Now. Here's the deal. I'm doing part switching with my regular e. Hot Shot, and the Energon Hot Shot. Some parts that I want to switch, the problem is the metal rod/hinge.pins, whatever you want to call them. I was wondering if there's a SAFE way to take them out so I can switch them.

 

The other question is more of a request. Can anybody make me a custom head. I need it to be Bumblebee, but it needs to fit like e. Hot Shot's head, ball and joint, and room for the PL point.

 

Thanks for the kitbash help. The sooner I can get these things done, the sooner I can post pics. But the other Hot Shot will turn into Silver/Bluestreak, but once I get Exhillion or Cybertron Hot Shot, more likely to be the latter, I'll repaint Energon Hot Shot into Silver/Bluestreak.

Still trying to get a Bumblebee head, eh? Like I said before, try getting an actionmaster: there are a few on e-bay or shop around collectors stores for a junker. (A local store has a junker for about $ 1.25, but international shipping will be expensive and I can't modify the head for you since I don't have Hotshot.)

 

 

As for the pinremoval. The best (and probably safest) way to remove the metal pins is by use of a soldering iron, as described by Dark Lord Prime in the IGTKB (page 5).

 

 

Anyway: good luck with it all. :thumb

Well, I can understand the whole shipping issue. Now, the soldering iron, my parents probably won't want one of those in the house. And I don't think the tech teacher at school will want me using one for personal use.

Pitty. Soldering iron really is the easiest, fastest and in a way safest method.

 

Okay, alternatives:

 

- brute force :D You need a hammer (not a heavy one, a small one) and a piece of metal (like a nail) of the same size as the pin inside the TF -- I can't think of the proper name [EDIT: it's called a nail punch.], but in a hardware store you can buy small, pointed metal pieces/rods which are used to sink small nails into wood (vague description, I know). Very thin screwdrivers are also a possibility. Place the nail (or whatever you're using) on the pin and slowly and carefully hit the nail/screwdriver on the head with the hammer. With effort the pin should start to move. When possible try using plyers to pull the pin out once this is possible.

 

- put the part containing the pin in hot water (makes sure it's not too hot, because this will/can warp the plastic). When the plastic is warm enough it should be possible to use a variant of the above to slowly and carefully move the pin until you can remove it with the aid of plyers. It may be necessary to repeat the procedure several times.

 

 

In both cases it is necessary to secure the TF very thoroughly. Whatever you do, don't hold it in your hand when you're applying the pressure/hammer, because there is a distinct possibility something will slip and you'll end up with a sharp object impaled through your hand. (If you don't believe me, then just read one of Bodycount's old posts :tfevil .) Wear protective gloves and never hold your hand or any other (more vital) body part beneath the TF.

 

Removing pins is a very annoying and difficult job. Makes you really wish they'd only use screws.

 

 

The soldering iron really is the best option. Try convincing your parent of this. Ask anyone who has tried both methods and they will tell you this.

Thanks for the tips Rawhide. Will do. Maybe this weekend.