By Generation: Classics Rodimus Canopy Modification

Discussion in 'Tutorials and How Tos' started by Superquad7, Jan 3, 2011.

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  1. Superquad7

    Superquad7 OCP Police Crime Prevention Unit 001 Super Content Contributor

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    This pretty much sums it up. Be very careful with the pin, as the canopy part can be fragile around this area.

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    Once a person starts to work with it, it's clear to see what exactly needs modding.


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    Last edited: May 16, 2012
  2. chansformers

    chansformers butcher of the bots

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    I know there's been a few of these tutorials floating around, but i posted how i was able to do this over at Cyb.CA and a fellow member there suggested i post it over here too.

    This should take out almost any guess work in doing this simple mod.

    For those who are interested in the look, this is an extremely easy mod to do. All you need are basic hand tools:

    • hammer
    • pliers
    • small Phillips head screwdriver
    • an even smaller flathead screwdriver
    • nail clippers
    • nail file/sanding paper
    • sidecutters


    In alt mode, flip over Rodimus and remove the small flanged Phillips screw located in the center of his undercarriage in between the front and back wheels. You should then end up with 2 chunks of Rodimus:

    canopy mod 002.jpg


    Determine which end of the pin holding his canopy together at the upper back area by looking for the "cross-ribbed" impressions on the ends. On this one, they’re on the passenger side of the cockpit. Make sure you have verified it really is the side that's ribbed. It's not fun knocking the pin the wrong direction!

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    Once it's out the other side enough, grab hold of it with a set of pliers and turn while pulling:

    canopy mod 005.jpg


    Once the pin is out, flip the whole canopy assembly over and now remove the last screw underneath. The assembly should now be able to separate into 3 pieces, canopy glass, interior and the rear middle trunk chunk:

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    On the upper canopy glass piece, I’ve used black permanent marker to show you what needs to go;

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    Using a combination of the side-cutters and sand paper, this is what you want to see after removal of the excess:

    canopy mod 010.jpg


    On the interior piece, you want to shave off plastic at a 45 degree angle at the front of the pivot posts. Again, I’ve used black permanent marker to show what has to go:

    canopy mod 011.jpg


    This is where a good sharp nail clipper comes in handy! This is what it should look like after nail cutting:

    canopy mod 013.jpg


    With the sand paper or emery board, round down the sharp edges and angles on where you just cut.it should look like this afterward:

    canopy mod 014.jpg


    Reassemble the three pieces (canopy glass/interior/rear trunk chunk) but don't re-install any screws. Push the pin back in but only half way. This is when you can test it all for any rub areas, clearance issues, etc.:

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    On the canopy glass piece, i used a nail clipper again, clipping the very corners of the back of it for more "opening" clearance in alt mode:

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    On the front of the glass, to make it functional without having to always bend his front bumper down, I use the nail clippers again to take out two squared corner chunks, shown with black marker again:

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    . . . . and after clipping:

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    Re-assemble everything, making sure "not" to reinstall the small screw under the canopy. (not the first flanged one you took out, that one goes back in!)
    You should end up with about this much plastic removed, along with 1 extra screw:

    canopy mod 020.jpg


    Last step...sit back and enjoy:

    canopy mod 022.jpg


    (For those wondering if the molded seats are still there, you can paint the seats as posted above. Also, see chansformers' example below for further reference. ~Sq7
    )

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    Last edited by a moderator: May 12, 2022
  3. jordy

    jordy Banned

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    This is how I did it;

    Step 1: Lift up the bonnet of Rodimus while in robot mode. The screw that is in his gut is the screw you want to first remove as this will take the canopy of his back. Keep this screw as you will need it.

    Step 2: There is the second screw which attaches the canopy to the insides of the canopy. Get rid of that screw as it’s not needed.

    Step 3: Remove the pin that keeps the tail fin section, the canopy, and the interior of the canopy together. Keep it, as it is needed.

    Step 4: Start to smooth out the hinges on the canopy interior. This section needs to be rounded off so that the canopy roof can easily be raised over the top without any hassle.

    Step 5: Make a small cut where the front of the canopy interior connects under the canopy roof. This area is at the left and right hand side in front of the steering wheel.

    Step 6: Smooth out the sides around where the hinges are, and around that area where the plastic is straight and rectangular. Luckily, this area is shallow, so it will be easily able to sand down (or even use a Stanley knife). Slowly and carefully get rid of those sides as these parts help lock in the canopy. Other parts to remove while doing this are the corners next to the hinges. Get rid of them, as the canopy needs to be able to move freely up and down.

    Step 7: Cut down the amount of plastic on the sides near the back. Just thin them down until the interior no longer locks into the sides of the canopy roof.

    Step 8: Remove a small amount on the back of the canopy on the left and right hand side where all the hinges lock into place. Just a small amount needs removed so it can help move the canopy upwards.

    Following these tips you will be able to have a Rodimus figure where his canopy easily moves up and down. Below I have supplied pictures on what it should all look like. I have found that this way you take less off the plastic and the overall quality does come out better that what the others tend to give in end results:

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