Here's how I modified the front bumper: Use small nylon hinges for the new joints Extract the stock pins from the hinges, widen the holes to 0.040" and replace pin with jumbo paper clip. Use snips to cut paper clip to proper length. Cut the bumper using an angled blade to score the cut lines, and a flat blade head to slice them apart (slow rocking motion). Shape the hinges to conform to the bumper profile. Glue the edges of the nylon hinges into position. Front view with ends bent Apply black gloss spray paint 2x, then with clear satin coating. Reinstall, and... Action!!!
That's pretty cool. I don't think I understand why you replaced the pin in the joint with a bit of a paper clip though. Is that to make the hinge tighter?
Yep! That's the idea. The hinge is too floppy out of the bag. Using the jumbo size paper clip makes the hinge very snug and strong enough to keep the angles!
Absolutely what this piece needs - aside from a redesigned bumper altogether Still, this is a very doable mod, that improves the figure immensely - great work!
Nice, just have to find those hinges somewhere. EDIT: found on eBay for about $5. How much does it suck to get the bumper off in the first place?
I bought the hinges at a hobby shop place that specializes in model airplane parts and other R/C devices. Removing the bumper is super easy. Just pop off the snap-on wheels, and you should see the pin located where the front "axle" would typically be approximately. Then with another pin or nail (of similar thickness to the pin) tap the pin out from the side of the vehicle with the silver autobot logo. It shouldn't take much pressure at all, and slide out very easily!
Alt mode pics. Today, I re-worked the hinges because they were about 1/32nd too close to center. The result was that the ends could not bend all the way up as I originally envisioned. I wanted the bumper ends to sit completely flush against tires. So, I had to break the super glue bonds of yesterday's work and reposition the hinges a tad bit more outward. Now it's just like I planned it!!! The joint of the hinges have to clear the outer edge of the tires.
The MPM places the rear tires in the hips, the first and only figure to actually do it for real. That's worth a buy right there IMO.
