Matchbox car display....

[grabeb]

Have some of my old Matchbox and Hot wheel cars, been trying to decide what to do with them and how to possibly display them. I'm also trying to decide how to finish the bathroom area of my garage. The room is just over 3' wide and maybe 6' deep, so not much room for much to hang on walls if not flatter. While looking for display cases, an idea hit....

What about recessing a display in the walls between studs and then making a frame with glass or plexiglass and screwing the frame to the wall. Or I could hinge it, but might be nice to protect them more.

Has anyone done anything like this? Looking for ideas that might take it up a notch....

 

[kbuhagiar]

Have some of my old Matchbox and Hot wheel cars, been trying to decide what to do with them and how to possibly display them. I'm also trying to decide how to finish the bathroom area of my garage. The room is just over 3' wide and maybe 6' deep, so not much room for much to hang on walls if not flatter. While looking for display cases, an idea hit....

What about recessing a display in the walls between studs and then making a frame with glass or plexiglass and screwing the frame to the wall. Or I could hinge it, but might be nice to protect them more.

Has anyone done anything like this? Looking for ideas that might take it up a notch....

Slightly obsessed Matchbox collector here... I like your idea!

I really like these plexiglass display cases, I have twelve of them so far.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSVJBR8M?tag=atomicindus08-20

Turns out they're 13.5 inches wide; should fit nicely in between the studs.

 

[grabeb]

Those might work! But, I'm not so sure it isn't framed on 24" centers. The wall they'd go into is where my new garage ties into a 1920's garage.

 

[Uncle murph]

Have some of my old Matchbox and Hot wheel cars, been trying to decide what to do with them and how to possibly display them. I'm also trying to decide how to finish the bathroom area of my garage. The room is just over 3' wide and maybe 6' deep, so not much room for much to hang on walls if not flatter. While looking for display cases, an idea hit....

What about recessing a display in the walls between studs and then making a frame with glass or plexiglass and screwing the frame to the wall. Or I could hinge it, but might be nice to protect them more.

Has anyone done anything like this? Looking for ideas that might take it up a notch....

I collect the old made in England Matchboxes, I made my own cabinets specifically for my cars and mounted them right on the wall,they don’t take up much more space than a framed picture.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I think there's quite a few different commercially available cabinets for Matchbox or Hot Wheels size cars. I haven't priced them but I wouldn't be surprised if it's cheaper to buy one than it is to make one. If you do decide to DIY it, checking out the various commercially available ones will give you good ideas on how to build it.

 

[BobnCO]

… I wouldn't be surprised if it's cheaper to buy one than it is to make one.

Most things are after I’m done!!

 

[Jazz1]

I was expecting to see some of the factory store display units from eons ago

 

[kbuhagiar]

I was expecting to see some of the factory store display units from eons ago

In his first post OP expressed a preference to build the display into the wall, between the studs.
Otherwise vintage store displays would have been my suggestion. I have a few of those also.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

You will loose some insulation (including sound) and possibly some fire resistance by recessing them between the studs if that matters.

 

[rcktpwrd]

I have a bunch of display cases mounted to the wall that are made of plexi/acrylic with mirrored backs similar to this

Amazon.com: Clear Acrylic Display Case for 1:24 Scale Diecast Toy Model Cars Hot Wheels Storage Showcase, 98% UV Protection, 4mm Thick Acrylic 24 Compartments, : Toys & Games

Buy Clear Acrylic Display Case for 1:24 Scale Diecast Toy Model Cars Hot Wheels Storage Showcase, 98% UV Protection, 4mm Thick Acrylic 24 Compartments,: Display Cases - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I have had them for many years, got most of them in Carlisle at the swap meet, I have them Matchbox size, 1:24 and 1:18 size.

 

[Bob Peach]

These work well. Made a pile of them with a friend in the plastic biz. Also have a bunch for 1/24

 

[grabeb]

You will loose some insulation (including sound) and possibly some fire resistance by recessing them between the studs if that matters.

Detached garage and I'm thinking a shared wall between old and new garage.

 

[grabeb]

I have a bunch of display cases mounted to the wall that are made of plexi/acrylic with mirrored backs similar to this

Amazon.com: Clear Acrylic Display Case for 1:24 Scale Diecast Toy Model Cars Hot Wheels Storage Showcase, 98% UV Protection, 4mm Thick Acrylic 24 Compartments, : Toys & Games

Buy Clear Acrylic Display Case for 1:24 Scale Diecast Toy Model Cars Hot Wheels Storage Showcase, 98% UV Protection, 4mm Thick Acrylic 24 Compartments,: Display Cases - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I have had them for many years, got most of them in Carlisle at the swap meet, I have them Matchbox size, 1:24 and 1:18 size.

I like the mirror idea! I'm still in the thinking phase....

 

[Stuart in MN]

In his first post OP expressed a preference to build the display into the wall, between the studs.
Otherwise vintage store displays would have been my suggestion. I have a few of those also.

That round one with the older style typeface would work well for my cars, they're all older than about 1968.

 

[grabeb]

That round one with the older style typeface would work well for my cars, they're all older than about 1968.

Those were super cool. Just running out of space to display stuff like that. I have an old racecar storage box that's pretty cool, but it would hide the cars.

 

[grabeb]

I also realized I have a number that are still in the packages, so I'll have to work those in as well.

 

[mikedodge]

These work well. Made a pile of them with a friend in the plastic biz. Also have a bunch for 1/24

I first saw that type of display at a friend's place. Super cool.

 

[Smilodon]

Love that round Matchbox display. Hot Wheels (most of what I have) were always sold in bubble packs on racks, so few of those types of displays exist that are themed for them. All my old childhood ones (including original set) are stored in a box and probably will never be displayed again. Kind of sad, but I've got plenty of other "treasures" cluttering things up, so can't really justify it. I clearly remember buying my first Hot Wheels (a radiator green Camaro from the original set) when I was 7.

Just as an aside, I've seen folks use old type drawers to display Matchbox/Hot Wheels sized diecasts. Get a nice patina look and made very solidly to hold lead type. That said, the last time I saw any for sell, they were valuable antiques and priced accordingly. Kind of like old Hot Wheels!

 

[PWC Repair]

I thought grilles were the only way to display them??

 

[grabeb]

I thought grilles were the only way to display them??

That is pretty slick! I do have a 2000's Chevy Grill hanging up on the wall.

 

[niget2002]

I like the recessed into the wall idea. Be sure and use clear shelves and put a light at the top. Just a few short led strips for a slight glow, not a "blind you" bright.

 

[grabeb]

I like the recessed into the wall idea. Be sure and use clear shelves and put a light at the top. Just a few short led strips for a slight glow, not a "blind you" bright.

I'll look into some strip lights, they tend to be a soft glow. Maybe a mirror behind. Then the question begs, glass or plexi shelves? I've been wrapping the upper parts of my walls with old cedar fence boards, so was thinking maybe thin cedar strips for the shelves, but maybe the glass would be better...

I agree they need to be visible and back lit, but I need to keep a consistent vibe.

A friend built a little Bourbon bar out of an old plastic shed and he has been adding some pretty cool ambient lighting for his shelves. I'll see what he's been going with. Here is his bottle display. BTW....It's a great place to go drink bourbon!!

 

[niget2002]

I'll look into some strip lights, they tend to be a soft glow. Maybe a mirror behind. Then the question begs, glass or plexi shelves? I've been wrapping the upper parts of my walls with old cedar fence boards, so was thinking maybe thin cedar strips for the shelves, but maybe the glass would be better...

I agree they need to be visible and back lit, but I need to keep a consistent vibe.

A friend built a little Bourbon bar out of an old plastic shed and he has been adding some pretty cool ambient lighting for his shelves. I'll see what he's been going with. Here is his bottle display. BTW....It's a great place to go drink bourbon!!

Plexi would be fine. Glass would be fancy.

 

[WisJim]

My grandson is collecting Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars now. He started out with anything he found and is now focusing on still in the package older ones. We made a display area with pegboard in a thrift store bookcase and he's running out of room already. Looks like he has hundreds of them unopened and many more that he plays with.

 

[grabeb]

So, getting closer to my start my display. Here is what I'm currently thinking/debating on. May start the build out this weekend.

I've been wrapping the upper parts of garage walls, above the wainscot level, with old cedar fence boards. I wire brush and cut to length or width, but the age is very apparent on the boards. The wainscot portion is going to be metal barn tin in red. In the area between garages, 3' deep 'breezeway' (enclosed) , I think I think I'm going to plane the cedar down to 1/2" to give a cleaner appearance to the boards. They will still have a distressed look due to the age, but it takes off the greying. I might apply a finish to protect that look.

In any case, I have about 20-24" on either side of the doorway combining the two garages, so I'm thinking I will build a false wall in front of existing wall and build my display into that. This way I don't have to tear off the old siding or worry about a nail from hanging stuff on flip side coming through. Or worry about any electrical in that wall. One side of this false wall is cabinets, the other is the doorway to my bathroom, so basically dealing with about 7-8' of wall space with a door splitting it.

I'll try to find a mirror to put at the back and I'll get tape LED lights to wrap the back edge. I'm thinking that will light things up pretty nicely? My debate is the shelves. The framework will be wrapped in old cedar milled to clean it up. Thinking plexi won't look great for long, so was thinking glass, then thought maybe acrylic lexan or something of the sort. My wife might be able to get and have cut to size for me with their lazer. But I'm also really thinking maybe I just run with the old cedar and plane to about 1/2" or maybe 3/8" and use that for the shelves??? If it's back lit on the sides with a mirror behind, wouldn't that still stand out? Then do I slightly slant the shelves so the tops of the cars are more visible as well?? Just looking for some feedback. I'll post pics when I start going.....

Hoping it turns out pretty cool....

 

[rcktpwrd]

I would go with plexi/lexan for the shelves so you can see the models from all sides and to allow the light through. I would also make the shelves flat/level otherwise the models will roll

 

[rcktpwrd]

Here's what mine look like

These three cases are three different scales, left one is matchbox size, middle is 1:18 and right is 1:24ish



these two are 1:24

 

[onewheat]

There are a lot of ways to display 1/64 cars. You mentioned displaying carded cars. I am assuming you have loose ones too. How many are we talking about? I have about 750 of them on the wall leading up to our bar. I tend to open everything, so this suits me, but there are MANY ways to do it. These are mirror-backed acrylic angle displays from Carney Plastics.

 

[doorman29]

I really like your recessed between the studs idea. Similar to how I handled a spice rack situation. Attached are some photos of my displays, both custom and store bought. I don't think they will be helpful in your situation but may spark an idea for folks. The big wooden case I built and holds 169 cars. Similar to the wooden cassette/video holders from the early 90's in design. The shorter shelves are "custom" that are adjustable by moving wooden dowels. The black plastic cases are sold by Hot Wheels. The lighted garage displays are available on Amazon. I tried to keep the display as "tasteful" as possible being that it's in my living room lol. Needless to say the wife is pretty awesome.