IXO vs. DCP 1/64 Diecast Trucks: Which Is Better for Customizing?
There is a new kid on the block in 1/64 diecast land. That kid is IXO, and it is making quite a splash.
Not only is IXO producing some cool truck models, but the company also offers a nice selection of cars and pickups.
For years, DCP has been the primary choice for highly detailed 1/64 diecast trucks. Now, IXO appears ready to give DCP a run for its money.
I have customized hundreds of DCP trucks and recently purchased an IXO Kenworth W900 to see how the two brands compare. I have also worked with the IXO GMC General. Here is what I found.
IXO: Impressive Detail at an Affordable Price
The most significant thing separating IXO from other manufacturers is that you can get a nicely detailed cab at a relatively affordable price. While “affordable” is subjective, prices between $30 and $40 are not uncommon.
IXO also offers several sleeper configurations that have not been readily available from other manufacturers.
There are hundreds of aftermarket truck parts available in 1/64 scale, so an IXO truck can be customized in many different ways. However, unlike DCP, IXO trucks do not have working rear suspension, and the front wheels are fixed in one position.
I also found the IXO sleepers to be plastic rather than diecast. The sleeper windows are clear plastic pieces that can be removed if you plan to repaint the sleeper.
Screws hold the cab and sleeper to the frame, making those pieces relatively easy to remove for customizing. The diecast used for the IXO cab feels slightly thinner than what I am accustomed to with DCP, but that did not cause any problems when stripping the paint or customizing the model.
Things to Consider When Repainting an IXO
For a complete rebuild, the IXO Kenworth W900 presents one particular challenge: the front fenders are cast as part of the main chassis.
If the fenders will be a different color from the frame, they must be carefully masked during painting. By comparison, the IXO GMC General has plastic front fenders that can be removed from the hood.
The interiors of both the IXO W900 and GMC General can be removed, along with the clear plastic cab glass. The clearance lights on the roof are also separate pieces that can be removed, which is a nice feature for customizers.
Overall, IXO has released some very attractive trucks, and the price point is impressive.
DCP: More Features and Familiar Construction
DCP trucks have been my bread and butter for a long time. I have customized hundreds of them and have come to know—and enjoy—the way they are constructed.
Unlike IXO, DCP cabs are generally sold as part of a set with a trailer. Customizers who want only the truck must rely on dealers who separate the sets or purchase an entire set and sell or trade the trailer.
Depending on the model and seller, DCP trucks without trailers often cost between $70 and $80.
For that additional price, DCP trucks typically include working rear suspension, positionable front wheels, diecast sleepers and a wider variety of factory configurations.
Like IXO, DCP trucks have removable interiors and plastic windows. The turn signals are also separate plastic pieces that can be removed and replaced as needed.
The front fenders are either removable or fixed, depending on the truck. On the DCP Kenworth W900 and T800, the front fenders are attached to the hood. On the Peterbilt 359, 379, and 389, the fenders can be separated from the hood for painting.
The diecast components on DCP models also tend to feel thicker and heavier. I personally prefer that additional weight, although it is not necessarily a deciding factor.
Which One Is Better for Customizing?
| Feature | IXO | DCP |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cab price | $30–$40 | $70–$80 |
| Sold without trailer | Yes | Usually separated by dealers |
| Working rear suspension | No | Yes |
| Positionable front wheels | No | Yes |
| Sleeper material | Plastic | Diecast |
| Removable interior and windows | Yes | Yes |
| Best fit | Budget builds and light customization | Full rebuilds and extensive customization |
Based on my experience so far, IXO is an excellent choice when I want an attractive, reasonably priced truck that will not require a complete repaint.
For a full repaint and extensive customization, I still prefer DCP. Even though a DCP truck can cost twice as much—or more—I generally prefer how the models come apart and the additional working features they provide.
Ultimately, I think the two brands serve somewhat different audiences, with plenty of overlap.
A collector wanting maximum factory detail, working suspension, positionable wheels, and numerous OEM configurations may continue to prefer DCP. A more budget-conscious collector—or someone wanting an attractive display model without spending $70 or $80 on a cab—may find IXO to be the better fit.
Neither choice is necessarily wrong. It depends on what you want to build, how extensively you plan to customize it, and how much you want to spend.
What do you like or dislike about each brand? Do you think IXO is on the same level as DCP? Leave a comment below or email your thoughts to info@rockinhfarmtoys.com.
Go make something awesome today!
Eric
You get what you pay for. Spending Double is ok if you want the more detail, if you want some less detail you can get by with the cheaper price. It is all what you want,