Questions about some of the more common repairs seem to pop up on a regular basis. This isn't a bad thing, it's something everybody has to deal with eventually, & as long as we're getting new board members, there will be people asking. With the number of threads already on these subjects, it seemed to make sense point out a few & possibly save some time searching.

Doc and Lifeline's F.R.I.D.G.E. Guide (http://www.yojoe.com/faq/fridge.txt) - Phillip, thanks for pointing this out!

A good tutorial on several common repairs.


This is not an endorsement of any particular suppliers, simply a listing of related threads with member advice & suggestions.

Stuck, Stripped, & Rusted Screws: (for backs & legs)

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=11338
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=23400
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=25863
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=32688
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=40055
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=41192

O-Rings:

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=22453
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=24591
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=31300
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=31374
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=31424
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=38488
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=41078
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=41181
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=41962

Zartan/Ninja Force O-Rings:

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=16422
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=23123
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=23596

T-Hooks: (aka j-hooks or pelvis-hooks)

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=36822
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=36835

Accessory Hose

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=10388
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=19525
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=35176
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=36696
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=36870

Replacing Forearms/Arm & Leg Rivets

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=25975
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=34754
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=36877
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=47566
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=51748

Replacement Decals

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=29436
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=31406
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=32713
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=33000
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=35095
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=36339
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=38000
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=41526

Decal Removal

http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=32718
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=41089
http://forums.yojoe.com/showthread.php?t=41651

25th Anniversary Style Figure Construction

Supplied by Hasbro at the 2007 Atlanta GI Joe Convention

(click to view full-sized)

http://eastcowdrybootleggers.us/Joe/smbfcon.JPG (http://eastcowdrybootleggers.us/Joe/bfcon.jpg)

This isn't comprehensive, just what a couple quick searches turned up. I'm sure there are many more threads on all of these topics, but between what's listed, it should be able to answer most questions about them. If you have a related question that you don't see an answer for, ask it here - with all the collective knowledge of all the active members, you should get an answer in no time.

If anybody has tips, a list of o-ring or screw sizes & types, found a new supplier for parts, or anything else, please share them. Thanks.

It may also be worthwhile to point out the FRIDGE guide, available on the site for a number of years:
http://www.yojoe.com/faq/fridge.txt

Wow...never even heard of the Fridge guide. Thanks.

Added links to threads on replacing & removing decals.

I read through most of these threads, great information! One question I saw asked, and one that I had myself, what is a suitable adhevise to reapply original stickers? I have a few that have dried up and fallen off. Rather than buying repros, I would like to clean these up and reapply them.

I read through most of these threads, great information! One question I saw asked, and one that I had myself, what is a suitable adhevise to reapply original stickers? I have a few that have dried up and fallen off. Rather than buying repros, I would like to clean these up and reapply them.
I use water based white glue like Elmers so that it will be easy to remove again if needed. But they do not stick great. I too want something better.

Where do you guys buy your replacement screws?? What is the size and how much are they?

Where do you guys buy your replacement screws?? What is the size and how much are they?

Buy them from smalljoes.com or gijoeheaven.com

I tried to buy them myself at a hardware store and they were more expensive and harder to find the quantity then just buying them online.

Too bad the t hooks aren't available anymore (that I can see)...Does anyone have any links to any current sellers?

I only see a 5-pack on eBay with a $7.99 BIN...

So, I came up with another effective way to fix swivel arm and straight elbow joints.

I went to a sewing store and purchased the smallest gage of clear nylon thread that they sell. . .I guess it's used for quilt making. It works great!

I just cut off about a 4in strand, put the swivel joint in the middle of the thread. Then, criss-cross the ends once, and then tie a double knot (or square knot). Whola! You're done. Sometimes the joint is still loose, so, just wrap them to the back side of the arm and tie another double knot. The same procedure works for the straight arm elbows too, just go slow and make sure the thread is following in the groove.

Once the joint seems tight enough (only test it once the knot is tied, otherwise it will come unravelled), I use a pair of fingernail clippers to cut off the ends close to the figure. Sometimes I need to use a blade to tuck the string in the joint, but usually not.

Hope this helps.

I'm a MOC collector and one of my MOCs has a small dent on the upper right hand corner. Does anyone know how to pop it right back out?

What I'd like to know is,
how to prevent elbow cracks, and how to restore them. ;)

Any chance for a tutorial?

I'm a MOC collector and one of my MOCs has a small dent on the upper right hand corner. Does anyone know how to pop it right back out?
Try pressing on the front a little while squeezing the sides where the dent is.This worked for mine.
Hope this helps

What should I do if there is a stripped screw ? I'm not talking about the threads of the screw....I'm talking about the phillips cross .....

I got a perfect emblem Viper Glider pilot, and it is bugging me cause the O ring is messed up and I can't unscrew it to replace it. cause of the way the Screw is.

what i do is and it works with almost 100% of cases

i take a flat head screwdriver probably not going to find the right size so i file down i slightly larger one to make it fit just right from side ti side

i lay the figure face down on the floor yeah i know viper pilot
i press the driver in to screw with as much force as i can and slowly turn the screw sometimes this doesnt work, sometimes youll actually need to gently tap the driver with a hammer or something usually that will dislodge it enough for you to hand turn it

i tell you its will take awhile to get used to id master it on other figures first but once you have it figured out and stripped screw will never be a problem

ive only had one not come out i eventually just poked holes around the screw and essentially broke the back peice on purpose and just replaced it with another, but i have to say i seriously doubt youll ever have to do that

let meknow how that works

Has anyone ever found a way to repair broken waist-pieces (crotches)? I think there was a customizer named "Evilface" or somethin' like that who had figured up a way to fix them... but his method was, of course, sculpting a new one from epoxy putty. I have tried but once to do such a thing. It worked, but it didn't look pretty... epoxy putty is such a fickle medium to have to use. It seems to me one has to be pretty masterful to get a good effect.

I guess I shall try again and hone my craft...

And I'm sure that by this point everyone has noticed the regularity of crotch/waist-pieces being broken in Dusty, Lifeline, and Duke v1 figures...

If the o-ring comes from figure that was glued there is no need to boiling that and (and the end) put it apart. There is one smart move. You know that standard o-ring is size 3/4 inch, the same as tap seal, you may get at home depo or shop like that. If it comes to glued torso You have to buy 1/2 inch seal (a little bigger). You will not hook it for the hook (forgive my any language mistakes) but the rubber will hold legs directly by the straight piece between legs. One "end" You hook beneath that piece (between legs) and to the second one You attach thin fishing line and with its help You are searching your way over the piece connecting both pieces of torso, thru mechanism (for Ninja Force). Then You pull it out on the other side and strecht the rubber. You are finishin the movment with the same step as at the beggining. It's easier to say that to do that but the new o-ring holds excellent, believe me. If that's unclear in any way I may send You a photo with repaired figure. If You have any other problems just write me. I have big experience in repairing figures and vehicles and have detailed guide made by myself.

What should I do if there is a stripped screw ? I'm not talking about the threads of the screw....I'm talking about the phillips cross .....

I got a perfect emblem Viper Glider pilot, and it is bugging me cause the O ring is messed up and I can't unscrew it to replace it. cause of the way the Screw is.

If the cross on the head is "holed" You have to make one thing. Tak a flat scredriver with the edge equal or a little bigger that the diameter of the screw. And the You have gently but firmly turn it around in that hole, scrapping metal deeper and deeper, just to the bottom of the head of the screw. In one moment the head fall off releasing the torso halves. Then the only thing is to take the pliers and gently turn out the rest of the screw out the hole. I tell You this is fully tested method, totally unharmful for the condition of the figures. If You are mastered in that You may use precise grinder but screwdriver is better anyway.

:) Do you guys know how to fix thumbs. THANKS

Very cool!! Thanks for all the great links and ideas!!! :D

:) Do you guys know how to fix thumbs. THANKS

Look around at some of the customs boards. I'm not entirely sure you can reattach a broken thumb (Sorry about that, Grunt. :( ) but I have seen sculpey and epoxy thumb prosthetics for Joes and Indiana Jones figures. :D
We may even have a few threads on this board, but I haven't checked yet.

I got a Destro V1 online with wobbly legs and just installed a number 10 o-ring. It seems small. Will it stretch or is my figure going to explode tonight? If it's okay with you guys, I'll fix my Airtight and Blowtorch (both of whom have crazy legs...).

Help?

Forget it. The O-ring was not on the insides of the little knobs that hook the torso together and once I fixed that, it was awesome.

Fixed 4 new Joes and only Blowtorch was unfixable. I ordered a 3 dollar loose figure off the net and will make a nice new version with my Frankenstein powers...

Added info on the anniversary-style figs, see post #1.

Any good suggestions for removing the hats from Gung Ho v2 or Shipwreck v1? I of course have thought of using hot water, or of carving out the head, but thought I would see if anyone had another method.

GH's dress blues hat is just glued on; it's not part of the mold. (It looks like he has unpainted hair underneath, so not that attractive.) Mine simply came off when the figure fell onto a hard surface back around 1990, so I treat it like a removable accessory.

Hot water might work, or you might try just pulling on it.

this is a perfect thread!

Hello, any one interested in repro stickers for your gi joe and cobra vehicles send me a PM or email at rubenldm@rocketmail.com
here´s my list of what i have available

GIJOE

APC $5.99
Avalanche $5.99
AWE Striker $4.99
Bridgelayer $4.59
Conquest X-30 $6.49
Defiant Space Shuttle Complex $16.99
Desert Fox $3.49
Devil Fish $3.99
Dragonfly $5.99
Falcon glider $4.59
FLAK $2.99
HAL $3.49
Hammer $5.49
JUMP $2.99
LAW $2.99
Machine Gun Defense Unit $2.99
Mauler $5.99
MMS $5.49
Mobat $5.99
Mortar Defense Unit $2.99
Mud fighter $2.99
Phantom X-19 $5.99
Polar Bear $4.59
RAM $3.59
Rolling Thunder $4.59
SHARC $4.59
Sky hawk $4.59
Skystriker $12.99
SLAM $2.99
Slaughters Marauders Equalizer $4.99
Slaughters Marauders Lynx $4.59
Slugger $4.59
Snow Cat $4.99
Swampmasher $2.49
Tiger rat $6.49
Tomahawk $6.49
Transportable Tactical Battle Platform $7.99
USS Flagg Sheet #1 $5.99
USS Flagg Sheet #2 $5.99
Vamp $5.49
Vamp II $4.99
Warthog $4.99
Wolverine $5.49
COBRA

Adder COMING SOON
AGP $2.99
Air chariot $3.59
Air skiff $2.99
ASP $ 4.99
BUGG COMING SOON
Buzz Boar $2.49
CAT $ 3.99
Cobra Officer chest logo $.20 each
Cobra Soldier chest logo $.20 each
Condor $6.99
CLAW $3.59
Crimson Guard chest logo $.20
DEMON $2.99
Fang $5.49
Fang II $2.99
Ferret $4.59
Firebat $5.49
Flight pod $3.59
Hiss $5.49
Hiss driver chest logo $.20 each
Hiss II $2.99
Hiss 3 $5.49
Hurricane $5.99
IMP $4.59
Maggot $4.99
Mamba $4.99
Moray $6.49
Night landing COMING SOON
Night raven $5.99
POGO COMING SOON
Python Patrol Conquest $4.99
Rattler $6.49
Razorback $3.99
SMS COMING SOON
SNAKE $3.59
Stiletto $2.99
Stinger $5.49
STUN $4.99
Swamp skier $2.99
Terrordrome $11.99
Viper glider $4.59
Water moccasin $5.49
Wolf $5.49

Has anybody had any trouble unscrewing newer figures? The Vietnam era Stalker figure I got a year or so back had his o-ring snap already. I figured it would be an easy fix but I can not get it to budge. It's not glued in there or anything is it?

I just tried one. It was very sticky at first, but once that initial bond "broke", it came out just fine. Maybe they put the screws in hot? I think that if the figure is a little warmer to begin with the screw will probably come out with less effort. Try letting it sit on a heat register or radiator for ½ an hour or so (unless the radiator runs steam instead of heated water - could damage the fig).