Step1

The above picture of the Corgi 267 Batmobile. As you can see it came straight out of a scrap box for $1.50. We are going to restore this beauty back to its original condition. You will see quite a few pieces are missing or broken. This is no problem as replacement parts can be purchased from ToyTinker . In the following stages the pictures may be of a different model but don't worry this restoration project works for all models.

Step 2

The first step is to drill out the 6 rivets holding the base plate to the car. Use a 1/32" drill. Drill a pilot hole to a depth of 1/4".Next using a 3/32" drill open the holes to the new size at the same depth.

Step 3

Next use a 3/8" drill to countersink the tops off the rivets. Do not drill to deep in this operation just enough to take the top off the rivet.

Step 4

Now carefully remove the base plate. Study where all the parts are situated. Make notes or take a picture. In this picture you will see the front suspension arms are broken off. One piece by the front wheel at the top of the picture. The other at the back near the tow hook. Discard these they are of no further use.

Step 5

Now that the base has been removed you can remove the steering wheel, seating, dash board, wheels and broken suspension parts. The pointer is pointing to one of three rivets holding the rocket firing mechanism in place. This part also holds in place the windscreens, antenna , rocket tubes, rocket firing wheel, and the indicator horns. Note the chain cutter mech. at the front and the exhaust at the rear. Carefully countersink the tops off the three rivets holding the firing mech. frame.

Step 6

Now remove the rocket firing mech. frame, firing wheel, rocket tubes, what is left of the antenna and the windscreen.

Step 7

Next remove the exhaust and flame. Then remove the chain cutter. This is in five parts. The button that protrudes through the hood. The trigger mech. the trigger mech. spring. The chain cutter and chain cutter spring. Note the position these are set.

Now you can strip the paint from the body and base plate. To do this I use an all purpose paint and varnish remover. When using the stripper work in a well ventilated area and wear protective gloves. This stuff burns. You will find that the paint on the base plate comes off very easily. The body is a different matter normally you will have to use the paint remover twice or put the body in a metal tray completely cover and leave over night. When all the paint is off wash well with soapy water. You will find when washing the fumes are very strong try not to inhale better still wear a mask

Step 8

Now that all the paint has been removed and the parts are nice and clean we can make the repair to the front suspension. The parts that are broken off can be discarded trying to glue these back in place is not successful. In the following pictures you will see the model I am using is already painted so imagine it is unpainted.

To repair the front suspension we need to drill through the cross member. Use a 1/32" drill. Using the axle well as a guide drill through the cross member on both sides. Drill through at a slight angle. I do this by hand I find if you use an electric drill it is to fast and breaks the fine drill bit. In the picture I have used a piece of wire to show where to drill. The drill is much finer and hard to see in a picture.

Step 9

When the drilling is finished cut two pieces of 1/32" piano wire 2" long. Place the front axle in place then fit the wire through the holes and push through to the centre rivet holes. Make sure that the wires do not foul the rivet holes at the front. No glue is needed to hold these wires in position their own tension holds them in place. Paint the base before fixing permanent.

Now that the front suspension is fixed you can proceed with the painting. Clean the body and base with a fine wire wool. Now spray both with a grey undercoat. I use an ordinary car primer. When dry rub down gently with a fine wire wool. For the finishing coats I use a high gloss car spray paint and apply two to three coats leaving about 15 minuets between coats. Don't apply to much at one time to avoid runs in the paint. Now leave the car to dry for about 24 hours. Then you can start to reassemble.

Step 10

First we have to fit the indicator assembly to the new screen. Both these parts are new replacement parts so do need cleaning up by cutting off the mold flash.

Step 11

Next fit the screen into the body. You will find with the new screen it will fit perfect without any adjustment.

Step 12

Now fit the rocket tubes. Then fit the rocket firing wheel and antenna. All of these parts can be purchased separately

Step 13

Now fit the rocket firing mechanism and main frame. Make sure it is pressed home firmly over the three rivets. When in place apply a small amount of superglue to the three rivets this will hold the plate in place permanently. Also when the base plate is fitted this piece will be secured.

Step 14

Next fit the dash board, steering wheel, chain cutter release button (this piece fits through the hood). Then the chain cutter trigger spring.

Step 15

Next fit the chain cutter retaining lever over the button and spring. Hold in place with the thumb insert a piece of wire into the spring and pull back till the lever falls into place.

Step 16

Fit spring on chain cutter and fit into car. Fit exhaust and flame

Step 17

The above picture shows how to fit the exhaust on the later model the early model is slightly different as you will see in the next stages.

Step 18

This next part is tricky. Fit batman into the cockpit under the steering wheel.

Step 19

Now fit the seating. This is the tricky bit trying to get batman into his seat without disturbing the steering wheel and dash board. You can fit batman after the complete assembly but it is more difficult to get him into his seat correctly.

Step 20

Now fit the back axle into position. Note the cam in the centre of the axle.

Now fit the exhaust and pulsating flame. Make sure that the hole in the flame goes over the cam in the centre of the rear axle. Now fit the base plate back to the car. When doing this start from the front of the car pushing in the spring on the chain cutter.

Step 21

To secure the base plate you can use self tapping screws or a rivet. The rivets are a good fit in the 3/32" hole but are best secured with a drop of superglue. The self tapping screws are my favourite as the car is easily taken apart if needed

Well Done, You've finished!!

Now we have one fully restored BatMobile. Just one thing I forgot don't forget to fit the beacon cage. This little beauty is now worth allot more than $1-50