshot of a toy that was an integral part of my childhood growing up, and how it has evolved this unique subculture that collects and customizes them. It's nice to know that in a world full of handhelds and virtual reality, there are still people who enjoys this sort of hobby, and create some amazing things by combining creativity with a little elbow grease. You can follow Pablo’s work on his Instagram