Hello again and here is another model I have restored which came from the Toy Collector Series in Trade. This is the Dinky Shell BP Austin Van in original Green and Red. Very striking as you will see in the photos.
Produced from 1954 until 1959 it came with Yellow and Black Decals and a Yellow Box. This casting was also used for the 471 Nestle\'s Van and the 472 Raleigh Cycles Van.
Here is the model as I received it.

Someone was working on this at one time. The tires were masked and were they a mess underneath. Here is the van disassembled.

Next is stripping the paint off and glass bead blasting of the body. I soak the base in vinegar to remove the rust and old paint. Hubs are also stripped and then painted by hand.

Next is the first coat of paint, Green. I don\'t seem to have pictures of the masking etc so must have gotten ahead of my self.

Finally, we have the finished Van.

Thanks for looking. Jim

awesome... got a red Austin Van like this in dire need of a restore. Tires needed too

This has always been a very attractive Dinky model and I think quite rare.  You have done a great job as usual.  You do a very good colour match as well.  One thing I find very difficult so I usually avoid trying to get back to original colours.

I am keen to know more about the glass bead blasting you mention.  It is a bit of equipment.  I assume it is like sand blasting to get a good finish on the model.

You get a nice shine.  Do you use a clear coat to finish?

I think the finished restored models can end up looking crisper than an original.  If you cant afford the real good quality originals well restored models seem like a good alternative. It would certainly display well. There must be a reasonable demand for these from what you say in your posts. 

Diecastdesigns wrote:
...  You do a very good colour match as well.  One thing I find very difficult so I usually avoid trying to get back to original colours.

I am keen to know more about the glass bead blasting you mention.  It is a bit of equipment.  I assume it is like sand blasting to get a good finish on the model.

You get a nice shine.  Do you use a clear coat to finish?

...
The color is matched by computer by one of my suppliers in the UK. As close to original as they can get.
The paint comes out finished gloss so no need to coat with clear. These are for display not Play. If I know they are for play then I would give them about 3 coats of a semi-gloss as I feel gloss is too shiny.
The bead blaster is a self contained bench cabinet, with air feed to a gun inside. There are gloves attached to the inside to protect you while blasting. There is an inlet and outlet for air pressure and a light and clear plexi lid with clear plastic sheet inside you can replace when it gets to hazy. I use about 50 to 70 pounds air pressure and the glass bead I have been using is 000. I am going to get something a little larger, 00 or 0 next time as the fine grade breaks down quite quickly and becomes dust. I have attached a photo of it while it was still in my basement hobby room. It is now out in the garage where I don\'t mind the mess and dust. LOL
Jim

I use a grinder with a metal brush. Gets most of the paint off quickly, but doesn\'t do fenders very well. But then, I don\'t sell them on.

I guess you did not notice the brass wire brush in the drill press. I usually use it for base plates to take what paint remains after the vinegar bath. I used to use it on castings but found it scratched them too much. Expensive to set up but I prefer the Blast Cabinet.

no worries mate, already discussing with Dad to make something similar. It\'ll give the ol\'man something to think thru as he\'s the engineering genius.

I will be keeping my eye open for one of these bead blasting cabinets.  Looks like they are worthwhile if you pursue this hobby seriously.  Cost though will determine ultimate purchase.

Do you use ordinary vinegar to soak the baseplates and how diluted is it.  How long do you soak the plates in the bath to get a reaction? The brass brush on the drill press is a good idea, thanks.