There's a lot of advice in this thread about pushing this way or that way, for mine I just pushed straight in as hard as I could and it popped into place. Excessive Force is sometimes all it takes. Don't sweat the stress mark on that hook, it's inevitable no matter what method you choose to click him together and it's not really the primary thing holding the parts together, it seems to be there merely to accommodate potential slippage.

 

I did the mod outlined here: By Generation: - Studio Series 86 Ironhide (SS86-17) - Hip Skirt Modification

If it's this Reddit post, it looks like the skirt pieces were cut and not the result of a mold update.

 

Toyhax will likely have a set of 352 stickers to fix that yellow line and plenty other non existing issues.

 

non-existent to you but I'll take whatever I can get to spruce up the bland van mode. Some people get upset over hollow gaps but things like paint-less vehicle rear ends are issues I like to remedy on all my figures.

 

It's funny because I used to not really care about the livery...until I bought a toyhax set or two. I don't need them on all my toys but for bots like Jazz and Smokescreen, they really do make the figs pop.

 

Most of their sets are completely overkill. It's like they feel the need to cover up every single square millimeter of exposed plastic. The end result is usually... ugh. Just a few details here and there would be better.

 

Agreed. Plus they cost almost the same price as the figure itself. However, I did pick up some sets for figures I felt really needed it.

 

Got one today for $17.49 at Target. At that price I couldn’t say no. He may be the best Ironhide I’ve ever held. Some scary stuff happening with clear plastic makes me worry about his longtime health, but really great figure.

 

Here's how 86 compares to a fully upgraded Earthrise Ironhide. I still need to apply the ToyHax for ER. To be honest, I like both of them. I think bot mode for 86 is great, and alt mode on ER is great. (just needs upgrades) I'm keeping both.

 

He is the best looking Ironhide thus far outside of MP, but I genuinely dislike this figure. The transformation is too finicky, and for those of you who couldn't tab in the windshield, don't fret. You did yourself a favor. Because it's worse to untab it. I thought I was going to break the figure and finally decided to use a tool to untab it. This is a one and done transformation at best. I wouldn't even recommend a 1.

He'll stay on the shelf, but I may need to remind myself to never transform him again. I also wouldn't leave him in alt mode, especially with the stress on all those transparent parts.

 

Strangely, the more you transform this figure the smoother everything goes. But, yeah, those first half dozen or so are mega scary.

I’ve also filed the clear roof tabs ever so slightly to reduce the force necessary to unpeg the windshield.

 

Yeah, I think I would have a lot less issue with the figure if the pressure areas weren't on clear plastic which we know is prone to crack. Funny thing for me, is that this reminds me so much of the Generations transformation which was fiddly as well.

 

Is there a fix for this, or am I just fucked?

 

Mine is the same way mid-transformation, just transform it and it will "fix" itself. The roof hooks will pull the front window section into alignment.

 

Mine’s like that too. Sanded a few bits here and there to try to “fix” it but I’ve given up on that. It’s fine after transformation and doesn’t seem that stressed in alt mode so I’m just gonna leave it.

 

Yeah I’m concerned about forcing the clear plastic. Clear plastic rarely stresses, it mostly just cracks or shatters.

 

Yeah, I'm concerned about this, too. I was thinking of sanding down the window edges on both parts, but was hoping someone else would be brave enough to attempt it first. Ha ha ha!

 

Ok..finally recieved a replacement.

Besides the poor looking van mode, pretty much all my gripes are fixed in concern to QC. This figure does not even seem like the same company made it, like I got a KO before and this one is the legit version.

This one, the torso CLICKS in and stays put, I can clip the arms into van mode and its gap is nearly gone. Joints are tight..like i said..this one is so different its like its from another company. Hell..even the floppy bumper on his back is tight and has friction.

That said, the van mode still looks like Ass. I like how one dude put it "when you put all your stats in bot mode.." yeah..the bot mode is great now, but the clear plastic and the van in general still hold this one back from being "Amazing" to me.

Its a good ironhide.. not voyager of the year by any means, and I still stick to the "should have been a deluxe" perspective.

 

Hi all just to share, decided to paint the line and painted some red to keep the consistency of the vehicles mismatching red plastic. Hope you guys enjoy my simple work

If curious, used Citadel paints and Mr Hobby Clear coating. Cheers!

 

Ok, so far from perfect, but to me....anything besides those two blue nubs sticking up is better!