Make Spare Model Parts Easier to Find

Do you have spare model parts hiding in kit boxes? Doug shows us how he stores extra model car parts so they are easier to find, and always visible so they can inspire new builds. Plus, a bonus architectural history lesson.

Music: Darktown Strutters Ball by E's Jammy Jams, YouTube Audio Library, Standard
© 2022 by Model Car Muse. All rights reserved.

[mikeupton]

Heading to work. But gotta watch this. Parts storage is a bane.

[davidwalker]

The fun of sorting ... how true. I use model boxes with stickies on the end as labels for my leftovers.

[redbarnmodelworks]

Actually a good idea for storing extra parts for later kit bashing!

[take]

Place i used to work at, we had bags of screws come in plastic containers like those. I saved around 200 of them and brought them home. I love them.

[AHotrodShop]

I learn something in every one of your videos!

[johnstrick]

Window tacks, never heard of them before, cool history.

[Swamp-Fox]

Great tip! Organization is my nemesis!

[petermerz]

Great video. I’ve been sorting since I started 55 years ago! Happy days and model on! 😎

[robertbernahliii]

I've done this now, man it is awesome. It DEFINITELY freed up some space on my bench.👍👍👍

[HowardCohen]

I have been sorting parts in old model boxes for years: engine & exhaust, chassis, wheels, tires, interior, body stock & custom, grilles & bumpers, windows, clear & red lights. I put the boxes in my old dresser, 6 boxes per drawer. Over the years, I have built about 2, 000 models, so there were lots of extra parts. Last year, I gave away several boxes of parts to friends. I will guess that 25% of my models used some part from my parts boxes.

[RoadRunnergarage]

Some good tips to remember as I pick up more kits and likely more spare parts I may want to use on other builds .

[johnlayton]

I really enjoy you tip and tricks ! Great website regards John .

[TheLukaCeeChannel]

Great video Doug, on a great idea. I have to go grocery shopping, today. I think I'm going to be looking for the perfect clear container. I sure do hope I like whatever product it holds. Because I will be buying it allot. 😆

[skipragsdale]

Doug, Great Idea. I use the clear plastic jewelry case / boxes available at Hobby Lobby, hinged lid, lots of compartments. They stack together and fit three wide in my hobby room's cabinets. Each box by either year range or type of car - Hot Rod, Custom, 60's Drag Racing, Early and Late Model Stuff. Each labeled across both ends so they can be easily pulled for the part needed. Large parts like bodies, frames, etc. go into clear plastic shoe boxes, 3 X 5 card label on the end. Best thing I've ever done with spare parts besides using them!

[randyforgo]

I use a similar system, but I don't have the space to store my spare parts out in the open, on shelves, in glass jars. So I use clear plastic bags & store the sorted parts in labelled boxes. My wheels & tires get sorted & matched and kept in their sorted state using twist ties; if I find one I like, then I've found all 4!

[marcosfernandeznanita]

Very cool, never thought about this before thanks for sharing

[SpeedKing]

Great tip Doug, love the idea of re-purposing the containers for parts, saves money that we can use to buy more kits. lol
I use a parts bin with the clear plastic drawers, works great for smaller engine parts, wheels etc. I use the plastic clear shoe boxes for larger parts, car bodies, and complete kits with no boxes, they stack nice on a shelf and are pretty inexpensive.
Thanks for the video!

[gibbontakeit]

Screwed lids to underside of cupboard, then just unscrew bottle and get what you want.. plus it keeps it eye level and off work space, and out of the way. Learned this from a guy who had a shop behind my old rental house.

[bradmuehlenbein]

Man these are the exact pointers I need right now! Great video once again!

[Bruces-Eclectic-World]

Yunny M&M's, Yes! That is a awesome idea. I have dogs and get the milk-bone soft chew and I have lots of the containers and use then for things but never thought of model parts. Awesome Idea Doug... 👏 I also use those little potato salad containers ya get from Walmart and the like to put parts in from the tree, that way there not sliding around in the box during the build. Thanks! Deserves a Sub... Lol
LLAP 🖖