The title says it all. I’m looking to possibly start a G1 transformers collection and I’m looking for tips on how to do so.

I know my best bet is going to be to go on eBay and search there. I really want to avoid paying hundreds of dollars for a MISB that I’m going to end up opening so I’m trying to do mostly reissues. I realize not every can be reissued due to lost/broken molds so at some point I’ll have to get someone’s beat up toy from the 80’s. How difficult is it to fix up an old toy? Can loose joints be tightened? Can paint be reapplied easily? Are spare parts available?

Please share your expiediences if you’ve tried starting a G1 collection at some point in your life

 

First tip don’t open sealed g1 figures
Open reissues but opening sealed real g1 figures would probably kill a lot of people here.
Reissues can be found pretty easily and don’t cost much.

 

If it’s something you really want and can only find a sealed copy, open that bad boy up!!! Remember it’s yours, do with it as you please.

 

Probably just like any other collection...but depending on the scope you want, realize from the outset that it will be expensive...and that most figures will be used, which may or may not be a big deal to you.

Or...you just start with the latest round of G1 reissues and hope for the best!

 

I've found that buying sealed bubble w shitty box G1s is a compromise if you plan on opening one day.

 

...i open sealed figures with reckless indifference: it's the simplest way to get something in mint condition, albeit the priciest...

...that said, just about anything can be restored, but some parts are challenging to repair...if you're not too hung up on vintage fidelity and willing to squint your eyes a little, resin-cast or 3D printed parts are often good enough, and if you're willing to put in some effort and craftsmanship, restoration can make a pretty rewarding hobby in its own right...

 

What’s a fair piece for a reissue? What’s too much?

 

That depends on the figure. Do you have any in mind?

 

if you're buying off of ebay...

buy lots. look for lots that are good prices, have parts, etc...you may need to buy a few lots to complete a few figures and you'll amass a lot of junkers along the way, but it works because you'll see good stuff in a lot that people won't necessarily advertise.

buy reissues on black friday/ebay's 15% off sales

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OP, be prepared to spend some serious cheddar. Don't get in the game if you don't have the means for a complete and high quality G1 collection

 

Some of them you will have to go vintage on, so some of my suggestions apply to that.
1. Make a list. I just saved scans (I think from botchthecrab.com) of all the checklists and whited out figures as I got them. To go along with that, if you want complete figures, keep a list of what parts you are missing (something I wish I had done from the start as I am now trying to inventory stuff).
2. Search the B/S/T groups here and join Facebook groups. Lot of good people selling figures well below ebay at times.
3. Go to local conventions (if there is one). I was amazed at some of the deals at my local convention this year and wish I had pre-registered and had a bit more time.
4. Save money to jump on things when there is a deal, but have restraint to where you aren't buying just because you have the money. I often fall into the trap of treating my Paypal account like poker chips. Been too lazy to sell lately, but I had a nice little balance built up.
5. Know what you are willing to pay, and be ready to buy right when you see something in your range. Deals go fast.
6. Many people I know buy lots for a few items, and part the rest out. I am too lazy to do this and just end up with a pile of things I don't need, but those I know who are successful at it, are quick at listing so it doesn't become a burdensome pile of stuff that becomes overwhelming.
7. Go in with a priority plan, but deviate for deals. Two years ago for me, it was combiners, last year, headmasters, this year targetmasters, and next year Pretenders. While I still need a couple bits and pieces from each (and have knocked out about 1/2 of the pretenders already on deals), I find having a plan keeps my budget a little tighter.

 

don't expect much in the way of cartoon accuracy.

 

I think this is excellent advice.

Also, you may be able to fix junkers by taking parts from other junkers. This is how I got my first Jetfire. Not everyone will like the idea, as sometimes it means mixing bits and pieces from different iterations of the same figure (small moulding differences, different trademark stamps etc.), yet personally I've always enjoyed the 'tinkering' aspect of this hobby.

 

if you're on facebook, join the g1 transformers buying trading selling group. I've gotten about 75% of mine from there, and it's moderated by members from here including myself.

Don't be afraid of incomplete US G1. Sourcing parts can be expensive, but just research if what's missing is before you commit to buy. I've gotten some insane deals because of the mindset that incomplete = trash. sub $100 complete scorponok, $120 for all six seekers dead mint and complete after I did some leg work, $32 MIB Snapdragon, etc. Patience is also key. That figure you see will come again, especially if you're not collecting international G1s.

 

Ugh, Micromasters (or maybe Actionmasters) are next on my list after I work through Pretenders in the next 6 months to a year. Trying to decide if I "need" to dip into either of those, or try to get a few nice Japan figures like Star Saber, Victory Leo, Overlord, etc.

 

There's been a lot of wise and useful advice in this thread already. I'd like to add that I've always prioritized getting the figures that I really liked the look of over just completing a (sub)series. I think I started with Doubledealer, just because I thought he looked cool, and then just hopped from figure to figure trying to find my favorite ones for the best prices.
You have to be your own judge as far as quality of the figures is concerned, because that's what really sets the price spread for a figure. MISB, MIS, complete with all accessories, incomplete, broken... Personally, my base line for a figure in my collection is loose, complete, in excellent condition, but I'll deviate up or down from that line if necessary (or possible). It's when you get to the rarer pieces that they become harder to find and more expensive, and sometimes all around harder to pass up if you get the chance. And sometimes, you'll just have to bite the bullet and cough up. I recently finally finished off a sub-series (large Pretenders) by paying slightly more than I was comfortable with for a complete and excellent quality figure.

 

I'd consider taking a look at Transformers® G1 Toy Store. They generally have everything G1 with a selection of condition/degree of completeness.

They don't post most of their stuff so try emailing them for a quote if you are looking for something specific -http://www.transformerland.com/contact.html.

 

If I was new I'd begin with those G1 Walmart reissues, starting with Devastator and those mini bots.....

 

Well lucky you Walmart is supposed to be stocking a fair amount of G1 reissues now. I haven’t seen any but I’ve heard they’re beginning to trickle into shelves. I wouldn’t pay more than what Walmart is offering for them.
There’s also always eBay. All of my G1s (I don’t have many) came from there and if you aren’t looking for mint/sealed in box (MISB) or extremely rare figures, you may find them at some fair prices. It all depends on what you’re looking for though. I’ve found that latter G1 figures like Action Masters and Pretenders can be quite cheap. Or not. Depends on the character and condition of the figure. I don’t think I paid more than $15 for Mainframe and maybe $20-25 for Waverider.
Local collectible shops and conventions usually have old figures too.