Customizing Q&A Thread

[Mumps]

Tiny question...

I need to swap a set of eyes from one Universe Cyclonus to another, but... Shattered Glass Cyclonus's head will not come apart... but Universe Cyclonus comes apart with ease... Could they by chance have glued it as well? So, if thats the case, is there an easy way to get this apart without damaging it? or am I screwed?

[Cliffjumper69]

Originally Posted by Mumps

Tiny question...

I need to swap a set of eyes from one Universe Cyclonus to another, but... Shattered Glass Cyclonus's head will not come apart... but Universe Cyclonus comes apart with ease... Could they by chance have glued it as well? So, if thats the case, is there an easy way to get this apart without damaging it? or am I screwed?

Its gonna sound crazy but hot boiling water loosens up glue. I had a problem with my first gen FP City Commander's left hand having to much glue on it. I put it in hot water for aboot 30 seconds and after a few dunks it worked

Id go a few seconds only for light piping just so it doesnt warp from the heat. I hope this helps!

[Mumps]

Thanks CJ! I will try that one tonight.

I did however find out WHY the SG Cyclonus's head is glued, and I found out that the Challenge at Cybertron Cyc's head is the only Cyclonus that does not have glue. The light piping on Challenge Cyclonus just pops right out, no need to even unscrew the head. The guy looks funky with empty eyes! Almost makes me want to see if I can put in a tiny LED in the back of his head..

[Skullgrin]

I wan't to customize a WFC Megatron. By inserting a set of Led lights inside the fusion cannon.

The problem is I have no experience with Led's and I wanted to put two light bulbs in the cannon instead of one. Like one custom I saw online.

Is there a good place that teaches everything about LED's. Or any customizers in Toronto that could help me?

[stillakid]

Starting my first Kitbash, need help

Warpath will be my first kitbash using a classics megatron as a starting point. I've seen other kitbashes for this Warpath so thought that it would be a good starting point for me I've never worked with an epoxy and wanted to know what would be best to use for bonding or sculpting. Would i need separate products for bonding and sculpting? What brand and where can i get it? Preferably in the Vancouver area. Really trying to get my customs to that next level.

Thanks

[bedtime]

ok. i've NEVER kitbashed or modded anything in my life, so PLEASE forgive me if this has come up.

the thing is this: i'm getting a KO defensor, but "hot spot" is red, so he's actually more like inferno (who i dont really like!)

so what i'd like to do is repaint him in that baby blue that is so definitively hot spot... has anyone done a hot spot repaint and could give me some direction here?

[Cliffjumper69]

Originally Posted by bedtime

ok. i've NEVER kitbashed or modded anything in my life, so PLEASE forgive me if this has come up.

the thing is this: i'm getting a KO defensor, but "hot spot" is red, so he's actually more like inferno (who i dont really like!)

so what i'd like to do is repaint him in that baby blue that is so definitively hot spot... has anyone done a hot spot repaint and could give me some direction here?

I havent, but Id say for a first time try using Krylon Fusion. Its a very strong spray if you let it cure long enough. Sand down any rub issues, (major or minor) Do light coats just so the paint can stick to the plastic. Repainting a KO Id use a primer, (Krylon also has a good primer) just so the paint has something extra to stick to. You can get Krylon Fusion at Walmart, and Crappy Tire. It retails for aboot $5.00 a can.

I hope this helps

[bedtime]

Originally Posted by Cliffjumper69

I havent, but Id say for a first time try using Krylon Fusion. Its a very strong spray if you let it cure long enough. Sand down any rub issues, (major or minor) Do light coats just so the paint can stick to the plastic. Repainting a KO Id use a primer, (Krylon also has a good primer) just so the paint has something extra to stick to. You can get Krylon Fusion at Walmart, and Crappy Tire. It retails for aboot $5.00 a can.

I hope this helps

ok, so if i'm going to go the primer route, do i need to dissolve the clear coat thats on the toy?

[Nemesis Predaking]

Originally Posted by bedtime

ok, so if i'm going to go the primer route, do i need to dissolve the clear coat thats on the toy?

Most toys now days don't have clear coats.
You will want to remove as much of the paint apps as you can, being that it a KO. I'd recommend no higher then 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Soak your parts & check on them every hour or so.
You'll need a good stiff bristle toothbrush to help get the paint apps off. Rinse off your parts in warm water & give everything a good sanding with 200 grit (no higher then 220).
Your goal is to get your figure to be loose in all joints, but not floppy. this will allow room for the paint your going to apply.

After sanding give all you parts a quick dip in Iso to remove all the plastic dust.

OH & put all your screws back where they came from as you take the figure apart. Last thing you want to do it try to figure out what screw goes where & put one that slightly to big in a post.
And it's also a good idea to put springs & ratchet joints in ziplock bags & label where they came from. (ei, all hip parts in one baggie, all shoulder in one baggie, etc).

Take your time & have fun. Don't worry when you make a mistake. it's going to happen, no matter how careful you try to be.

[bedtime]

^^^awesome info, thanks.

and yeah, i'm not going to be too bummed if i do a crummy job, as it just a KO and will be displayed as defensor... i may or may not get the reprolabels for it too which will help hide any "bad spots" on the toy haha