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03-02-2021, 03:58 PM | #1 |
That Ruined Face
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: magical mid-tn
Posts: 4,790
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Firefly and Zartan have widespred hip problems. I figured out the cause and a very quick fix.
The Cause GI Joe Classified figures utilize hip balls which have studs molded onto the surface in order to create a reverse detent of sorts. Firefly and Zartan use a revised design and the studs are too pronounced. When these figures are assembled in the factory and the plastic hasn’t cooled fully the legs move freely at the hips. However, as the soft plastic of the hips cool it shrinks and establishes a vice like grip between the leg’s hip socket and hip balls. The Fix 1. Disconnect the legs from the hips by either dipping the figure up to the hips in boiled water for 30 seconds OR use a hair dryer to heat the legs until the pop off 2. Using 120 grit sandpaper encircle the hip ball and roll the hip ball around to lightly sand the surface. It doesn’t take much. The goal is to decrease the the surface area SLIGHTLY. Too much sanding will result in loose hips. 3. Reheat the legs and pop them back on the hip balls. 4. Allow legs to fuly cool and test the articulation. If it is still too tight repeat the process. I used this method to fix Zartan and Firefly. I sanded enough on the first try so I didn’t have to repeat the process. Both of my figures move freely and there has been no further stress to the hip bars. It really doesn’t take a lot of sanding. We’re talking microns not millimeters. Good luck!
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03-02-2021, 05:53 PM | #2 |
Hisstank.Com General
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Secret underground complex
Posts: 7,023
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Quote:
Firefly and Zartan have widespred hip problems. I figured out the cause and a very quick fix.
The Cause GI Joe Classified figures utilize hip balls which have studs molded onto the surface in order to create a reverse detent of sorts. Firefly and Zartan use a revised design and the studs are too pronounced. When these figures are assembled in the factory and the plastic hasn’t cooled fully the legs move freely at the hips. However, as the soft plastic of the hips cool it shrinks and establishes a vice like grip between the leg’s hip socket and hip balls. The Fix 1. Disconnect the legs from the hips by either dipping the figure up to the hips in boiled water for 30 seconds OR use a hair dryer to heat the legs until the pop off 2. Using 120 grit sandpaper encircle the hip ball and roll the hip ball around to lightly sand the surface. It doesn’t take much. The goal is to decrease the the surface area SLIGHTLY. Too much sanding will result in loose hips. 3. Reheat the legs and pop them back on the hip balls. 4. Allow legs to fuly cool and test the articulation. If it is still too tight repeat the process. I used this method to fix Zartan and Firefly. I sanded enough on the first try so I didn’t have to repeat the process. Both of my figures move freely and there has been no further stress to the hip bars. It really doesn’t take a lot of sanding. We’re talking microns not millimeters. Good luck! Great minds... |
03-02-2021, 06:03 PM | #3 |
Hisstank.Com General
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 17,152
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Good to know. I think I might have to go back to my Scarlett custom and sand off some paint too. I painted her hip joint cause the tan really stood out against the grey leg.
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03-02-2021, 06:13 PM | #4 |
That Ruined Face
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: magical mid-tn
Posts: 4,790
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When I figured it out I actually thought about you. I thought back to our conversation about drop down legs. The ONLY reason I didn't snap off Zartan's leg is because of that convo.
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03-02-2021, 07:51 PM | #5 |
Hisstank.Com General
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Secret underground complex
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I know a lot of folks like the drop down leg or butterfly joint but I think it serves as a real weak point. Of course, if the knobs weren’t so stiff it wouldn’t be a problem.
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03-03-2021, 03:40 AM | #6 |
Fuggin' Hawesome!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: "Yes, I can hear you, Clem Fandango."
Posts: 4,415
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"are we not doing phrasing anymore?, fine."
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03-03-2021, 07:33 AM | #7 |
Hisstank.Com General
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03-03-2021, 11:03 AM | #8 |
That Ruined Face
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: magical mid-tn
Posts: 4,790
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The drop down hips had zero influence on the hip ball shearing. If anything the drop down section proved it is not a weak point at all. It stood up to a counter rotation against it's surface area. That's strong, man. I inspected both of my figures and there were no stress lines. If you encountered an issue other than the ball shearing a pic would be helpful. As it is I stand behind my previous comment that the drop down feature does not make for a weaker connection.
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Complete and Total Classified Super Fan Last edited by firmpulse; 03-03-2021 at 01:08 PM.. |
03-03-2021, 12:03 PM | #9 |
Cobra Viper
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: ATL Shawtyyyy!!
Posts: 444
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I have a firefly where the drop down is locked and frozen. I’ve tried everything to get it unstuck but no success. Right now firefly is just regulated to standing no action poses
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03-04-2021, 10:05 AM | #10 |
That Ruined Face
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: magical mid-tn
Posts: 4,790
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That's wild. Have you tried soaking it in boiled water? Could be some glue made it into the pivot. Which totally sucks if they start getting sloppy like that.
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