Saturday, March 21, 2009

Customizing Projects - Improving DAF Aesthetics

In addition to repairs needed - and the mentioned Joe and Roxy are just the most prominent ones - I have some customizing projects.

1. Find a washer that will allow me to keep Mattel Flavas P Bo's head on the Bbi Johanna Dark body. I thought that the head for Flavas P Bo was too big for her body. I had a Johanna Dark figure whose head didn't thrill me. While the Johanna Dark body is a little sallow for a perfect complexion match, P Bo's head fits that body much better than she did on her original body.

2. Find replacement bodies for the twin sisters from the 12 Dancing Princesses, Hadley and Isla. Their heads are way too big for their bodies.

3. Repaint the Babysitter Courtney head that I have on a poser My Scene Barbie body. Another case of big head on a small body. I'm thinking of cutting her hair, too.

Customizing dolls and action figures is fun, but even more, you can adjust the figure to reflect your taste and interests. I might create a new photo folder at Webshots to show my customized dolls and action figures. If I do, I'll send notice here.

Mending a Doll and an Action Figure

I've got two Hasbro figures: Misfits Roxy and Adventure Team G.I. Joe that need to be put together. Roxy's inner ring-connector that attaches her upper torso (head, bust, and arms) to her lower torso (hips and legs) broke. I don't think I can glue the broken bits together: the glue might not keep the plastic parts together - or doing so might freeze her to one position. I'll check online DAF boards to see if there are any tips on how to fix this problem.

Joe is a more difficult case. He's one of my childhood Joes, and he's been broke for years. His stringing popped. His head lopped off the silvery nail inside his neck. His arms fell off, and I only have the right one. His left calf unconnected from his left knee. Joe, I might have to send out. Sigh.

I don't like the idea of sending any of my figures out for repairs. I should be able to fix them myself. Or re-body them. But this AT Joe - African American and vintage - would probably be costly to replace. Hmmm ... will need to see what repairs I can do.