I was wondering what the easiest Transformer (G1) is to put together piecemeal. I guess there could be a few categories. Like what it is the easiest in terms of putting parts back together (excluding small little figures that may only ever lose just one part). Or what is the easiest in terms of money (buying spare parts). And what is the easiest in terms of feasibility (ex: are some just beyond replacing, because the parts are always bad or loose even when you do replace them)?

I don't collect piecemeal... seems like a frustratingly time-consuming and expensive way to collect toys to me. <shrug> I suppose the more accessories a toy has, then the harder it must be to collect piecemeal. And I guess the smaller accessories that would be more easily lost would be harder to find.

 

And what is the easiest in terms of feasibility (ex: are some just beyond replacing, because the parts are always bad or loose even when you do replace them)?

I guess things without complex gimmicks in them. Some of the more gimmicky Transformers can be beyond replacing because the gimmicks just wear out.

e.g.:

+ Jumpstarters (some of them either don't lock properly, or they do but don't release properly -- they seldomly jump properly, even when they were opened minty fresh... t'was always a dodgy gimmick)

+ Battlechargers (many of them are floppy and can't stand fully erect)

+ Firecons & Sparkabots (the flint-spark gimmick may be worn out if it's been played with excessively)

+ Throttlebots (similar problem as Battlechargers, though often not as bad)

 

Also any toy with brittle plastic syndrome, typically gold plastic. Because that plastic just breaks like a mofo and yeah... you're screwed.

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Gold_Plastic_Syndrome

My successes have been Shockwave and Jetfire, however they have common pieces that break: wire and shoulder, respectively.