DIY Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Makeover
Give an old Little Tikes Cozy Coupe new life with simple cleaning, stickers, and spray paint. This method requires no priming or sanding and works for both boys and girls.
Equipment
- Ratcheting screwdriver
- Pressure washer (or high-powered hose nozzle)
- Goo Gone
- Scrub sponges
- Rust-Oleum 2x Ultra Cover Spray Paint (Colors used: Granite and Oasis Blue)
- 1" masking or painter's tape
- Cloth drop cloth or cardboard
- Cheap sponge brushes
- Plastic grocery bags
- Paper towels
- Q-tips
- Acetone
- E6000 glue
- Custom replacement decals (available on Etsy)
Instructions
- Remove the four screws located near the cup holders and roof supports using a ratcheting screwdriver. Pop off the roof and remove the four support posts. Carefully pop off the headlight pieces with a flat-head screwdriver and remove the gas cap and door lock.
- Use a pressure washer or high-powered hose to blast out years of dirt from inside the posts and body. Use Goo Gone and scrub sponges to remove old decal residue so the new stickers will sit flat.
- Tape off the wheels and any small details you don't want to paint. If you want to paint the wheel caps, tape around them and give them a quick spray before moving to the main body.
- Apply two thin coats of spray paint (e.g., Granite) to the roof, taillights, removable floor, and rear roof supports. Hold the can about a foot away and use even strokes. Allow 30–60 minutes of drying time between coats.
- Bag off the wheels, eyes, and steering wheel using plastic shopping bags and masking tape. Flip the car over to paint the bottom first with two thin coats, then flip it back to finish the top.
- Once the main painting is dry, use a Q-tip soaked in acetone to remove any over-spray. Use a small sponge brush to fill in any missed gaps around the steering wheel or eyes.
- Once the paint is no longer tacky, put the posts and roof back in place and secure them with the original screws. If any headlight clips broke during disassembly, use E6000 glue to secure them back onto the body.
- Finish the look by applying custom replacement decals and personalized license plates. Allow the car to cure fully (ideally overnight) before letting children play with it.
Notes
- Drying vs. Curing: While the paint is dry to the touch in an hour, allow 24–48 hours for the paint to fully "cure" and bond to the plastic before letting children play with it.
- The "No-Plastic" Rule: Always use a cloth drop cloth or cardboard under your project. Since the spray paint is designed to bond to plastic, it will permanently fuse the car to a plastic drop cloth, ruining the finish.
- Water Trap Warning: When cleaning, ensure the hollow roof posts are completely drained and bone-dry. Any trapped moisture that leaks out during painting will cause bubbling and prevent proper adhesion.
- Weather Conditions: Avoid painting in high humidity or extreme heat. For a smooth, professional finish, a clear, calm day between 50°F and 90°F is ideal.
- Spray Technique: Use several thin, light coats rather than one heavy coat. This prevents "runs" and drips, especially on the vertical surfaces of the car’s body.
- Durability Proof: This specific method and paint choice have been tested for 8 years of outdoor use with minimal chipping.
- Model Compatibility: This guide features the 30th Anniversary Cozy Coupe. If you are restoring a vintage or different model, the disassembly may vary slightly, but the cleaning and painting process remains identical.
- Safety Tip: Perform all spray painting in a well-ventilated outdoor area and consider using a mask for protection against fumes.
