Replacing What Wasn't There, Part 2: Wheels
While I'm not quite ready to try my hand at real toy customization, I seem to have built up the confidence to work on accessories. If you missed part one of this exciting series, where I upgraded Cyborg's arsenal, you can find it by clicking here.
You may recall that I picked up a 1966 Hot Wheels Batcycle on clearance a few months ago. In my review, I predicted the $22 I paid wouldn't be the final word, and I was right. Some time passed, and I saw these marked down to $10. Actually, some were marked down to $10, while others beside them were $15 - sometimes I don't understand the Times Square Toys R Us.
I did the only rational thing I could think of: I bought another.
You may recall that I picked up a 1966 Hot Wheels Batcycle on clearance a few months ago. In my review, I predicted the $22 I paid wouldn't be the final word, and I was right. Some time passed, and I saw these marked down to $10. Actually, some were marked down to $10, while others beside them were $15 - sometimes I don't understand the Times Square Toys R Us.
I did the only rational thing I could think of: I bought another.
But, you may be wondering, who would need more than one Adam West-style Batcycle? Well, lots of people, I'm sure, but I'm not one of them. No, while I love displaying Batgirl on the classic Batcycle, I had something else in mind this time.
See, ever since I bought the Batcycle, I had this theory that the only real difference between the 1966 and modern versions is a coat of paint. The overall shape of the bike is just about perfect.
I stopped by Michaels, where I picked up some enamel paint, then I got to work. I covered up the white bits, as well as most of the black spots. I turned some of the bolts into buttons with a touch of red paint. As for the bat-symbol on the dashboard... I decided that was fine as it was. Let's face it: Bruce Wayne's still pretty big on branding.
I stopped by Michaels, where I picked up some enamel paint, then I got to work. I covered up the white bits, as well as most of the black spots. I turned some of the bolts into buttons with a touch of red paint. As for the bat-symbol on the dashboard... I decided that was fine as it was. Let's face it: Bruce Wayne's still pretty big on branding.
My hand is less than 100% steady, so there are a few spots that could be cleaner. Still, the overall effect is pretty much what I wanted.
I thought about adding some missiles on the sides. I even went so far as to buy a snap together model helicopter I could cannibalize. But the missiles were too small, and I wound up giving up. Not sure it needs them, anyway.
If I was really committed, I would have looked into replacing the handle bars with something more modern, but I didn't want to get carried away. It's not perfect, but I think this is passes for something Bruce would use to chase down the Joker.
Part of me wishes I'd picked up a third, so I could try to paint it red for Robin. The Times Square Toys R Us is out now, but who knows? With Christmas coming up, I half expect to see these show up online for even less. If so, and if I manage to cobble together something worthwhile, you can rest assured I'll do another write up in time.
Plenty more pictures below.
