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Post by Yumcha on Oct 31, 2014 13:41:55 GMT -5
Hey folks...so, I don't really dabble into vintage. Keeping up with the new releases from Bandai, 3rd-party Transformers, and etc. is already nutty enough. But, anyhow...there are the odd vintage toys I do keep an eye out for and recently, I won an eBay auction for what was advertised as a NEW in box Godaikin Gardian. The price was fair for something this new and I was fortunate enough to win it. It arrived the other day and I'll say this: overall, the toy is new. The plastic is brilliant white, joints don't appear to ever have been moved, and the sealed packages (i.e. weaponry) were untouched. It's pristine. Except for one HUGE problem:    As you can see, the peg/knob that is attached to the shin has snapped off and split. I think with rubber cement, I can reattach both plastic bits back to the the body. From what I can see, with a screwdriver, I can carefully open up the white "boot" without damaging the front blue sticker and then, when the plastic bits have fused/cured, I can attempt to reassemble the boot back onto the body. Here's the thing, the seller has been gracious enough to take the toy back as she says she did not know it was damaged. They never removed this item from the box and I believe her since everything else in the box is pristine...So, should I attempt this "surgery" to fix or just return it because this toy is doomed to collapse again in time? Thanks in advance for any advice! |
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Oct 31, 2014 14:03:11 GMT -5
I have blown through a couple gardians in my quest to "assemble" a mint one (meaning I bought each of the three figures separately). I started with a nice lot that had a fairly mint Garbin with a chipped upper knee that still allowed him to stand up properly and a broken head, and a second Gardian that had a good head and chest panel. I swapped the head and chest over and that was that. The smaller figures are giving me difficulty at the moment.
That area will be extremely hard to repair. Even if you secure it well, the area above where it attaches to could likely be just as brittle and that allows for the possibility of the figure to fall over while standing.
Gardian is deceiving because he is skinny but he is massively heavy as you can tell from the chest and lower legs/feet. This, coupled with the classic popy blue plastic which can be a nightmare makes buying a Gardian that will remain intact difficult.
Most gardians even broke in shipping when new, or when they are shipped to buyers now, commonly heads snapping at the neck joint.
The break you see is due to age or moving around in shipping. It happens, frequently. I would either return the whole toy or get at least 60% of your money back if you feel you must keep it. If it was repairable, I would honestly tell you that you would be okay. In addition, that blue area is riveted on, so it's not like you can swap a thigh either.
Also, don't move garbin's head back. The pin holding the head should be removed so that the pressure ridge on the neck joint can be sanded down. Otherwise your head will most likely snap off when you go to move it.
I have pics of how I sanded mine and can email them to you if you PM me.
What did you pay for this, if you don't mind me asking?
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Post by Yumcha on Oct 31, 2014 14:34:43 GMT -5
Thanks for your response, Ginrai. I really appreciate your feedback and comments. I paid close to $300CDN for the toy. Hearing your comments, this is really disappointing as I've been after Gardian for a number of years...just patiently waiting for the right one and a price that I was willing to pay. And this toy is basically all-new! Just that damn broken leg. So, you're saying even if I apply coats upon coats of liquid cement to that peg/knob, it is still doomed to fail? I have blown through a couple gardians in my quest to "assemble" a mint one (meaning I bought each of the three figures separately). I started with a nice lot that had a fairly mint Garbin with a chipped upper knee that still allowed him to stand up properly and a broken head, and a second Gardian that had a good head and chest panel. I swapped the head and chest over and that was that. The smaller figures are giving me difficulty at the moment. That area will be extremely hard to repair. Even if you secure it well, the area above where it attaches to could likely be just as brittle and that allows for the possibility of the figure to fall over while standing. Gardian is deceiving because he is skinny but he is massively heavy as you can tell from the chest and lower legs/feet. This, coupled with the classic popy blue plastic which can be a nightmare makes buying a Gardian that will remain intact difficult. Most gardians even broke in shipping when new, or when they are shipped to buyers now, commonly heads snapping at the neck joint. The break you see is due to age or moving around in shipping. It happens, frequently. I would either return the whole toy or get at least 60% of your money back if you feel you must keep it. If it was repairable, I would honestly tell you that you would be okay. In addition, that blue area is riveted on, so it's not like you can swap a thigh either. Also, don't move garbin's head back. The pin holding the head should be removed so that the pressure ridge on the neck joint can be sanded down. Otherwise your head will most likely snap off when you go to move it. I have pics of how I sanded mine and can email them to you if you PM me. What did you pay for this, if you don't mind me asking? |
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Post by Yumcha on Oct 31, 2014 14:35:44 GMT -5
And oh, the seller is willing to refund me about $50CDN if I decide to keep it.
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Post by repairtechjon on Oct 31, 2014 16:49:53 GMT -5
This is required reading on the subject of Gardian shipping: LOL
Goole(cut & paste): " ToyboxDX Ebay Shenanigans Sanjeev wins a Godaikin "
One of the funniest things you'll read about toy dealing.
Mint in box, new stock does still show up, so, with patience, another will show up, but the dice are rolled how each and every one will arrive to you. Being that the rest is like new, the box and packaging condition is a big determining factor in keeping it. If you've got a really nice box, that may not happen for a while, so keep it.
The whole leg is easily replaced, as you can see inside, with just two little screws, so a swapped leg from a worse condition, incomplete, or loose toy, is very very possible in the future.
There are many that will show up with the pivot point intact, but the edge of the locking tab cracked. That's better than what you have.
It just will depend on getting one with not too much difference in age/yellowing on the blue and white plastics.
If you've got some refund offered, my vote it take it, and keep the toy, now that you're already mostly there with an otherwise New condition toy.
Get the PROPER cement or thin set epoxy that is designed to work with plastics, NOT rubber cement.
Gorilla / JB WELD / Tamiya, and others will have a product that will work. Go ahead and try it. Nothing to lose now.
Mr. Ginrai is totally right about the neck joints too. Look at that VERY carefully before you move it much.
Overall good score. It's a really cool toy.
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Oct 31, 2014 19:29:38 GMT -5
Get me your email address by PM, then you can send me some pics. I know areas can swap out like jon mentioned. I have some extra garbins, but I can't promise I have anything close to the condition you need for a match. I'll have to look through all of them.
You got a good price but I think the damage hurts the value severely. I would ask for $75 CAD back based on current exchange rates. You paid about $266 US for the toy by my calculations, and that would put you into it for about $200 US. Still a little steep, but do-able for now if you feel you must keep it.
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Post by Yumcha on Oct 31, 2014 19:43:48 GMT -5
This is required reading on the subject of Gardian shipping: LOL Goole(cut & paste): " ToyboxDX Ebay Shenanigans Sanjeev wins a Godaikin " One of the funniest things you'll read about toy dealing. Mint in box, new stock does still show up, so, with patience, another will show up, but the dice are rolled how each and every one will arrive to you. Being that the rest is like new, the box and packaging condition is a big determining factor in keeping it. If you've got a really nice box, that may not happen for a while, so keep it. The whole leg is easily replaced, as you can see inside, with just two little screws, so a swapped leg from a worse condition, incomplete, or loose toy, is very very possible in the future. There are many that will show up with the pivot point intact, but the edge of the locking tab cracked. That's better than what you have. It just will depend on getting one with not too much difference in age/yellowing on the blue and white plastics. If you've got some refund offered, my vote it take it, and keep the toy, now that you're already mostly there with an otherwise New condition toy. Get the PROPER cement or thin set epoxy that is designed to work with plastics, NOT rubber cement. Gorilla / JB WELD / Tamiya, and others will have a product that will work. Go ahead and try it. Nothing to lose now. Mr. Ginrai is totally right about the neck joints too. Look at that VERY carefully before you move it much. Overall good score. It's a really cool toy. Thanks for the input! I am leaning towards keeping the toy because everything (minus the busted leg) is in outstanding condition. I also like your suggestion of just keeping an eye out for a replacement leg down the road to cannibalize... The box and etc. is in good condition...I'll take some additional pics shortly and post them to show you guys. I'll probably not even LOOK at the neck given how fragile you guys are saying it is... |
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Post by Yumcha on Oct 31, 2014 20:03:37 GMT -5
Get me your email address by PM, then you can send me some pics. I know areas can swap out like jon mentioned. I have some extra garbins, but I can't promise I have anything close to the condition you need for a match. I'll have to look through all of them. You got a good price but I think the damage hurts the value severely. I would ask for $75 CAD back based on current exchange rates. You paid about $266 US for the toy by my calculations, and that would put you into it for about $200 US. Still a little steep, but do-able for now if you feel you must keep it. Hey Ginrai...thanks again for the input and offer. If you do have a left leg you're willing to part with, let me know and we can work something out! Part of the higher cost was the shipping from the UK...I won it for $220ish CDN. The rest was shipping... I'll PM you my e-mail shortly but will also post the images on here.  |
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Post by Yumcha on Oct 31, 2014 21:18:13 GMT -5
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Oct 31, 2014 22:50:15 GMT -5
It's discoloration of the plastic. It happens a lot. Doesn't mean it's brittle, but it is very common. My blue fists are discolored. Also, my outer halves of each forearm (the side where the missile firing buttons are) are faded. The other side of the forearms are not, and my shins and head are not.
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Post by repairtechjon on Nov 1, 2014 10:02:45 GMT -5
Blue plastic batches had different, inconsistent mixes of colorfast(UV block, out gassing) and elastic properties. Sadly, most on the market tend toward having blue parts that have yellowed a bit like your broken leg.
Good news is?: You don't have to worry about babying a perfectly blue piece, LOL. The
After seeing how nice the box, and rest of set is, I'm voting even more towards keeping it! You'll be waiting a while to get another with nice box edges, and white bottom box, at anywhere near the cheap price you got that set, especially after a bit of refund.
I've seen mint ones go for anywere from $250-$400, and the original Popy box? Forget it, $400-$650, though I freely admit I don't watch the ebay market as close as I used to. I'm basing my thoughts on combined results I've seen on other auction sites focusing on independent auction houses, and YahooJP.
That leg does hurt the overall set value, but doesn't seem like you did too badly with that.
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Post by Yumcha on Nov 1, 2014 12:29:38 GMT -5
Blue plastic batches had different, inconsistent mixes of colorfast(UV block, out gassing) and elastic properties. Sadly, most on the market tend toward having blue parts that have yellowed a bit like your broken leg. Good news is?: You don't have to worry about babying a perfectly blue piece, LOL. The After seeing how nice the box, and rest of set is, I'm voting even more towards keeping it! You'll be waiting a while to get another with nice box edges, and white bottom box, at anywhere near the cheap price you got that set, especially after a bit of refund. I've seen mint ones go for anywere from $250-$400, and the original Popy box? Forget it, $400-$650, though I freely admit I don't watch the ebay market as close as I used to. I'm basing my thoughts on combined results I've seen on other auction sites focusing on independent auction houses, and YahooJP. That leg does hurt the overall set value, but doesn't seem like you did too badly with that. Thanks again for the input. I also appreciate the appraisal/assessment to know that I did not get "ripped off"...I don't know what the "market" prices are for vintage toys generally but usually go about it with a budget in mind and before buying, see what other lots are selling for. Anyhow, I'll go about trying to repair this when I feel brave enough and let you guys know on progress. I'll also work with the seller to get that small refund back... Question: There are heaps of Protector sets that routinely show up...It's bootleg (right?) but would it make sense just to buy one and use the leg from that? Chances are, I'll increase my odds of getting a "donor" robot in good condition for an affordable price? |
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Post by repairtechjon on Nov 1, 2014 13:59:43 GMT -5
From what I remember, the Protector sets actually have improved leg joints, so the legs are not the same on the Taiwan made one. Bootleggers saw the obvious flaw years ago, LOL
I can't say whether that holds true for all years of Protector mfg, but would think so.
Likely an obvious difference in legs would hurt the value of your mint one worse than broken legit leg
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Post by Yumcha on Nov 1, 2014 21:23:41 GMT -5
From what I remember, the Protector sets actually have improved leg joints, so the legs are not the same on the Taiwan made one. Bootleggers saw the obvious flaw years ago, LOL I can't say whether that holds true for all years of Protector mfg, but would think so. Likely an obvious difference in legs would hurt the value of your mint one worse than broken legit leg Alright, thanks. I'll just patiently wait for a donor Garbin to turn up and or see if Ginrai has a spare leg that I can work out something with him for. In the interim, as mentioned, I'll go about trying to repair the damage on my own and see how far I can get. |
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Post by Yumcha on Nov 7, 2014 14:39:44 GMT -5
Was tied up the last few days but finally got around to step 1 in my attempt to repair the Garbin's leg.
I had picked up some fast-drying Tamiya liquid cement and had glued the split cog/peg together. After drying for a couple of hours last night, I inspected the circular piece and it seems to be bonded pretty well...but, I'll give it another light coat between the cracks tonight.
Later this weekend, I'll attach the cog back to the main body. And then, do the glue reapplication to strengthen it...then, the final step is the big one...attaching the white boot. *nervous*
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Post by Yumcha on Nov 9, 2014 19:20:04 GMT -5
I've attached the peg to the main body...so, give it a day for the glue to dry...and I'll add another layer by touching it into the cracks tomorrow. Then, attach the boot...   |
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Post by arkboy on Nov 9, 2014 21:27:58 GMT -5
Hi looking at the pics the left leg that is broken has a different blue hue (a bit greenish) from the right leg. Looks like could have been part swapped. I know cos I had a similar broken knees so I bought a loose Garbin and it turns out the knees are different blue tone. All the blue plastics should be of same color if it's original set.
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Nov 10, 2014 0:38:00 GMT -5
Hi looking at the pics the left leg that is broken has a different blue hue (a bit greenish) from the right leg. Looks like could have been part swapped. I know cos I had a similar broken knees so I bought a loose Garbin and it turns out the knees are different blue tone. All the blue plastics should be of same color if it's original set. The part you are referring to is actually riveted on the lower half where the blue starts. His garbin is suffering from discoloration due to the poor mix Popy used on their blue plastic. I have an extremely mint garbin that was almost never played with and the same thing happened on my lower arm sections but not the knees. Very very common issue. |
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Post by Mr. Ginrai on Nov 10, 2014 0:40:07 GMT -5
I've attached the peg to the main body...so, give it a day for the glue to dry...and I'll add another layer by touching it into the cracks tomorrow. Then, attach the boot... Other than the discoloration this is looking amazing - I misunderstood you when you talked about how it broke. I thought you meant it degraded enough that the peg had cracked or crumbled enought that you didn't have enough of a solid piece to glue on. I will keep looking for donor legs for you but if this holds, you will be fine (hopefully). Make sure to let it run its full curing time and then some! |
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Post by Yumcha on Nov 10, 2014 17:17:10 GMT -5
Thanks, Ginrai. Update: So, I attempted to attach the white-boot to the peg today and after screwing the boot back together when it had enclosed the peg, the peg snapped off.  The good news is that the (see my pics in my 1st post in this thread) peg that broke from the shin remained intact and did not split in half...so, that part held. It's now the issue of the boot not putting too much pressure at the join. I've just reattached the peg back to the shin this morning and re-applied another thin layer of glue just now. Give this an entire evening to dry...reapply tomorrow...and in the evening, attempt to join the boot again. This time, I'll screw the boot together a bit less tightly so that it is not as tight around the peg so not to give it too much pressure. |
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