Generations Thunderwing, pin removal

[Gutsman Heavy]

My Thunderwing is miss-assembled, to fix him I need to punch out the pin that holds his chest canopy and flip the black bar 180°

Doable?

[Demonac]

just refund it.
If you have lost the receipt, buy a new one, then return the old one on that receipt.

[loophole]

or you could try punching out the pin with a small screwdriver with the same size head as the pin and a hammer but usually the pins only wanna come out one way

[Gutsman Heavy]

got it from RK, return isn't an option

[kup]

I see it as very doable. I will take pictures for you tomorrow to make a bit of a tutorial. I know that I have done much harder things like that in the past like removing the pins on MP Thundercracker's chest turbines which were assembled on the wrong sides.

[Vector Prime]

got it from RK, return isn't an option

just refund it.
If you have lost the receipt, buy a new one, then return the old one on that receipt.

^Sounds like the easiest solution IMO

[kup]

^Sounds like the easiest solution IMO

Gutsman,

Let me know if you still want to go forth with the pin removal.

[Gutsman Heavy]

yeah, I'm not one to do the dodge to return it, I'll try a pin removal

[kup]

Before we continue: Have you tried contacting RK? When I was sold a faulty Perfect Effect Not-Frenzy, they sent me a replacement after I contacted them.

Disclaimer:

Removing pins from toys is hardly ever easy. It requires a lot of persistence, patience and a steady hand. Also note that it is also very easy for someone to end up hurting themselves as you will be working with sharp objects so always have some First Aid kit near you in case your end up piercing your skin.

There is also a possibility that the toy may be damaged if something goes wrong so proceed at your own risk to the toy and yourself.

What you Need:

- Small Philips head screw driver
- 1 Hammer
- 1 nail or similar (tip has to be able to fit the hole where the pin resides)
- A soft under surface (like a foam mouse pad)
- Needle nosed pliers
- A solder (This is not necessary but highly desirable as it will make your job much easier and possibly safer on both you and the toy)

Step 1

Pop all the limbs from their ball joint so that they don't get in the way while you work and avoid damaging them, also remove the drone and put it aside. Using the screw driver, remove all the screws from under the cockpit, the top section should come off as shown bellow:



Step 2

Identify the locations where the pins that are securing the black bar. You will need to remove both pins.



Identify which side of the pin is 'less rough'. This will be the point where you will attempt to push the pin using the nail and hammer.



Step 3

Warning! This is the most dangerous and most difficult part, there is a possibility of causing harm to your toy or your person so proceed carefully, if you are not confident then stop now.

This task is much easier if you have a solder but if you don't you can try to force the pin out 'cold' but it can be a lot tougher and more dangerous.

Heat up the solder tip and make contact with the 'rough side' of the pin you wish to remove. Hold it there for several seconds but be sure not to touch the plastic or you will melt it. Obviously whatever you do, don't let it touch your skin.

The pin will heat up and this will soften the plastic around it a fair bit. While the pin is hot, safely put the solder aside, position the piece containing the pin flat on the side on the foam pad with the 'rough' pin end that you have heated at the bottom, then place the nail on the 'soft' end which is now facing up as shown bellow.



Hit the top of your nail with a hammer until the pin pushes down and protrudes from the other side enough for you to be able to grip with the pliers.

Grip the protruding tip with the pliers and twist and pull until you remove it. If this proves too difficult and you have a solder, heat up the pin again.

Removing pins is never easy so I hope this helps you, just be very careful with the toy and specially your person.

[Gutsman Heavy]

I've emailed RK, hoping for the best. If not I'll give the removal a go, thanks.