I just posted over in Armor, titled “suspension arms removal” and then thought that I should have posted here. I used Testors liquid cement to attach the suspension units to the lower hull of a tank, the only thing I did wrong was mount them backwards!!! I know you guys have solved almost all of the problems of modeling in the universe, I need your help. How do I remove these parts without damaging them?
Thanks
Been there. Testors Liquid Cement is pretty strong. I can think of two ways to approach this problem.
If you need further clarification, let me know. A picture of the piece would help too.
Jesse
If there is a hole in the inside of the hull where the part attaches, then you may be able to put some of the same (or maybe a stronger type) liquid cement in there to release the part. Liquid cement is pretty good stuff, and in my experience, creates a strong bond that is tough to remove.
You may want to try to cut the suspension part off, then sand down any rough spots and re-glue, but you won’t have any strong attachment points.
Thanks guys, I have already thought of cutting them off, I’m hoping that this is the last resort due to losing detail.
Testors liquid cement is actually a solvent. It dissolves the plastic surface and creates a welded joint—essentially chemical welding. The welded surfaces are slightly more porous than the surrounding plastic. Thus, if you weren’t too generous with the original application of solvent, reapplication may allow disassembly. But it will require significant cleanup of the area.
Cutting and pinning with brass rod works well, and is ultimately stronger. If you have to cut the parts free, consider drilling the mounting pins out from the back. Replace them with the largest possible diameter brass rod, then fasten them with 5 minute epoxy applied on the inside. This should avoid damaging surface detail.
Repaired, Thanks for all of your respones guys. I was able to remove the parts successfully by Doogs suggestion (I also posted over in armor) of using Channel Locks with a buffer to protect the parts and slowly twist the parts back and forth and they were released with minimal damage and clean up. They are now back on the hull and I am now ready to proceed with the build. Thanks Jesse, Jon & Ross.
Here’s a picture after Plastic Surgery.
[tup]
I know that I am a little late in this discussion but. I have tried to remove parts before and I read somewhere that you can put them in the frezzer for a few hours then have a go at it. I have tried this before and it works pretty good. The frezzer makes the parts brittle so it’s easier to “break” them apart.
Grizz
And because solvent welds are generally weaker than the surrounding plastic, that’s where the break tends to occur. A little light scribing before the parts go in the freezer might also help.
Great tip, Grizz!