This will be the first repaint/kitbash that I have attempted and I have read the advice posted about the process and I have what I feel is a decent plan of action, I just have a few questions and any help would be appreciated.

 

I plan to spraypaint the front of the van, where the red glass is, in silver then mask off the window sections with painters tape and respray the peice in red.

What brand of paint should I use for this (and the project in general)? Should I prime the peice before hand, if so should it be light or dark primer?

 

I am going to dye the light brown plastic peices black. What type of dye should I use and how strong should I make it? Any prefered methods that any of you have?

 

What sort, and brand, of paint should I use for the detail work of the peice after the primary colors are done? A mix ratio of paint to thinner(or water depending on paint type) would be helpful as well.

 

I have disassembled the toy for the most part, however I am having a hard time getting the sides of the trailer apart from the bottom. I am also running into trouble removing the wheels. Any help with those two problems? I can put plastic wrap over the wheels when I paint to protect them, but I would prefer to remove them completely, especially since two of the light brown peices to be dyed have a wheel attached. I also can't seem to easily remove the metal pins that are holding the "guns" into the feet.

 

I hope to have a digital camera to post pics of the finished product by the time it is finished, and thank you all again ahead of time for any advice that is offered.

Most of your problems have their answer in the idiot's guide to kitbashing. as for your last problem, getting the wheels and the sides of the trailer apart, try looking at how they are attached. chances are, it's either a screw holding them on that you can't see, or they are attached in a very cumbersome manner. But without a pictue or diagram, I'm afraid I'm limited in how much I can help you. Sorry.