25th Anniversary Joe Disassembly Guide?

[gdztoyz]

EDIT:
See here: 25th Anniversary Joe disassembly guide > http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-joe-customs/27884-torso-popn-vice-method.html






Hello again, folks!

I don't recall which thread, but I remember someone saying that Hasbro actually put up a guide/how to on how to disassemble 25th anniversary figures. I was curious if someone could point me in that direction, if possible. I mostly do strait on repaints, but I'm planning getting a bit more adventurous with my upcoming custom projects!

Thanks!

[Shogi]

Vise or Large wrench Method: (This has worked the best for most members)

1. Take your figure and put it into a hiking sock.
2. Roll the figure up a few times to add some cusion around it.
3. Place your figure in a table vise or very large pliers so that all the pressure is on the shoulders pushing towards the middle of the figure.
4. Squeeze until you hear a pop or crack, then unroll the sock and let the parts fall out


Exacto Knife Method
Use an exacto knife to cut into the seam of the chest (Usually start at the bottom or in the arm pit) Then pry the torso apart with a small flat-tipped screwdriver (Sometimes this will leave a gap between the torso halves, hence why you do it in a typically unseen area)

Screwdriver Method (Thanks to Kimiyo)
Take a flat head screwdriver and insert the flat tip in between the upper back torso and lower back torso and give it a twist (Warning!!! Many members have had problems with this method so it may be only a last resort type of thing)


Here's Hasbro's explanation on how to take the chest apart:

1. Take anniversary figures head and legs off, so only torso and arms remain. (Legs have screws, head, lower arms and hands pop off)
2. Use either corner of table or block of wood with 90 degree angle and place the torso side that has the parting line on corner.
3. Take a rubber mallet, or small hammer, and hit the seam on the shoulder, cracking it open like a walnut.
4. Sides should split allowing for custom arms to fit into joints, glue back together with super glue.






You HAVE to crack open the torso to change out the upper arms. However, to change out the lower arms, hands or feet. You can run the some hot water from the faucet over the part and pull it out. This is also known as "Boil and Pop"

The Head will come off if you apply enough pressrue under the chin, pushing upwards

And a picture showing a completely disassembled 25th Joe figure

[Echo7Solo]

Shouldn't that be a Sticky? I mean this isn't the first time I've seen a thread started for this. C.I.A.D.? Ruling?

[Shogi]

Shouldn't that be a Sticky? I mean this isn't the first time I've seen a thread started for this. C.I.A.D.? Ruling?


Good idea, done!

[gdztoyz]

Thank you VERY much, this is greatly appreciated!

[kimiyo]

All you need is a small (not too small) flat head screw driver and insert it between the upper back torso and the lower back torso and give it a twist. The 2 halves with seperate and everthing will be set free arms legs and all.

[VictoryLiger]

I have beat the crap out of a Cobra Legion Storm Shadow using the hammer & block method and haven't had any success. Are there any diagrams or pics of how you should be holding the figure?

[xFlintx]

what about painting the figures? What kind of paints are recommended and is there any priming to be done or do you just paint right on them?

[Shogi]

what about painting the figures? What kind of paints are recommended and is there any priming to be done or do you just paint right on them?


Use Acrylic paints, Stay far away from Enamel paints. (Enamel = will never fully dry on soft plastics)

I don't use a primer or anything, but that's really all up to the individual customizer. Some people use primer, some use clear coat, some just slap some paint on and say done! :)

[daremo]

Here's some more 25th Custom Help:

Here's some tips on taking apart the torso, including a video (http://www.joecustoms.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2530) (I prefer an exacto blade myself)

Here's a valuable guide for customs in general from Joe Customs (http://www.joecustoms.com/):
Wiki Customizing Guide (http://wiki.joecustoms.com/wiki/Customizing_Guide)

How to convert heads for 25th figures with pics from Tri-Gate Creations (http://www.trigatecreations.com/main/):
The Kossack Knight's Tutorial (http://www.trigatecreations.com/forum/index.php?topic=9.0)

[kimiyo]

I'm telling you guys its simple. Take a flat head screwdriver and insert the flat tip in between the upper back torso and lower back torso and give it a twist. The piece will seperate with ease. No need for hammers or blocks of wood.
The best paint in my opinion is Testors model master acrylic paints. They go on so well and the clean up is easy. If you have an airbrush even better. Keep in mind their is a solution on some not all figures that can make painting really difficult. Wash the figures in mild soap to remove this oilish film. This is just my 2 cents. I'm sure we all have out own proven methods.

[cyclonus8]

I tried the "Hasbro" method and the Exacto knife method with mixed results. The first way didn't work at all. I tried, the knife method, scarring Gung-Ho for life under his arm and on the top of the back of the lower torso. The blade also left me bleeding profusely. Fortunately, his scars can be covered up with his trusty vest. I'll have to try your method, kimiyo. Does it leaves marks on the lower torso?

[kimiyo]

No visible marks are left. If there is any marks its inside were no one will know but you. I have cracked open 3 so far with no resistance.

[Shogi]

No visible marks are left. If there is any marks its inside were no one will know but you. I have cracked open 3 so far with no resistance.

Are you using a small screwdriver (Like the size for unscrewing Joe screws) or are you using a normal sized screwdriver?

[WildBill]

Take a picture Kimiyo!

[kimiyo]

The screw driver is your average size Flat head screw driver. A screw driver for glassess or Joe screws are way to small. I will take a picture for you guys.

[Corbon Deoxide]

Does any one have a list of human heads from Star Wars figures that will fit on 25th bodies? I'm not well versed in those figures. I think I did see on here a great Billy custom. Planning to do a bunch of head swaps when army builders come out.

[Shogi]

So I tried Kimiyo's tip on taking apart figures.

Serpentor worked like a charm!!!

So then I took pictures of what I did while taking apart Gung-Ho, That's when I realised this process does not work on Gung-Ho (His upper torso is slightly different)

Here's the pics:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Shogi88/Customs/DSCF0012.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Shogi88/Customs/DSCF0014.jpg

Now twist!

[NoisyDvL5]

Okay!

I read the thread, went to my Gung Ho and got really frustrated by his soft plastic. LOL.

I've moved onto Roadblock and the screwdriver trick worked perfectly.

Does anyone have advice on popping the arms? I'm familiar with the boil-n-pop, and I'll probably run and try that, but I was wondering if there was any good trick for popping the upper torso open.

Thanks!

[Shogi]

Okay!

I read the thread, went to my Gung Ho and got really frustrated by his soft plastic. LOL.

I've moved onto Roadblock and the screwdriver trick worked perfectly.

Does anyone have advice on popping the arms? I'm familiar with the boil-n-pop, and I'll probably run and try that, but I was wondering if there was any good trick for popping the upper torso open.

Thanks!


Yeah that's why I said the screw driver trick doesn't work on Gung-Ho

There are two other methods mentioned in the second post (Hasbro's method and the Exacto knife method)

Exacto knife worked perfectly on Gung-Ho

As for the boil and pop method for all the other parts, you don't actually have to boil any water, hot water from the faucet will work fine

[NoisyDvL5]

I looked at the page this morning for the screwdriver tip and then came back tonight and saw your pics!

I figured out that I'm having trouble because the peg on the ball joint is hard plastic and that's why I cant' get it hot enough to pop.

I'm just going to have to disassemble the upper torso to get the arms outs methinks.

Thanks for the pics!

[cyclonus8]

Yeah, Exacto knife works on Gung-Ho, but it could hurt your fingers!

[Shogi]

I looked at the page this morning for the screwdriver tip and then came back tonight and saw your pics!

I figured out that I'm having trouble because the peg on the ball joint is hard plastic and that's why I cant' get it hot enough to pop.

I'm just going to have to disassemble the upper torso to get the arms outs methinks.

Thanks for the pics!

Whoops, I've just been misunderstanding everything you say :)

Yeah the only way to get the upper arms out is by cracking the Torso open

[NoisyDvL5]

I tore up Roadblock popping the upper torso open, but I went in through the chest cavity so it'll stay hidden.

Thanks for the help!

[salaciouscray31]

Sometimes the size of the screw driver has to vary according to the space between the chest cavity and the lower torso. The screw driver pictured in this thread is far to big for Gun Ho, but perfect for Destro. You really have to use your best judgement on this one.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i74/shipmate3000/ecbanner.jpg

[Johnnyakiba]

I just destroyed my Gung-ho! OH NO!

I put the screwdriver in and twisted & it totally screwed up his back. I think I am doing something wrong...

[fan_again]

i've completely snapped roadblock n half , destroyed snakeyes completely and broke gung hos back off

[Vagabond Elf]

Well, I just succeeded in taking Gung-ho apart and putting him back together. Yay me! Now his arms are correct! Yay him!

It helped a lot to pop Destro first; I had an extra from the comic pack so I gave him a whirl. That helped me see where the pegs holding the torso together are.

For G-H, I had tried to pop the torso a couple times and knew the plastic was just too soft. So, this time I just cut, using a very thin, very sharp knife. Very carefully along the seams under his armpit. Then, with the little bit of flexibility that gave me, along the seams on top of his shoulders and through the pegs.

[GI Guppy the third]

It's the bottom torso I struggle with, but since I always cut it off at the hip afterwards so I can use classic hip pieces, it's never a problem.

Just so I can log in the information into my brain, any way to take the bottom torso piece apart without ruining it?

[spacemonkeymafia]

iM HAVING PROBLEMS TAKING LOWER ARMS OFF!!!

[hectorxd]

Run them under hot water!!!

[spacemonkeymafia]

I Did ...do They Just Come Apart Because Tomax Elbow Part Is About To Come Off!!

[hectorxd]

When running hot water doesnt work I get out a bowl, put water in it and microwave it. When its nice and hot I dip the arm in for a little bit and then I pull. I put the arm in between my shirt to get a better grip.

[Shogi]

Yeah, the Twins' arms are a pain to get off (I wound up biting down on them and pulling the rest of the figure off of the lower arm :) )

[spacemonkeymafia]

Use Acrylic paints, Stay far away from Enamel paints. (Enamel = will never fully dry on soft plastics)

I don't use a primer or anything, but that's really all up to the individual customizer. Some people use primer, some use clear coat, some just slap some paint on and say done! :)

Ok question then...when using Acrylic pants how do you get it where when you move joints (elbows, knees head) where the paint doesnt rub off?

[spacemonkeymafia]

anyone???

[karamazov80]

Ok question then...when using Acrylic pants how do you get it where when you move joints (elbows, knees head) where the paint doesnt rub off?
Apply a clear coat. Unless you do that or use a plastic-bonding paint like Krylon Fusion, I'm not sure how you could avoid this problem.

[americaselite_stormshadow]

Thanx Been wondering about that!

[evopete]

OK I just am about too lose my mind.... I have broken 1 Gung Ho, a Cobra Legions Trooper, and a SCarlett with the Screw Driver Method........It did work on Roadblock, but I also stabbed my self with the screwdriver, so I am not sure if I got lucky or did it right, can anyone else PLEASE PLEASE post more pics on this... I dont want to ruin all my extras, I do want to get one custom out of them

[Shogi]

Ok question then...when using Acrylic pants how do you get it where when you move joints (elbows, knees head) where the paint doesnt rub off?

Apply a clear coat. Unless you do that or use a plastic-bonding paint like Krylon Fusion, I'm not sure how you could avoid this problem.

You can also try sanding the joints down a little so there are no rubbing areas. I used to do this with ARAH shoulders and it worked great. I haven't tried it with the 25th yet though

[spacemonkeymafia]

OK I just am about too lose my mind.... I have broken 1 Gung Ho, a Cobra Legions Trooper, and a SCarlett with the Screw Driver Method........It did work on Roadblock, but I also stabbed my self with the screwdriver, so I am not sure if I got lucky or did it right, can anyone else PLEASE PLEASE post more pics on this... I dont want to ruin all my extras, I do want to get one custom out of them

No kidding Ive ruined like 6 extra Figs doing this Screw Driver Method......Even a damn stupid Flint.

There has to be an easier way to pop them open........

[Shogi]

No kidding Ive ruined like 6 extra Figs doing this Screw Driver Method......Even a damn stupid Flint.

There has to be an easier way to pop them open........

Well there are two other ways to crack them open, Hasbro's "Rubber Mallet Method" and the "Exacto Knife Method"

I do miss the days of a back screw and still believe they could actually make the torsos with that feature, but they'd probably cost another $1.50 extra

[GI Guppy the third]

Anyone try to pop the WWE Build N Brawl figs?

[mikeTime]

Anyone try to pop the WWE Build N Brawl figs?

I used a screwdriver in the chest/abb area. It separated enough to get the waist and legs off. They mix well with the SHS figs.

[Dark 5cythe]

Ok question then...when using Acrylic pants how do you get it where when you move joints (elbows, knees head) where the paint doesnt rub off?

Use a Tamiya spray paint in the color that matches. It doesnt rub off on joints unless the coat is to thick,

[Gunzlingr]

I decided to use a cobra soldier for my very first custom but broke the torso peg trying the screwdriver method. Looks like I will have to glue it back together when I am done.

[Rocky]

The screwdriver method is horrible, I lost quite a few good men that way. I seem to have two left thumbs when it comes to this..

[COBRACOLLECTOR]

I Need Help Man How Do I Even Get The Legs Off It Says Take The Legs Off First How Do I Even Do That ?

[COBRACOLLECTOR]

Owww And I Just Stabbed Myself

SERIOUS

[Eopie Herder]

I Need Help Man How Do I Even Get The Legs Off It Says Take The Legs Off First How Do I Even Do That ?

They have screws in the inside of the thighs. Comes right off.

[Eopie Herder]

Owww And I Just Stabbed Myself

SERIOUS

first rule of thumb when using a hobby knife- cut away from your body.

[DanithNY]

how do you get the upper part of the arms off. The wrist come off but i can't seem to get the body apart along with the upper arms... any help/ ideas

[Shadow Guard]

Does anyone have a list of Heads from other series,ie: Star wars Indiana Jones Mavel ect that fit joe bodies without the use of sculpty type products?

[daremo]

Does anyone have a list of Heads from other series,ie: Star wars Indiana Jones Mavel ect that fit joe bodies without the use of sculpty type products?
You don't need any sculpting material. Get a hot glue gun and use this tutorial from Jedi_Master_Ben (http://goodtogocustoms.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=9e767afc71b100ef3cbf2a9ce15d6f 8f&topic=3963.0). It's real easy and only takes a couple minutes.

[evopete]

My first attempts resulted in my entire left hand being sliced and diced on by the exacto knife......

[mikeTime]

The twins have been the hardest figs to get apart. They have an extra contact point in the throat area which makes it hard to separate even after scoring and heating. I eventually pulled the upper chest off of the torso, scored it some more with the exacto and stuck a pair of pliers in the hole closed and pulled left and right together. One pice flew across my kitchen but I found it. The torso has an extra nub cap because I think the chest hole is bigger.
And for the arms. The upper/lower arm joints are tough, after heating them up they still resisted separating by hand. I had to use flat pliers and then had to re heat them to undo the marks I made with the pliers. On one arm, the joint pulled off the forearm and I had a hell of a time getting it off and reattaching it. I've taken 6 guys apart and the twins were the worst. Luckily I did not hurt my self of the figs to much and now I have a sleeveless Stormshadow.

[kissmekillme]

How the hell do you get Scarlett apart? The screwdriver's done me fine on every male figure, but I CANNOT crack her. I can barely get her legs off once unscrewed too.

[daremo]

How the hell do you get Scarlett apart? The screwdriver's done me fine on every male figure, but I CANNOT crack her. I can barely get her legs off once unscrewed too.
Hammer or Car. She is a pain! I destroyed one trying to get it apart. Exacto blade is the way to go, but it takes forever to get apart. Oh, and watch those fingers!

[nighthawk]

yeah, Scarlett's a royal pain in the ass to take apart.

[nighthawk]

I Need Help Man How Do I Even Get The Legs Off It Says Take The Legs Off First How Do I Even Do That ?

Some of the figures, apparently, they were assembled before the paint fully cured or something cause even when you remove the screw you can't separate the leg. You'll just have to try the exactor knife method or find a gap in the leg somewhere so that you can wedge a knife or some small hard object in to break it apart.

[FireFly5]

anybody have any success cracking open zartan's chest? i'm trying to change out the arms and lower torso, i was able to remove the lower torso, but the arms wont budge.

[Shogi]

anybody have any success cracking open zartan's chest? i'm trying to change out the arms and lower torso, i was able to remove the lower torso, but the arms wont budge.

Yeah I popped open the Maj. Bludd chest (Same Mold) I used the exacto knife method

[apacolypse]

I witnessed this method done in front of me at the PA Joe Customs Picnic this past weekend.

http://www.cobraisland.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4283
I duplicated the tools...and gave it a shot. It worked nicely...might be an alternative method to try for those having trouble with the screwdriver and Xacto Knife.

[Eopie Herder]

I will give it a shot! Thanks!

[apacolypse]

I will give it a shot! Thanks!

No problem! It is based on the same premise as the Hasbro method...pressure on the joint seam itself...but I find that this method allows more control than using a mallet to hit an area 1/4" or less.

Keep in mind...no matter what method you use...pegs may break. The torso's are Factory glued...if that glue hits a peg..its gonna break.

[daremo]

Thanks, Apacolypse! That is a great idea, one I'm going to try (watch out Tomax/Xamot and Scarlett). Also, you can fix the broken pegs with styrene rod, I forget what size I'm using. Just drill out the original holes and then glue in the appropriate size and length styrene rod/replacement peg.

[Eopie Herder]

After a few tries it worked. The first couple of times, the figure was twisting out of the rig, so I had to make sure it was centered perfectly and then it worked.

[alexreed]

Thanks

[apacolypse]

After a few tries it worked. The first couple of times, the figure was twisting out of the rig, so I had to make sure it was centered perfectly and then it worked.

Glad to hear buddy!!

[FireFly5]

thanks guys for the info, the screwdriver method (in my case) will definitely damage the torso , i will go out and get an exacto knife and give that a try

[Maximus]

Ah, Apocolypse you beat me to the punch! I came across the method using the socket bit and rushed home from work to try it. It worked beautifully! My wife was even impressed when I showed her and she could care less about my customs usually. My only advice to anyone that tries this method is to make sure when you tape the socket bit to the pliars you keep it moved a little forward and don't line it up flush with the edge of the pliars. I did that the first time and barely had enough room to fit the torso. Also don't skip the part about the ziplock bag. Just as I was wondering what I was doing wrong, POP the torso blew apart in the bag and the pieces when flying! It was AWESOME!!!!! Hopefully tonight I'll get to painting!

[Freedom]

Some torsos cracked right open, some took a little work, but the Battle Damaged Snake-Eyes upper torso was HELL trying to get a part. I pretty much destroyed it as well as inflicting a pretty gnarly gash in my left index finger.

[delta]

Please stop telling people to do this method. It only breaks your joes.
Still having trouble cracking open the torso, will boiling help?
Here's Hasbro's explanation on how to take the chest apart:

1. Take anniversary figures head and legs off, so only torso and arms remain. (Legs have screws, head, lower arms and hands pop off)
2. Use either corner of table or block of wood with 90 degree angle and place the torso side that has the parting line on corner.
3. Take a rubber mallet, or small hammer, and hit the seam on the shoulder, cracking it open like a walnut.
4. Sides should split allowing for custom arms to fit into joints, glue back together with super glue.

Exacto Knife Method
Use an exacto knife to cut into the seam of the chest (Usually start at the bottom or in the arm pit) Then pry the torso apart with a small flat-tipped screwdriver (Sometimes this will leave a gap between the torso halves, hence why you do it in a typically unseen area)

Screwdriver Method (Thanks to Kimiyo)
Take a flat head screwdriver and insert the flat tip in between the upper back torso and lower back torso and give it a twist (Warning!!! does NOT work on Gung-Ho!!!)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Shogi88/Customs/DSCF0012.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Shogi88/Customs/DSCF0014.jpg



You HAVE to crack open the torso to change out the upper arms. However, to change out the lower arms, hands or feet. You can run the some hot water from the faucet over the part and pull it out. This is also known as "Boil and Pop"

The Head will come off if you apply enough pressrue under the chin, pushing upwards

And a picture showing a completely disassembled 25th Joe figure

[apacolypse]

Please stop telling people to do this method. It only breaks your joes.
Still having trouble cracking open the torso, will boiling help?

Which method you speaking of breaking joes?

[Syn3sthesia]

Can someone videotape themselves cracking a joe open?

I tried but I nearly destroyed the stoopid trooper in two.

[samjjones]

I tried the screwdriver twist technique, and completely destroyed (i.e., took a massive chunk out of the back) of Copperhead.

Even after the figure was ruined, I still can't separate the torso.

[Unclassified]

i tried the screw driver, it wouldnt work on my scarred trooper, an then i tried the socket an goose neck an in theory it wooks, an the socket kept gettin pushed off, an this dudes get beat up in these trials an tribulations, an i was gettin pissed cus i wanna customize a few dudes an it aint workin so then i jus put card board on the pliers top an bottom an squeezed it, it came apart finally but i seen stress areas, so im not sure maby he was jus a tuff dude. but i think im tryin the mallet an corner of a table though

[Shogi]

I took the pics of the screwdriver method off since it's pretty misleading using Gung-Ho in there, Sorry guys. I haven't tried the socket method yet

[samjjones]

If somebody can figure out a method with pliers or something, I'd be up for that.

[apacolypse]

I witnessed this method done in front of me at the PA Joe Customs Picnic this past weekend.

http://www.cobraisland.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4283
I duplicated the tools...and gave it a shot. It worked nicely...might be an alternative method to try for those having trouble with the screwdriver and Xacto Knife.

If somebody can figure out a method with pliers or something, I'd be up for that.

See link above.

[samjjones]

See link above.

Dude, I don't have these tools. What the hell is a channel lock? My toolbox consists of a regular pair of pliers, a hammer, and some screwdrivers.

[apacolypse]

Dude, I don't have these tools. What the hell is a channel lock? My toolbox consists of a regular pair of pliers, a hammer, and some screwdrivers.

Sir,

A set of Channel Locks is basically a set of pliers that adjusts its width more than that of regular pliers.

Check your local dollar stores/thrift stores...for the price of two figures at retail you should be able to find a cheap pair of channel locks and a cheap set of sockets. You are only using them on plastic toys...no need to go for an expensive brand of either.

[samjjones]

apac - Thanks.

Didn't mean to be condescending earlier; I honestly had no idea what channel locks were.

I stopped at Home Depot on my way home from work, and the cheapest pair they had was $2.97. That was for 8 inch, and it didn't look like the surface area was big enough to hold the bit. Anybody who's tried this think 8 inch pliers would provide sufficient leverage?

[apacolypse]

apac - Thanks.

Didn't mean to be condescending earlier; I honestly had no idea what channel locks were.

I stopped at Home Depot on my way home from work, and the cheapest pair they had was $2.97. That was for 8 inch, and it didn't look like the surface area was big enough to hold the bit. Anybody who's tried this think 8 inch pliers would provide sufficient leverage?

No worries man...I didn't take it as condescending.

I checked the two sets of channel locks I have...and neither one has any markings stating what size they are...and that is odd.
I can tell you this much...if 8 inch is the smallest size...go with a bigger set. You need to fit a joe torso in there sideways...and fit it without having to stretch your hand grip too far to apply the pressure to pop it. Keep in mind...that larger channel locks will adjust to close all the way tight...so you are not loosing anything by going larger. Overall length of my set is 10" from end to end when closed tight. Hopefully that helps.

[Gi_Joe_Collector]

OK I just am about too lose my mind.... I have broken 1 Gung Ho, a Cobra Legions Trooper, and a SCarlett with the Screw Driver Method........It did work on Roadblock, but I also stabbed my self with the screwdriver, so I am not sure if I got lucky or did it right, can anyone else PLEASE PLEASE post more pics on this... I dont want to ruin all my extras, I do want to get one custom out of them


Too funny man ! LOL !

[samjjones]

Success!

I used deckard's hand vice method. Basically, take the torso of the figure (with upper arms still attached), and place into a sock (to give some cushion and prevent against vice marks in the shoulders). Place the sock-wrapped figure into the hand vice, with the neck peg facing up, and the arms facing down on the sides; you're arranging it so that the pressure from both sides of the vice presses inward on both shoulders. Then, slowly crank, until you hear a crack (the glue breaking), and then a pop or rattling (the figure breaking up). Open the sock, and voila, a deconstructed torso.

This worked the first time I tried it on my pesky Copperhead remnants (upper torso and upper arms); I then tried it on the left over lower torso, and it worked perfectly there, too.

That was some stroooooong glue.

[samjjones]

BTW, does anybody want to buy a never used (but opened) Cobalt 10 inch tongue and groove pliers? LOL

[TheLongestDay]

Ive been using a whole different method...as Im opening up Ninja bodies and all the other methods didnt seem to be working i just got a stanley blade and heated up the tip and sliced the torso open at the seems-cuts like a hot knife through butter (especially if you soak the body in boiled water first).

Its a bit tricky but its worked out best for me

[UMAN]

Here's one for you experts: How do you take out the knee section from the lower leg? It's attached with a peg.. and sure, I can drill it out, but I want to switch kneecaps without destroying anything.

[daremo]

Here's one for you experts: How do you take out the knee section from the lower leg? It's attached with a peg.. and sure, I can drill it out, but I want to switch kneecaps without destroying anything.
I run the leg under hot water for about twenty seconds. Then I take a small screw driver and pry the knee joint out of one of the holes. Push the knee joint out the other side of the leg and remove the knee. You may have to heat the leg up again to get the part completely removed.

To put the joint back in, just use hot water again to heat the leg up pop the joint back in. Use cold water to harden the plastic again. Some knees need a little modding to fit.

[UMAN]

Thanks, D. I actually figured it out 5 minutes after posting and it worked great. I had to bite down on the peg area to get them back together.

[Valguerra]

Well I try using the screw driver method on wild weasel and cobra trooper. But it did not work. I turn the screw driver and the figure just twisted. I set it down on the table, to see if i was doing something wrong. But nothing. It open up just a little bit were the waits came of. But it is still together. Now I have half a figure. Can anyone tell me what am doing wrong ro another easier wave to open figures?

[Medcom77]

I witnessed this method done in front of me at the PA Joe Customs Picnic this past weekend.

25th Joe Disassembly...alternate method - CobraIsland (http://www.cobraisland.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4283)
I duplicated the tools...and gave it a shot. It worked nicely...might be an alternative method to try for those having trouble with the screwdriver and Xacto Knife.

This method really works quite well!! I gave up trying to crack figures after it worked once, but then every figure after got tore up. I saw this post and decided, one more try. And it worked, I got a little crack happy and just went to town on about 6 figures. Have no clue what I'm gonna do with them yet, it just felt satisfying that it worked so well. Oh, don't forget the bag thing too, I'm still looking for my cobra commanders other arm!

[apacolypse]

This method really works quite well!! I gave up trying to crack figures after it worked once, but then every figure after got tore up. I saw this post and decided, one more try. And it worked, I got a little crack happy and just went to town on about 6 figures. Have no clue what I'm gonna do with them yet, it just felt satisfying that it worked so well. Oh, don't forget the bag thing too, I'm still looking for my cobra commanders other arm!

Glad to hear the method worked as well for you as it did for me!!!

[Onslaught Six]

How can I get Major Bludd's helmet off?

[Shogi]

Thanks, D. I actually figured it out 5 minutes after posting and it worked great. I had to bite down on the peg area to get them back together.

I do the same thing! :)

[Fierce Krypton]

the snow serpent is a BI!

[barbecue]

I was trying yesterday to disassemble CP Shipwreck's legs without any success. I got the leg screws out but even without them it was like if they still have them because I just couldn't separate them. What should do about that? Any ideas?

[Shogi]

I was trying yesterday to disassemble CP Shipwreck's legs without any success. I got the leg screws out but even without them it was like if they still have them because I just couldn't separate them. What should do about that? Any ideas?

I run into this problem a lot of times. It seems that the paint seals it up a bit.

I bend the knee and while holding the thigh steady with one hand, I grab the ankle/lower leg and bend it side to side. You should see the seam on the thigh at the knee open up a little bit. Then I slide a fingernail or something like that into the seam and try to break the seal there.

It's usually not that tough and the thigh will usually pop apart when you bend the lower leg from side to side.

[evopete]

Glad to hear the method worked as well for you as it did for me!!!

Worked for me its way better than the other three.... as my hands looked like they saw Freddy Crouger.... :0

[chickenbroth]

I cracked open my first 25th figure today. I'm working on a Hiss driver for my custom Hiss that I am building. I first tried the flat blade screw driver in the back and twist method......did not work. I eventually held a small flat tip screwdriver in the armpit right along the seam and smacked it a few times with a small hammer. The seam separated and I slowly worked my way around the upper torso till completely came apart.

[ambushbug74]

So, I tried the screw driver method on Ace, and all it did was pop off the whole chest section intact. Any ideas on how I can get that section apart to get to the upper arms?

EDIT: I ended up solving that problem, now I need to know what is the best way to sand down arms if they don't fit into the socket right? the arm I wanna use is a little bigger in the shoulder and won't let the chest close up right. Should I cut down the main shoulder part on the chest piece or sand down the shoulder at the arm?

[ambushbug74]

New question, any one know how to get arms back into Indiana Jones figures? I popped off some arms to use the jacket, but want to pop on new arms so I can use the shirt and tie.

[Unclassified]

So, I tried the screw driver method on Ace, and all it did was pop off the whole chest section intact. Any ideas on how I can get that section apart to get to the upper arms?

EDIT: I ended up solving that problem, now I need to know what is the best way to sand down arms if they don't fit into the socket right? the arm I wanna use is a little bigger in the shoulder and won't let the chest close up right. Should I cut down the main shoulder part on the chest piece or sand down the shoulder at the arm?

get a dremel man it leaves profesional results for trimmin' i had to get ff legs to fit cp ss crotch, i found out i had a dremel an tried it, i was like wow! xacto knives are dangerouse an leave choppy results!

[Zer0G]

Posting a quick reply so I have this link saved in my user CP.

[polyphenus]

Does anyone have a how-to or tutorial about disassembling the Hasbro Indiana Jones figures?

[Prince of Fire & Thunder]

Does anyone have a how-to or tutorial about disassembling the Hasbro Indiana Jones figures?
Get whatever joint you're taking apart hot either with hot water or a hair dryer. Twist & pull. Repeat until figure is dismantled.

[Iron Will]

Tried the exacto and 1 finger slice later, I found a method that works for me. On the figure that I'm not going to use the arms on I exacto the arms off at the shoulder joint so that the torso can lay flat on its side and then hammer a small flathead into the arm socket hole. Worked like a charm. And if the joints seem lose due to size variation or any damage i line the inside of the upper torso with sculpey to tighten it up a little more.

[280-CUSTOMS]

i have found that by taking the legs off all the way first, then use either a strainer or something mesh bring a pan of water to a boil and then put the figure in the water.only leave it in there for20 seconds at the most then use a x-acto knife on both sidesto gap it dont cut to far then use a 1/2" blade like a pocket knife to widen the gap i say a 1/2"blade so when you pop it apart or wiggle it you don't leave marks or dig into the shoulderyou do it this way you usually have the peg holes in the upper torso to use to glue them back together. thats how i do it . later

[Lantern_Lad]

Awesome! The channel lock method worked like a charm! Custom Mercer is on the way!

Any tips on how to take apart Indy figures?

[SPECTER]

any easy way to get knees off the lower legs I tried and it keeps messing up?

[Money-B]

Here's one for you experts: How do you take out the knee section from the lower leg? It's attached with a peg.. and sure, I can drill it out, but I want to switch kneecaps without destroying anything.

I run the leg under hot water for about twenty seconds. Then I take a small screw driver and pry the knee joint out of one of the holes. Push the knee joint out the other side of the leg and remove the knee. You may have to heat the leg up again to get the part completely removed.

To put the joint back in, just use hot water again to heat the leg up pop the joint back in. Use cold water to harden the plastic again. Some knees need a little modding to fit.

Here you go. I was looking for the same thing.

[mackdawg77]

I never can get the torso back together with the screw driver method

[GrimlocksPS]

HI people

How do i get Clutch's silly ankle holster off? I wanna maybe try and fit it on to his thigh instead of the knife.

He's a master driver yet can't fit into a HISS..yeah i want him to steal it..

[KALASH69]

Hey guys, are indy arms easily transferable to joes? I find the indy pegs to be slightly smaller then the joe ones, will they stay put?

[ryota3k]

I normally let the torso soak in hot water, pretty much boil-n-pop method, right out of the facet can be hot enough. It seems to loosen up more. The first few times I took the letter opener on a swiss army knife to the seam behind the neck post. It worked great till I tried a dry-pop and snapped a neck clear off. I still use hot water or a hair dryer but go in under the arm pit with an exacto.

I haven't tried it yet but wouldn't the knees come off like the VvV swivel feel on SE or Night Creepers?

[Dr. Whom]

Okay, I took apart my first figure and I need to know what I did wrong.

I used a pair of pliers and wrapped them in cloth to protect the figure and applied pressure at the seems near the bottom of the top torso. It came apart but one of the platic pegs broke off and there was some pressure damage to the place I squeezed. It needed to be bent back into the proper position so the figure goes back together for the most part but I would like to know if I could avoid this in the future. What say you?

[apacolypse]

Okay, I took apart my first figure and I need to know what I did wrong.

I used a pair of pliers and wrapped them in cloth to protect the figure and applied pressure at the seems near the bottom of the top torso. It came apart but one of the platic pegs broke off and there was some pressure damage to the place I squeezed. It needed to be bent back into the proper position so the figure goes back together for the most part but I would like to know if I could avoid this in the future. What say you?

The peg breakage is due to glue from the factory during assembly. With all methods of disassembly there may be peg breakage...due to the same factor, the glue that you are breaking the seal on.

Most torso's have 4 pegs...so one being broken shouldn't keep it from snapping back together, though you may have to apply a small bead of glue and then clamp the torso together till it dries.

[Dr. Whom]

The peg breakage is due to glue from the factory during assembly. With all methods of disassembly there may be peg breakage...due to the same factor, the glue that you are breaking the seal on.

Most torso's have 4 pegs...so one being broken shouldn't keep it from snapping back together, though you may have to apply a small bead of glue and then clamp the torso together till it dries.

Thanks...and do I just use less pressure on the pliers to crack the torso to stop from bending the pressure point or is there a better spot to apply pressure?

[Shogi]

Thanks...and do I just use less pressure on the pliers to crack the torso to stop from bending the pressure point or is there a better spot to apply pressure?

What size pliers are you using?

I use really big ones so that the pressure point is spread out and does less damage, also so the top and bottom of the pliers are basically coming together at an even space instead of an angle

I don't know if smaller pliers would cause more damage, but the theory seems sound

[M_renegade]

Is there a way to unglue the damned shoulder pads of golden-head Destro?
I want to go for a repaint, but that silly cloak is in the way, and taking off the shoulder pads would make things easier...

Hot water? A hairdryer?

Hey guys, are indy arms easily transferable to joes? I find the indy pegs to be slightly smaller then the joe ones, will they stay put?

Arms or hands?
The peg of the arm (attaching the shoulder to the body) is a bit slim and long than Joes. I just put a small rubber reinforcement.

Hands are a bit more problematic, since it depends on the Joe figure. Indy hand pegs are short and a bit more chubby, but they should fit well (in fact, they fit really thight) in many figures. But some Joes are different, for example the Crimson guard, and wouldn't fit.
In any case, i think that Indie figures are different between them too. There's nothing sure, you should check by yourself :(

Now that's dirty talking :P

[SniperX]

Man I tried my first attempt at disassembling the torso, and I completely fuck3d it up LOL no worries... I see what I did wrong tho I think.. and hell we all kno experiences in life are the test first, and lessons later :P

[M_renegade]

Man I tried my first attempt at disassembling the torso,

Disassembling an Indie torso??

You can't, it's a single, solid piece.
Either heat the body and pop off the parts, or cut the body to take them out.

The good thing about that, is that if you're skilled with a small blade you can cut the lower half of the body, drill a small hole, and insert a Joe set of legs/waist.
Or cut thin slices (a chest for example) and create a layer to glue on a Joe. Pockets and other details are useful.

[Viper Officer]

Indy's are solid pieces???

[M_renegade]

Indy's are solid pieces???

Yeah.
i broke two blades (and almost my fingers) trying to open one.
So i got angry, stuck the blade almost an inch, and opened the body...voilà, secret revealed.

It is almost useless to use in a joe, although there are some ways to reuse the Indy body on a 25th figure, but it's more trouble than deserves.
Or you could cut a thin layer -say the front torso- and paste it in a Joe. Make it seamless with a bit of green stuff or Epoxi.

[skatezaz]

has anyone ever reversed upper thighs. so if i had a snake eyes take the knife holster (right thigh) and have it work the same on the left leg and vice verse? im too lazy to take it apart if it does not work right now...

[skatezaz]

nobody probably saw this ^^^^ cause its was three in the morning

[slim19722]

has anyone ever reversed upper thighs. so if i had a snake eyes take the knife holster (right thigh) and have it work the same on the left leg and vice verse? im too lazy to take it apart if it does not work right now...

meandnooneelse over at Trigate did that to Snake Eyes. Trigate is going to cast the thigh piece & holster for sale in their store. Pic's and more info in the links.

Another 1985 Snake Eyes (Version2) From Meandnooneelse (http://www.trigatecreations.com/forum/index.php?topic=318.0)

25th Ann. Ultimate Holster: Who Wants One? (http://www.trigatecreations.com/forum/index.php?topic=532.0)

[jiffy18]

awesome , now I can custom some figs

[generic trooper]

So do you glue the torso back together when reassembling?

[MTN]

How do I get a Resolute Duke torso split? I can't manage to do it without ruining it.

[Tom-1]

Holy moly - I've been using the X-acto knife method to open torsos from day one... but I wanted to see if the other ways were better.

I bought a little bench vise and WOW. It is the perfect tool... sort of makes me regret all the times I stabbed my fingers with that lousy x-acto. I've opened like 20 figures without incident when I realised how easy it was.

It was only $20 and even though I'm not a handyman, I can probably find other uses for it down the road (crushing bugs, I guess : / ) I recommend everyone gets one : )

Tom

[Rulz]

great ! gotta try this..

[galactron22]

Ok, so we've discussed for 14 pages on how to open the upper torso. how do I go about crackng open the lower torso? I know somebody asked the question earlier on in this thread, but I don't think it was answered.

[Mugabuga]

So can you put the figure back together the same way it was once you've taken it apart, or does the torso not go back together?

[Shogi]

So can you put the figure back together the same way it was once you've taken it apart, or does the torso not go back together?

Yeah, you just need super glue to join the torso halves together

[grandpoobah]

I just want to know if you can pop the upper arms out of their socket using the boil and pop method. I'm planning to do a custom grunt using the arms of a gi joe trooper and placing it on duke comicpack (with redstar) body.

[mrselfdestruct]

I just want to know if you can pop the upper arms out of their socket using the boil and pop method. I'm planning to do a custom grunt using the arms of a gi joe trooper and placing it on duke comicpack (with redstar) body.

No, they are held in place by the upper torso. You have to pop the upper torso unfortunately.

[mrselfdestruct]

How do you all pop open the lower torso? I try and I seem to almost bend it out of shape where they almost wont go back together.

[sneedleweeze]

thank you so very much...cracked my first fig...it took me a bit but i found a way that worked for me