AJ Rivets / Complexion / Shine ?

[AJ-Paratrooper]

I read on the site about AJ being issued with both metal and plastic rivets. All the ones I had when I was a kid had the plastic ones. I've also seen how some here only saw the metal ones when they were younger.

Am I correct in assuming that the plastic ones came first, were possibly not as durable and were later "upgraded" with metal ones? Or did Mego just do whatever was practical or was on-hand at the time?

I've also noticed some AJs have really red lips...especially the non-bearded ones. Some are more natural. I believe the ones I had were really red.

I've also noticed some AJs are really shiny....like coated with clearcoat or something.

Am I also correct in assuming Mego just issued AJ in many different subtle variations or are some of them I'm seeing on ebay simply restorations?

Please educate me. Thanks!

[jwyblejr]

Metal rivets came first,then plastic. I'll defer the other questions to others here who know more about them than I do.

[z3zep]

Am I correct in assuming that the plastic ones came first, were possibly not as durable and were later "upgraded" with metal ones? Or did Mego just do whatever was practical or was on-hand at the time?

Am I also correct in assuming Mego just issued AJ in many different subtle variations or are some of them I'm seeing on ebay simply restorations?

I always thought that in AJ's case the plastic rivets came first??? We will have to wait for a AJ expert to post on this.

Also, yes Mego issued AJ with many subtle face paint differences, but most don't make them more "collectable" than others. The main varities that people collect are based on skin color and hair color -- not face paint differences.

In addition, many of the boxed outfits have variations in the outfits as well. Some of those are more desirable than others.

btw -- welcome to the MM

[z3zep]

Duplicate post <sorry>

[jwyblejr]

I thought it was the same way with AJ as it was with WGSH. I think that's why I said I'll defer to someone who knows more than I do.

[ScottA]

I think it's plastic then metal. That's why they aren't as common. There are also differences in the outfits as well such as the plastic rescue helmet and the white M-16.

[HardyGirl]

When I got my first black AJ (when they first came out), he had metal rivets.

[AJ-Paratrooper]

When I got my first black AJ (when they first came out), he had metal rivets.

For a totally irrational reason I've gotta get one or two with the plastic rivets. This is only because that's the way they came when I had 'em as a kid. I do remember how cool that joint looked in the wrist. For some reason that image cuts through the fog of 1973....

It's obvious that they came with either type. I also recall mine had really red lips. Almost like lipstick & my brother kinda made fun of AJ....I also noticed that not all of 'em are that red.

I'm getting the picture that AJ came in all sorts of versions.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I'm 99&#37; sure they came with metal rivets first.

[AJ-Paratrooper]

I'm 99% sure they came with metal rivets first.

I don't doubt it since I believe I was throwing AJ across the football field with his parachute in 1974-1975. I got him new in the box from K-Mart & that was relatively late for AJ.