Hot Wheels Matchmaker Repair

Last Update: 09/19/17

Hot To Fix A Vintage Hot Wheels Matchmaker Starter

If you have been trying to find a working Hot Wheels Matchmaker that works for your Big Belter you are probably frustrated that you can not find one at a reasonable price. Most of the ones available on eBay are usually broken. You are probably wondering if they can be repaired. Well, you are in luck! The answer is yes!!!!

Below is my repair diary showing my process for repairing a Matchmaker. My goal is to restore these so they can be played with and not for a mint restoration.

Start by separating the seam on the side. I use an exacto knife to start the seam separation then I flip the blade around and use the back edge to score a groove. The total depth is about 1/16-3/32". DO NOT EXCEED THIS DEPTH! Repeat on the other side. This is the only glue line and once separated it will easily come apart.

Here are the five parts. I call them, from left to right, Slide handle, Back, Front, Signal Indicator, False Start Spring.

Other side of parts.

What causes the Matchmaker to not work is that the little post on the back of the Signal Indicator has broken off. Once you replace it you will have a working Matchmaker.

I use a 2mm brad point bit to drill a hole for a carbon fiber pin of the same diameter.

I do not drill all the way through, but you probably could with no damage.

Next I measure the height of the tallest rail of the inner maze of the back piece.

The height is about 0.260". This is the amount I want the carbon fiber pin to stick out from the back of the signal indicator.

Here is the carbon fiber pin to the left of the signal indicator. You can use what ever you want as long as it is strong enough.

The pin is glued in with a drop of Gorilla glue.

Snap the false start spring back into place.

Make sure the ends point up and away from the back and are in the grooves at the base.

Next install the slide handle. It will fit right over the back maze section.

I'm pointing to the area that the pin will be inserted into.

Lay the signal indicator so the pin is in the maze.

Put the front on and tape it closed.

I use blue painters tape. It is low tack and can easily be removed in case of future repairs. I would avoid re-gluing since you could cause more damage if you had to re open it.

All done! Now you have a working Matchmaker.

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since September 19, 2017

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	Start by separating the seam on the side. I use an exacto knife to start the seam separation then I flip the blade around and use the back edge to score a groove. The total depth is about 1/16-3/32". DO NOT EXCEED THIS DEPTH! Repeat on the other side. This is the only glue line and once separated it will easily come apart.
	Here are the five parts. I call them, from left to right, Slide handle, Back, Front, Signal Indicator, False Start Spring.
	Other side of parts.
	What causes the Matchmaker to not work is that the little post on the back of the Signal Indicator has broken off. Once you replace it you will have a working Matchmaker.
	I use a 2mm brad point bit to drill a hole for a carbon fiber pin of the same diameter.
	I do not drill all the way through, but you probably could with no damage.
	Next I measure the height of the tallest rail of the inner maze of the back piece.
	The height is about 0.260". This is the amount I want the carbon fiber pin to stick out from the back of the signal indicator.
	Here is the carbon fiber pin to the left of the signal indicator. You can use what ever you want as long as it is strong enough.
	The pin is glued in with a drop of Gorilla glue.
	Snap the false start spring back into place.
	Make sure the ends point up and away from the back and are in the grooves at the base.
	Next install the slide handle. It will fit right over the back maze section.
	I'm pointing to the area that the pin will be inserted into.
	Lay the signal indicator so the pin is in the maze.
	Put the front on and tape it closed.
	I use blue painters tape. It is low tack and can easily be removed in case of future repairs. I would avoid re-gluing since you could cause more damage if you had to re open it.
	All done! Now you have a working Matchmaker.