Tutorials, Useful Threads, & Customizing Questions

[djcos25]

Can't think of any that are really red and a vest though there's options like the POTF2 Commtech Greedo's vest that you could dye. Rit dye is in the fabric section at Wal-Mart (gotta use "Synthetic" though not "All-Purpose") dye like this Racing Red....
View attachment 492067
Or of course you could paint a vest. That Greedo vest is one that's pretty plentiful/cheap if you don't already have one in your parts bin and the lighter color would do well with dye or painting. Any blue or black Han vest is so dark that dyeing wouldn't work and painting a dark plastic is tougher than a lighter colored vest though God knows Han vests are ones that most of us have in plenitude.

Thanks, I'll have to look into that. I've never dyed action figures before. The problem is I painted the vest red, but the arms are white (not painted) and the paint keeps rubbing off. With the arms being white its really noticable. I have sealed it but am still running into that problem.

Maurders might have some red vests.

Thanks, I have looked but their vest are more military style. The vest I need is more jacket like, similar to Indiana Jones.

 

[Echo_Six]

Doesn't matter what the original color is, automotive spray vinyl dye (VHT, High-Tech, etc.) will work. This stuff is tough, flexible, and (so far) I haven't had any color transfers, and I've used it for about 12 years now. The more rigid plastic like in the usual Han or Greedo vests are no problem; the only issue I've ever had was trying to dye a rubbery Torryn Farr vest. PM if you want a hand with this.

ETA: As an example, the Ceremony Luke torso I used for Yerka Mig was originally black - Two light coats of VHT yellow took care of that.

 

[OutcastJawa]

Doesn't matter what the original color is, automotive spray vinyl dye (VHT, High-Tech, etc.) will work. This stuff is tough, flexible, and (so far) I haven't had any color transfers, and I've used it for about 12 years now. The more rigid plastic like in the usual Han or Greedo vests are no problem; the only issue I've ever had was trying to dye a rubbery Torryn Farr vest. PM if you want a hand with this.

ETA: As an example, the Ceremony Luke torso I used for Yerka Mig was originally black - Two light coats of VHT yellow took care of that.

Sounds like something to try. I've messed around with RIT dye and have had mixed results thus far. Seems like the propellant from the nozzle might be causing issues with the soft PVC. Was there a tackiness issue after spraying?

 

[Echo_Six]

Yep; remained sticky after a week. Worked great on everything else. There's a lot of auto dye use examples in my customs thread, but the biggest downside is that you still have to prep (sand) the joints or they'll rub.

 

[Strobeeone]

Has anyone used VC Kithbaba torso for customs? The jacket is perfect for Rebel trooper flack vests but trying to figure out a leg connection and if it needs a skirt or belt piece.

I have used it for numerous customs including my Endor Commando I did inspired by the original Kenner figure…

View media item 409807
Another shot without the rifle in the way…



And here is a custom Aqualish thug that uses the Kithaba upper torso…


The torso is compatible with a lot of lower body/waist pegs. It would really depend on which one of those you used whether or not a belt or tunic piece is needed, as they sometimes have the shaped raised section at the base of the post.

 

[BlindJedi]

Another shot without the rifle in the way…

This is what I'm hoping for. I'm using a rebel trooper as a base for the first attempt.

Incredible work. Thank you for the inspiration.

 

[Strobeeone]

This is what I'm hoping for. I'm using a rebel trooper as a base for the first attempt.

Incredible work. Thank you for the inspiration.

Thank you. Hope it was helpful.

 

[djcos25]

Just wanted to give a shoutout to @Echo_Six. He offered to help me with dying the vest red. It came out great (especially the collar as I hand painted it and it didn't quite look good). Thanks again I appreciate it!

The vest was for my Captain N figure. For anyone unfamiliar, It was a Nintendo cartoon show from the 80s.

 

[Tyranusspotting]

Hey everyone, I have two questions:

1) Has someone created a font template of Kenner's classic logo?


2) Is there a way to remove these paint rub / scratch lines off a transparent cockpit window? Most of them seem to be from color pens and crayons, but they won't wash out easily. I'm a bit hesistant to try nail polish, worrying it might "fog up" the cockpit.

 

[Echo_Six]

Great for canopy scratches.

 

[DarkKnight07]

View attachment 497619

Great for canopy scratches.

Would that work on removing scuffs from bubbles/windows on unopened figures/vehicles?

 

[Echo_Six]

I really don’t know. I’d try it on a garbage bubble first, though.

 

[xjsn]

Hello esteemed community of customizers. I am working on a custom project, it is nearing completion but I have run into a snag. The head sits too low on the body. Is there an easy way to extend the neck?

I swear I saw for 3-3/4 inch some ball jointed pieces that you you could snap onto a neck ball joint that had a ball on the other side to extend ball jointed necks. Is there something like this for 6-inch scale?

 

[BlindJedi]

Hello esteemed community of customizers. I am working on a custom project, it is nearing completion but I have run into a snag. The head sits too low on the body. Is there an easy way to extend the neck?

I swear I saw for 3-3/4 inch some ball jointed pieces that you you could snap onto a neck ball joint that had a ball on the other side to extend ball jointed necks. Is there something like this for 6-inch scale?

There is but they're usually custom 3d prints. I haven't tried it myself, but I saw over on the HISS forums that someone was doing different neck barbell 3d prints to create taller, smaller and different sizes for joints.

I'll see if I can find the thread.

 

[VideoViper]

Hello esteemed community of customizers. I am working on a custom project, it is nearing completion but I have run into a snag. The head sits too low on the body. Is there an easy way to extend the neck?

I swear I saw for 3-3/4 inch some ball jointed pieces that you you could snap onto a neck ball joint that had a ball on the other side to extend ball jointed necks. Is there something like this for 6-inch scale?

Use Blue poster tack. It’s a putty that will lift the head & is easy to remove if you need to swap out heads later.

 

[xjsn]

Use Blue poster tack. It’s a putty that will lift the head & is easy to remove if you need to swap out heads later.

I tried this originally as I was getting it all together but it just is not working well. It seems like it is just a bit too much height needed for that to work out.

 

[xjsn]

Oh also... I bought some stormtrooper heads (from the deluxe Boba set) to have as scenery in an upcoming diorama project I am working on. The helmets came with those newer style barbell necks in them. Those pieces actually defeated the purpose of the helmets in my display so I pulled them out. Any one need two barbell necks connectors for newer Vintage Collection figure?

 

[DarkKnight07]

When I run into the head sitting too low problem I cut a little piece of plastic and glue it inside the neck hole on the head so when I put the head on it’s sitting on the little piece I added.

 

[Utinniii]

Map pins have different sized sphere heads. I've used them as head posts as well as ball joints.

 

[BlindJedi]

Oh also... I bought some stormtrooper heads (from the deluxe Boba set) to have as scenery in an upcoming diorama project I am working on. The helmets came with those newer style barbell necks in them. Those pieces actually defeated the purpose of the helmets in my display so I pulled them out. Any one need two barbell necks connectors for newer Vintage Collection figure?

I could use them.

 

[xjsn]

When I run into the head sitting too low problem I cut a little piece of plastic and glue it inside the neck hole on the head so when I put the head on it’s sitting on the little piece I added.

This sounds feasible. The socket of the ball joint is very shallow though, will this be an issue to keep the head on the figure?

 

[Hero-of-the-Dune-Sea]

Maybe the entry it is not 100% right here but I have a question.

Q: Could anyone of your custom people give me a hint for fixing legs on a Rancor?
I procured a used POTF Rancor with one very loose leg. Due to the weight it can not stand with this leg. The Rancor always falls down. Thank you in advance!

 

[VideoViper]

Super glue trick - should work with larger figures too.

Dab super glue on the joint then keep moving the joint so it creates an extra layer of plastic.

Repeat as needed.
Seriously don’t stop moving the joint!

 

[DarkKnight07]

This sounds feasible. The socket of the ball joint is very shallow though, will this be an issue to keep the head on the figure?

Without having it in hand I can’t say for sure. To be honest from time to time I’ve just glued the heads on if needed and not worried about whether or not they can move because they’re just going to be standing in one spot and not doing any action poses.

 

[BlindJedi]

Working on a custom and got some hands. One works well enough but the other is too loose and slips out. Suggestions to make the peg fit more snuggly?

 

[Echo_Six]

I usually wrap loose pegs with teflon plumber's tape. Works pretty well.

 

[VideoViper]

Working on a custom and got some hands. One works well enough but the other is too loose and slips out. Suggestions to make the peg fit more snuggly?

Options:
Wrap tape around the peg
Putty blue tack or
Drop of super glue in the hole, to fill it but do not glue the hand in.

 

[BlindJedi]

I usually wrap loose pegs with teflon plumber's tape. Works pretty well.

Ooohhh...yeah, that's a good idea.

Options:
Wrap tape around the peg
Putty blue tack or
Drop of super glue in the hole, to fill it but do not glue the hand in.

Thank you. Appreciate the suggestions.

 

[djcos25]

I recommend this stuff for loose joints. I saw it in a Youtube video and wanted to give it a try. It works very well, and doesn't leave residue behind. It's a bit foamy, like soap. I've also used it on some loose landing gears for my Action Fleet ships.

 

[BlindJedi]

So, I was trying to figure out what this random figure buck was on an Ebay listing but I'm having no luck. Anyone might know? Based on the build it looks like a more modern GI Joe or something of a knock off. But, It's quite interesting for some custom ideas.

 

[Echo_Six]

Never noticed a Marvel Universe figure using the thigh screws before but here you go.

 

[RobakuBalbosha]

I've been thinking of making a custom 3.75 Qimir from the Acolyte. I can find most of the 3D printed parts online, but before I order them I wanna make sure I have a solid base figure. Anyone know a good 3.75 scale Star Wars figure with bare arms like this? Only one I can think of is Cave of Evil Luke and it's... rough.

 

[VideoViper]

Boss Fight Studios blanks?

 

[DarkKnight07]

You can use either of these. I used the brown one before for a custom that needed bare arms but I see the orange Luke also has bare arms without the wristband.

 

[Hero-of-the-Dune-Sea]

Hi @RobakuBalbosha,

have two more ideas. Maybe try these Anakin figures

- Anakin 30th Anniversary Collection 2007 https://galacticfigures.com/figureDetails.aspx?id=1708
or
- this Anakin but I do not find the right title/series name; maybe Revenge of the Sith:

Anakin Skywalker Clone Wars Padawan Jedi vs Sith Hasbro 3,75 inch

Star Wars Figur aus Vitrinensammlung. PP Freunde und Versand möglich. Schaut euch auch meine...,Anakin Skywalker Clone Wars Padawan Jedi vs Sith Hasbro 3,75 inch in Baden-Württemberg - Hardthausen

www.kleinanzeigen.de

 

[Caas_Sandhri]

Hi @RobakuBalbosha,

have two more ideas. Maybe try these Anakin figures

- Anakin 30th Anniversary Collection 2007 https://galacticfigures.com/figureDetails.aspx?id=1708
or
- this Anakin but I do not find the right title/series name; maybe Revenge of the Sith:

Anakin Skywalker Clone Wars Padawan Jedi vs Sith Hasbro 3,75 inch

Star Wars Figur aus Vitrinensammlung. PP Freunde und Versand möglich. Schaut euch auch meine...,Anakin Skywalker Clone Wars Padawan Jedi vs Sith Hasbro 3,75 inch in Baden-Württemberg - Hardthausen

www.kleinanzeigen.de

the latter is from a battle pack in Clone Wars:

Rebelscum.com: Photo Archive

A galaxy of information on Star Wars toys, action figures, statues, prop replicas, books, games, comics, miniatures, cards, and other collectibles. Rebelscum covers all the latest news from Hasbro, Hot Toys, JAKKS Pacific, Mattel, Sideshow Collectibles, Gentle Giant Ltd, EFX Collectibles...

www.rebelscum.com

Probably difficult to use as there is no right hand AFAIR and it has some "action feature"

 

[Highnessness]

I wonder, can anyone tell me where I can buy Citadel paints in MA or RI? Looking specifically for Citadel’s Technical Ardcoat, as its been recommended to me as a good clear gloss for eyes and lips, but I’d like to browse the colors, if possible, as well.

 

[Hero-of-the-Dune-Sea]

Hi @Highnessness, I only can speak for an area in Germany but maybe it helps. I think "Warhammer" stores are somehow connected to the Citadel company. I often see Citadel colours there that are used by the collectors.
Maybe you can check out if there is a Warhammer store or community in your area.

 

[Highnessness]

You know, I think I have seen a couple of Warhammer stores in my area. I’ll have to check them out. Thank you so much for the tip, @Hero-of-the-Dune-Sea!

 

[djcos25]

I wonder, can anyone tell me where I can buy Citadel paints in MA or RI? Looking specifically for Citadel’s Technical Ardcoat, as its been recommended to me as a good clear gloss for eyes and lips, but I’d like to browse the colors, if possible, as well.

There is a Warhammer store in the Chapel View plaza in Cranston, right next to Shaw's Market. I go all the time for my paints. The guy who runs the shop is very nice and knows his paints.

Edit: I follow them on Facebook, they posted this photo on May 22nd. Just to give you can idea of the paint selection.