Want to give your favorite 1/64 diecast car a custom look? Swapping the factory wheels for aftermarket wheels is one of the most popular ways to upgrade a diecast model. Whether you're customizing Hot Wheels, Tomica, Siku, or other 1/64 scale cars, the right set of wheels can completely transform the appearance of your build.
If this is your first time changing diecast wheels, don't worry. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process, from opening the car and removing the original axles to assembling your new wheels and putting the car back together.
Before you start: Different diecast models may have different base designs, axle structures, and wheel clearances. The exact steps can vary depending on the casting, so take your time and check the fit as you work.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Prepare the following tools and parts before starting your wheel swap:
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4 aftermarket wheels
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2 axles
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4 axle pins
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Super glue or suitable hobby adhesive
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A drill and an appropriately sized drill bit
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Side cutters or small cutting pliers
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A small flathead screwdriver or pointed awl
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A precision tool for adjusting small parts
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Safety glasses and a stable work surface
If your wheel set includes brake discs, prepare those as well. Some aftermarket wheel sets have separate components that need to be positioned and secured during assembly.
Important: Check the product listing before ordering. Wheel diameter, axle length, and available clearance can affect compatibility with your specific diecast car.
Step 1: Open the Diecast Car
Most diecast cars are secured by rivets connecting the body to the base.
Place the car upside down on a stable work surface. Using a drill with a suitable bit, carefully drill into the center of the rivet heads on the underside of the car. Remove only enough material to release the body from the base.
Once the rivets have been sufficiently drilled out, gently separate the body and chassis. Avoid applying excessive force, as this may damage the paint, body, or mounting points.
Next, remove the interior and window assembly if necessary, and set these parts aside somewhere safe.
Tip: Work slowly and keep the drill aligned with the center of each rivet. Wear eye protection and keep loose parts away from the drill.
Step 2: Remove the Original Wheels and Axles
With the car disassembled, you can now access the factory wheels and axles.
The removal method depends on the construction of the chassis:
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For axles that can be cut: You can carefully bend the axle slightly and use side cutters to remove it, as long as this does not damage the chassis.
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If you want to keep the original wheels: Carefully release any retaining tabs with a small screwdriver or pointed awl, where the design allows.
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For metal bases: The retaining tabs may be harder to bend. Some designs may require additional work to release the original axle assembly.
Take care not to damage the axle mounting points. You'll need a secure mounting area when installing the new wheels.
Once the original wheels and axles are removed, clean the chassis and check the available space before moving on.
Step 3: Prepare the New Wheels and Axles
Now it's time to assemble your aftermarket wheel set.
For the four-wheel setup shown in this guide, prepare:
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4 wheels
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2 axles
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4 axle pins
Before applying any glue, check that the parts fit together correctly. Make sure the wheels can sit at the intended positions and that the axle assembly will fit within the chassis.
Apply a small amount of super glue to the pin-retaining area on one side of each axle. Insert one pin into each axle, leaving the opposite side open for the next step.
Important: Use only a small amount of adhesive. Excess glue may interfere with the fit or prevent the wheel assembly from moving freely where movement is intended. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's safety and curing instructions.
Step 4: Install the Wheels on the Axles
Once the glued pins have dried sufficiently, assemble the wheels onto the axles.
Slide the wheels into position carefully, checking that each wheel sits straight and securely. Avoid forcing the parts together, as small pins and wheel components can be delicate.
Next, apply a small amount of glue to the remaining pins and install them on the opposite sides of the axles.
Check the alignment of all four wheels before the adhesive sets. The wheels should sit evenly, with enough clearance to avoid rubbing against the chassis or body.
If a wheel feels too tight or sits at an angle, correct its position before the glue fully cures.
Step 5: Install and Align the Brake Discs (If Included)
This step applies only to wheel sets that include separate brake discs.
Position the brake discs behind the wheels and make sure they face the same direction on both sides of the axle. Consistent orientation helps create a more realistic appearance when the car is assembled.
Once the discs are aligned, apply a small amount of glue at the connection between each brake disc and axle, following the design of your wheel set.
Double-check the orientation before the glue dries. Small details such as brake disc alignment can make a noticeable difference in the finished model.
If your wheel set does not include brake discs, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Test the Fit and Secure the Axles to the Chassis
Before permanently securing the axles, place the assembled wheel sets against the chassis and check the ride height.
This is one of the most important steps in a successful 1/64 diecast wheel swap.
Check the following:
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Ride height: The car should sit at a balanced and realistic height.
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Wheel alignment: The wheels should look straight when viewed from the front and rear.
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Body clearance: The tires should not rub against the fenders or chassis.
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Axle position: Both axles should sit evenly and securely in their mounting locations.
Once you're happy with the fit, use a suitable adhesive to secure the axles in place. Make any final adjustments before the glue sets.
Leave the assembly to cure for a couple of hours, or longer if required by the adhesive manufacturer's instructions. Avoid moving the axles while the glue is curing.
Pro tip: Test-fit everything before applying glue. It is much easier to correct the ride height and wheel position before the axles are permanently fixed.
Step 7: Reassemble Your Diecast Car
Once the adhesive has fully cured, reinstall the interior and window assembly if you removed them earlier.
Carefully align the body with the chassis and press the two parts back together. On designs that use snap-fit mounting points, the body should click back into place when correctly aligned. If your model originally used rivets, you may need an appropriate alternative fastening method to secure the body.
Finally, inspect your finished build:
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Are all four wheels aligned?
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Is the ride height even?
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Do the tires clear the body and chassis?
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Are the brake discs facing the correct direction, if included?
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Is the body securely attached to the base?
Take a moment to admire your work. You've transformed the look of your diecast car with a custom wheel setup!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing the wrong wheel size
Not every aftermarket wheel fits every 1/64 car. Check the wheel diameter and other dimensions stated in the product title or listing before placing your order.
2. Using too much glue
Excess adhesive can make precise assembly difficult and may affect wheel movement. Apply small amounts and allow sufficient curing time.
3. Skipping the ride-height check
Even a good-looking wheel set can sit incorrectly if the axles are mounted too high, too low, or unevenly. Always test-fit the assembly before gluing it permanently.
4. Forgetting brake disc orientation
If your set includes brake discs, check that both sides face the intended direction before securing them.
5. Rushing the reassembly
Reassembling the car before the glue has fully cured can shift the axles and affect wheel alignment. Be patient and let the adhesive set properly.
Find the Right 1/64 Custom Wheels for Your Build
A wheel swap is a simple way to personalize your diecast collection, create a more realistic stance, or give a familiar casting a completely different look.
At 164model.com, we specialize in custom parts for 1/64 scale model cars, including aftermarket wheels for collectors and customizers. Whether you're upgrading a Hot Wheels casting or working on another 1/64 project, choosing the right wheel size is the first step toward a clean, professional-looking result.
Ready to start your next build? Explore our 1/64 Custom Wheels Collection and check the dimensions listed in each product title before ordering.
Happy customizing!
The 164Model Team
