HOT WHEELS! 4 Genius DIYs To Finally Get Toy Cars Under Control

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Hot Wheels, those iconic 1:64 scale diecast cars, have been igniting the imaginations of collectors and enthusiasts for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into the world of miniature speedsters, finding the perfect way to display these vibrant and coveted vehicles is a pursuit in itself.

The thrill of the chase isn’t limited to acquiring the latest releases; it extends to creating a showcase that does justice to the sheer awesomeness of your Hot Wheels collection.

We’ll explore four innovative and practical ways to turn your Hot Wheels into a captivating display, ensuring each tiny car gets the attention it deserves.

Project 1: Wall-Mounted Hot Wheels Display Rack

The affordable IKEA HEJNE shelving units can quickly transform into an eye-catching Hot Wheels display case. Zlatko shows us how to hack a large Hot Wheels display rack for your collection. Grab your tools, and let’s transform those shelves into a miniature car showcase that’ll house your entire Hot Wheels collection.

Supplies and Tools

From IKEA, you’ll need two HEJNE shelves and 2 HEJNE posts. Other materials you need are wood screws, sandpaper, and wall plugs to mount the shelf.

To build this miniature car display rack, keep a rubber mallet, a pair of pliers, a drill and drill bits, and a cordless screwdriver handy.

Step 1: Dismantle HEJNE shelves

Start by dismantling two HEJNE shelves. This step involves breaking down the structure into its basic components. To prevent damage to the wood, use a rubber mallet.

Step 2: Remove nails

Use a mallet to gently knock the wood planks out of the L-shaped wooden supports. Then, use the pliers to pull the nails from the planks. Set the L-shaped wooden supports aside. You will need them later on.

Step 3: Prepare the planks

Prepare the planks that will soon be the platform for your mini speedsters. Remove any remaining nails, smoothen rough edges, and loose timber with sandpaper.

Step 4: Assemble Your Hot Wheels Display Case

Lay out the two HEJNE posts on a flat surface and start screwing the planks (from the shelf) onto them. Zlatko recommends using the existing holes in the HEJNE posts for easy assembly. Opt for 1-inch and 1 1/2-inch timber screws to secure the planks, ensuring they are level and centered.

Step 5: Hang it up

Attach the L-shaped wooden supports to both the upper and lower sections of the rack, converting them into brackets for wall mounting. Use suitable wall fixings to secure the rack to the wall. Once the assembly is complete, it’s time to give your Hot Wheels Display Case a prime spot on the wall. Fill up with your prized cars, and you’re done.

Project 2: Picture Frame Hot Wheels Display

Chris S from Toronto, Canada, has a practical solution that uses the interior depth of an IKEA SANNAHED shadow box picture frame. This DIY grid is functional and easy to assemble without glue.

Supplies needed

Head over to IKEA and grab a few SANNAHED shadow box picture frames. Then, pick up some black illustration boards. You’ll need a ruler, utility knife or scissors, and a cutting mat.

Step 1: Measure and Confirm

Check the interior depth of your IKEA picture frame, ensuring it’s approximately 3cm (1.2″) or more for compatibility with the width of Hot Wheels cars.

Step 2: Determine the grid

Each grid frame can hold up to 50 cars, depending on the size of your diecast cars and your preference for the distance between cars. You can adjust the dimensions to optimize space if you have other larger Hot Wheels vehicles, like trucks.

Step 3: Cut the illustration board

The illustration board will form the dividing grid for your Hot Wheels car collection. Cut the board into interlocking strips using a ruler and a utility knife, or scissors. With the interlocking strips, you won’t need glue to assemble the grid.

Step 4: Assemble the grid

Piece the interlocking strips to create a grid that fits snugly within the shelving unit. Adjust the layout as needed to accommodate your collection.

Step 5: Assemble the picture frame

Place the plastic protection in front to keep dust out. Then, slot in the grid. Add the cars before closing the picture frame with the backing mat. Make as many frames as you need to house your diecast cars. Since these are already picture frames, they are an easy-hanging option for displaying your model cars.

Project 3: Hot Wheels Car Park

Sarah has an old IKEA shoe cabinet, possibly a discontinued model. This hack can be easily replicated on a BILLY bookcase.

Modify The Shelves

Remove the shelves from the bookshelf, wrap them with black paper and add parking bay markings using a white pen. Finish with yellow and black chevron tape to enhance the industrial look. The cars now have a dedicated parking space. No more tripping over tiny cars.

Project 4: Miniature Car Display Using IKEA Picture Ledges

Saar Machtinger wanted a stylish showcase for his collection of miniature coal-made cars. To achieve this, he linked seven horizontal IKEA picture ledges (MOSSLANDA), connecting them with two additional picture ledges —one on each side—forming a cohesive and enclosed display rack. You can play with the height/ distance to fit your car models.