Interesting. So I did get a response and just got my missing replacement piece today... ...THAT replacement piece looks like it already has some stress marks. Oh well.
Did it come sealed in a plastic baggie in a little white box with a technical looking drawing of the arm on it? If so then maybe they just forgot to pack it? My first one cracked, & then I did the fix to keep it from getting worse, but I inspected the replacement and it does move more freely and I didn't notice any stress marks. I'd take it apart and compare the gear teeth to your original one to see if it is a new one or not? U could always just file the teeth down a little, though it stinks to have to do that on a replacement. Who'd you order from?
Yes, it came sealed. The stress marks are on the right side (with all the of the screws). And I found another stress mark on that middle hinge of the arm. I'll have to take pictures. I got it from Toy Arena. They have always been good.
Odd... My Exgraver came with the fixed shovel arm, but it was tight as hell until I shaved the ratchet teeth down a bit. Isn't the only change to it the reinforced brace that holds it on?
Since my replacement part has stress marks already on it right out of the box, do you think they would replace the replacement piece? I don't want them to think that I am swapping parts.
I'm not sure, I haven't taken my replacement apart, I just assumed they changed the gears, but they could've reinforced the brace too. I did fiddle with the joint though, & it was noticeably less tight.
Can't hurt to ask, worse they can say is no. Though I think TFC had said they are only replacing the first at their cost. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
It's not like you are being dishonest, wouldn't it be the same thing if you bought Exgraver (or any other item for that matter, regardless of price) and right out of the package is was broke or there was a serious issue? I don't forsee a problem and it doesn't hurt to try, from what I hear TA has top notch customer service.
What did you decide to do? These figures are fantastic, but cost a lot of money so it's only natural you want them to be 'mint condition' I'm still trying to decide on where to put a Decepticon sticker on Heavy Labor in robot mode!!
I took some pics and sent a message. Luckily, the original crane is fine but it would be nice to know that the back up one is also good.
yeah, i had a hard time with that as well...i finally decided on a smallish one under that clever arm hinge/flap...i kinda like how its hidden until hes a robot, so in alt mode, he truely is in disquise...it's inspired me to do the same on ALL of the TFC constructicons...Decepticon sigil visible only in bot mode
Hope it works out for you. That is a great idea! I've spent far too long looking at the figure trying to work out the best place for a Decepticon sticker! My wife thinks I'm very sad! haha! She might have a point...I just tell her she doesn't appreciate the beauty of these figures!
Get a divorce. Just kidding. You should buy her one for your anniversary. I messaged Toy Arena, and they said to ship it back. Then they will open one to make sure it's a good one and then send me the new replacement.
