Building model cars is one of the greatest hobbies of the last few decades, and there’s nothing better than seeing that finished masterpiece on the mantel. However, there are numerous accessories that are a must to give your model car that extra finish or speck of realism. These accessories are inexpensive but can go a long way in sharing your creation with the world.

Original Chrome Bare Metal Foil

$7.55

Requiring no special tools (other than a standard hobby knife), Bare Metal Foil is the quickest and easiest way to add a touch of realism to your model car. With an adhesive back, it conforms to all curvatures and all detail show through. Each pack contains one large 12” x 6½” sheet. Application can be a bit tricky if you’ve never done it before, but take a look at this great instructional video below. It looks like real metal because it’s made with real metal!

Plastic Polish Set

Novus, $11.39

This plastic polish set from Novus includes one each of Plastic Clean & Shine bottle, Fine Scratch Remover bottle, and polishing cloth set. For under 12 dollars, you get an entire kit that has the product to polish and clean multiple models before you need a refill. See the video below on how to apply Novus to a regular sheet of plexiglass. It’s the same as applying it to your model – and it will give it that extra shine that will make you smile every time you look at it.

Prewired Distributors w/Aluminum Coil &Spark Plug Boot Material

Parts by Parks, $6.41

Parts by Parks is one of the preeminent model car detail manufacturers – and the company seems to take you back to older times. With no website, advertising or mail order presence, Parts by Parks relies on word of mouth, which is exactly why they have been so successful. Their parts are so simply created, yet give such an element of realism to a model car that consumers continue to come back time and time again to grab more of their products. Their top selling items are their prewired distributors, complete with aluminum coil and spark plug, to add into your model car engine.

The Treatment Model Wax Kit

$3.40

The Treatment is a three-packet system to give a perfect shine to your model car. Packet 1 contains 10ml (1/3 ounce) of The Treatment Model Buffing Crème, which polishes out paint and plastic imperfections. Packet 2 contains 10ml (1/3 ounce) of The Treatment Model Wax, pre-softened carnauba wax finish for all model cars, boats, planes etc. This wax works well on all painted and unfinished surfaces. It removes fine scratches, eliminates smears and fingerprints, deepens color on painted models, and protects clear styrene from fogging. Packet 3 contains one Treated Model Mist Wipe and Display Case Cleaner. This easily removes fingerprints and dust from display cases and cleans/shines while adding a protective shield to clear and painted surfaces.

Seat Belt Material and Seat Belt Hardware

Model Car Garage, $3.87 and $6.31

Nothing like peering inside your model car and seeing a real fabric seat belt and real metal buckles that make it look like it really works. Model Car Garage, for 10 dollars, offers the material and hardware to connect to your car and add that final touch before placing it on the mantel for display.

Car Mat Set

Plastic Dreams, $3.76

A new manufacturer in the last couple years, Plastic Dreams produces 1/24 and 1/25 scale car mats and truck flaps to add to your car. Why, you ask? Because who doesn’t want Taz or racing flames on the floor of their model car?

Fuzzi Dice

Kens Kustom Kar Supply, $2.69

That’s right – fuzzi dice in 1/24 and 1/25 scale. These dice add a great touch to your car model kit, including both the dice and string. The dice are actually not fuzzy – they are smooth finish similar to regular dice. But hanging on your model car’s mirror, they look just as legitimate as the actual accessory.