As much as I really enjoy the Studio Series 38 Bumblebee movie Optimus Prime, it always bothered me that there was an inaccurate part on the figure. So I decided to try and add something. The movie model for Optimus has these large shoulder panels behind the exhaust pipes and with some card cutting and super glue, I ended up with this. I haven't seen this mod anywhere else before, so hopefully this new to you guys. It does not get in the way of transformation, is fairly hidden in vehicle mode, and is very easy to make. I haven't done the white stripes yet but you can get the gist of the mod. Hopefully I'll find the time to paint the stripe and update you guys. I haven't posted in years (or at all on this section of the forums) so pls be gentle. If you guys decide to apply this mod to your SS-38, post pics! I really like how it completes his silhouette look. Makes him look much more angular than before in my opinion. Luckily there were slots behind the smokestacks for a spot for me to insert the panel. A little super glue will hold it well enough. I did have an idea to 3D print a completely new smokestack so it had the ability to rotate and be EVEN MORE accurate, but I do not have access to a 3D printer (but if you want to use this idea and make one yourself, feel free. I have no knowledge in 3D sculpting or printing) Below is the back of the shoulder and basically how I made it. Again, very simple. peep that sideswipe mod tho I was actually inspired by the OG Optimus because they basically have the same panels at the same area and fold up on the back of the truck cab exactly the same way.
That works surprisingly well! With a couple tiny tweaks you could probably find a way to totally hide them in truck mode. Nice work!
At certain stores that sell gift cards, they let you take a couple if you ask them. Since you're not putting cash value into them, they're not worth anything. The gift cards are the firm plastic ones (preferably red and matching SS-38'S), not the papercpaper cards. I think the ones I specifically used were Wendy's gift cards, they had a specific little spot with no logo or wording on neither the front or back.
