Thread: Does anybody know much about old toy Tonka trucks?

I have a box full of matchbox cars my whole lifes worth. Even found some on the family 4wd trips.

Originally Posted by gromit

Google doesn't throw up much info on Matchbox large pressed steel toys, Tonka is much more common. Matchbox were usually smaller diecast toys, originally supplied in a box similar to a matchbox hence the name.

Tonka have plastic mostly now but also some steel.
Tonka Classic Steel Dump Truck | BIG W

Lots of colours other than yellow early on and some serious money being paid for some models.
Vintage Tonka Cars and Trucks | Collectors Weekly


Colin

Originally Posted by RANDLOVER

Did you paint them Tonka yellow? When we were kids my little brother had the tip truck and I had a grader which was quite complex as you could adjust the blade 2 or 3 ways and it could be steered by a lever/tiller sticking out the back of the driver's cab, I forget what my middle brother had, a crane maybe?

This one?

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...cAaB-&usqp=CAU

Always thought Tonka made Western Star. And, yes Ian, Scania were made by Lego......

Anyway, Tonka were after my time, it was Matchbox or Corgi for me, but my sister's kids loved them. My own son wasn't interested.

I imagine you want to keep it the way it is, but there are heaps of ewetoob vids about restoration of them.

Originally Posted by Don 130

This one?

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...cAaB-&usqp=CAU

Yes that's the one, brought a smile to my face to see it again, thanks.

I just wish I knew how old it actually was. When I googled, one thing suggested 70s, other 80s. I've had it since I think 93? Used to want to restore it but I love it how it is. Tells a story of love, use and fun. I have no idea how I used to ride it it's so strong though, im 60kg give or take and 5'9/5'10 ish and it would still carry me if I sat on it now

Originally Posted by Tins

Always thought Tonka made Western Star. And, yes Ian, Scania were made by Lego......

Anyway, Tonka were after my time, it was Matchbox or Corgi for me, but my sister's kids loved them. My own son wasn't interested.

I imagine you want to keep it the way it is, but there are heaps of ewetoob vids about restoration of them.

Originally Posted by Tins

Anyway, Tonka were after my time, it was Matchbox or Corgi for me,

Oh, I forgot Dinky.

Still have mine from when I was a kid. Cherished it - loved it that much I only played in the sand with it once. Was kept in the basement for a number of years and the enamel has flaked off in a few spots - sits proudly on a shelf now. I think one of its smoke stacks is missing. Some one once asked me if I had kids if I would give it to them and I said hell no this one is mine and I will buy them their own. Also had a John Deere 4wd centre steer tractor which I still have. The plastic roof is cracked from me pushing on as I ran it up and down the hallway as a kid. Had a backhoe but that was well and truly used and abused - probably still in the sand pit we had under our deck growing up.

Buddy L were the competitor for Tonka when I was a lad in the mid 1970s. I still have the Buddy L loader somewhere and a Tonka F600 with a float and a bulldozer. I might try and get some photos tomorrow.

Regards,
Tote