Kenner Alien repair

[Den82]

I took some pics.









I really can't tell if it's been glued, but you see the separation? There is enough space to where the hand is a little loose. Maybe it happened naturally, but I am not sure.

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

I remember the one I had as a kid had some rough seams like that. The pushed in part near the wrist looks like a break though.

Don C.

[rche]

looks like someone stuck a screwdriver in there to pry the arm apart for some reason. Perhaps to repair the elastic, or replace a hand???? Who knows.

[Den82]

Aside from that, he is in pretty great shape, especially considering it's over 33 years old now. My guess (hope) is that it's just a natural thing. I heard plastic does weird things over time.

[User897]

It looks like a failed attempt at a repair to me. I'm lucky with the seams on mine, which is part of the reason why I am trying to avoid selling it for someone else to deal with the arm. Aside from that, it is perfect, since I am the one that opened it after so many years.

[Tothiro]

I'm lucky with the seams on mine, which is part of the reason why I am trying to avoid selling it for someone else to deal with the arm.

I've repaired a few Aliens as well as 12" Chewies (they also have this problem). The most secure repair I know is to find a cheap rubbermaid style vinyl top (like peanut can lids, but something thicker) and cut an H shape out of them, where each side of the H is an arrow tip... So I guess more <H> shaped. You'll need one for each arm - You want thickish material so that the two arrow heads press against one another and keep the "plug" from pulling out under tension

Anyway those are your anchors to insert into the arms - with braided or corded elastic looped around the center bars. You can then tie off the elastic as tight as you like, presuming you cut the anchor ends an appropriate size.

[User897]

Interesting. I'm going with a rubber washer, but gotta wait for them to arrive in the mail. I have a string made of stretchy t-shirt cotton, which I will put through the center of the washer and tie a knot. I will then fold the rubber washer and work it into the arm's hole. The washer will then open inside the arm. The other end of the string will be tied around the post inside the body. I'll take pictures of the process this time around.

[Den82]

How can I fix that? Without breaking or making a mess of the whole thing?

[rche]

I've repaired a few Aliens as well as 12" Chewies (they also have this problem). The most secure repair I know is to find a cheap rubbermaid style vinyl top (like peanut can lids, but something thicker) and cut an H shape out of them, where each side of the H is an arrow tip... So I guess more <H> shaped. You'll need one for each arm - You want thickish material so that the two arrow heads press against one another and keep the "plug" from pulling out under tension



Anyway those are your anchors to insert into the arms - with braided or corded elastic looped around the center bars. You can then tie off the elastic as tight as you like, presuming you cut the anchor ends an appropriate size.

The piece that you are emulating is usually still in the arm. Takes some shakin', but you can usually get it back to the shoulder hole.



Den82 - I don't think you should try a repair on that separation. You would probably make it larger or damage the arm in a different location. It looks pretty good as is. If you really wanted to do something about it, I would look for an Alien missing all the usual parts and swap arms with it. Sell the beater off and you would have your repair for close to free, probably.

[User897]

How can I fix that? Without breaking or making a mess of the whole thing?

The seam? Oh God, I haven't a clue. I was blessed with perfect seams on this one, but I do remember one I had before that had some separation. The only thing I could think of that would help prevent further damage would be to heat the arm with a hair dryer before trying to pry it apart. If you can soften the glue inside, that should help get it open. As far as the damage you have to the plastic itself, which looks like someone else tried to pry it, once the arm is opened, use Elmer's Glue to attach the thin piece(s) back to the seam. Elmer's will not damage the plastic and can be safely taken off if needed. That's not to say super glue wouldn't help, as you may want that fix to be more permanent. Just remember what you're working with and any spillage on the toy would be devastating.