Die Cast Diaries – Chapter 7
Hello family, friends and followers,
I’d like to welcome you to another chapter of Die Cast Diaries!
In this chapter, I will be introducing you to one of the most unique and creative customizers of Hot Wheels and other die cast cars and trucks in this amazing hobby culture. His pieces are amazing, full of unique details and realistic looking components. Some of his pieces are so unique and bizarre, but that’s what makes them a true custom. He is one of the many talented customizers from this country where Hot Wheels is a huge part of their lives. Indonesia is home to some of the most incredible custom Hot Wheels and customizers. In the future, there needs to be a build off or battle between the nations of customizers, like the olympics, but it’s all about customizing Hot Wheels. That would be such a great TV show. The star of this chapter is just one of many that I have met during my time exploring this unbelievable hobby community. His story is incredible and so are his customs. I hope that after reading this chapter, that you will go and check out this man’s creations and get in touch with him about getting one made for your collection. Please enjoy this chapter of Die Cast Diaries starring Arie Topan.
Me: What is your name and where are you from?
Arie: Hi there, my name is Arie Topan. I’m from Indonesia. I live in Bali, Indonesia.
Me: How old were you when you started playing with Hot Wheels?
Arie: I’m not sure, I don’t remember exactly. I just remember I got some diecast when I was a kid, but I’m not sure it’s Hot Wheels or another brand.
Me: How old were you when you started collecting Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks?
Arie: I start to collect diecast when I was 27 and I starting with cheaper diecast and not really serious and then I start to collect Jada Toys 1:24 scale and another brand in 1:24/1:18 scale.
Me: When did you start customizing Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks?
Arie: I start to customize in 2014, it just for fun and I enjoy it. I start customizing in big scale 1:24 or 1:18 and I got so many friend from these hobbies and some friend challenge me to customize a Hot Wheels or small scale and I never did it before. I accepted and trying to customize Hot Wheels I got it and I start to do commission work and it’s become my second job and my full time job for now because I leave my job before.
Me: What got you interested in customizing diecast cars and trucks?
Arie: I’m not satisfied with the detail from the factory and I try to make my imagination to custom it as detail as in my imagination.
Me: Who was your inspiration or influence that got you into customizing Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks?
Arie: I don’t have a inspirator or influencer for customizing my diecast. I just build that I like but I really interest in kustom culture especially hot rod car culture.
Me: Do you have a background in working on cars and trucks which helps make customizing Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks easier and helps with your creativity on them?
Arie: No, basically I learning by myself. Trial and error and always learning until now.
Me: How long have you been customizing Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks?
Arie: I start to customize diecast in 2014, it means it was 7 years.
Me: What is your specialty in customizing Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks?
Arie: My customs is specialty in hot rod culture. Wild custom and hand painting.
Me: What makes your customs stand out from most of the other customs out there?
Arie: I really interest in hot rod kustom kulture. It makes almost my work is hot rod custom culture and I like to drawing, design, hand painting and also scratch build in my diecast so you can find my work is almost make by hand.
Me: Is customizing Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks a hobby or a full time job for you? If it’s a full time job for you, what is the name of your business? If it’s a hobby, what are your social media outlets where people can view and possibly buy your customs?
Arie: Custom diecast is my full time job since 2016 because I leave my previous job. You can find me on Instagram @arie_topan or Facebook as @arie topan so you can check, buy or make a commission order there.
Me: How much success have you had selling your customs?
Arie: I selling my custom world wide. I have a customer from US, Mexico, Brazil, UK and more. So far they are very satisfied with my work. It makes me very happy.
Me: Is selling your customs a second income stream or just a way to fund your customizing passion?
Arie: Both. I get income and my passion too because I build what I want and some people like it and they want to buy it.
Me: Which casting is your favorite to customize?
Arie: My favorite is Bone Shaker, Drag Bus, ’55 Chevy Panel, Mini Cooper, ’55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser, Midnite Otto and etc.
Me: Finally, what are your top 5 Hot Wheels of all time?
Arie: Bone Shaker, Datsun 510 Wagon, Drag Bus, ’67 Austin Mini Van and ’55 Chevy Panel.
Me: Thank you for participating in my blog and helping spread the world of customizing Hot Wheels and other diecast cars and trucks to the general public. I appreciate you, your time and your customs.
Arie: Thank you for the opportunity that you given to me my friend. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and healthy.
In closing, I just want to say that what you’re about to see is going to prove that customizing die cast cars and trucks is an art and it takes talent, skill, imagination, passion and creativity to make these little cars and trucks look so cool. I don’t own any of his customs, but I wish I did. They are truly unique and would be awesome additions towards the ultimate collection. So, for your viewing pleasure, here are some pics of Arie Topan’s customs.
