Restringing a CTVT fatman body.

[dr_cyclops]

I've been dreading the day I would start restringing CTVT bodies. Apparently this dread wasn't necessary. After reading the tips on restring both CTVT and Mego Type1 bodies, I purchased the heavy fabric cord and mini key- rings suggested. I lucked out and found both types of mini key-rings, round and oval. It was obvious to me that using regular rings would result in separation. The tip to work the hip-hole until the hip-pin turned freely, worked great. I found the most difficult part to be getting the rubber band off the hip-pin hook, to free the hip-pin from the metal hook. Once the new rings were in place I found that my fabric cord was too thick for a double loop threading. At this point, I went with the single string threading design shown in the Mego Type 1 tip. Tied the knot through the right hip hole, and bam, he stood up straight and tall. I plan to do a CTVT regular male body next.

[dr_cyclops]

Just completed two CTVT regular male body restringings. Getting the rubberband off the hip-pin hook is getting easier. The stringing took a couple of attempts for this body type. First attempt I had the string/cord run under the pelvis post between the legs. This caused the legs to spread way out into a splits position. Second attempt, I threaded the cord over the top of the pelvis post between the legs. This gives his legs a wider stance without pulling them so far apart he can't stand up.

[dr_cyclops]

Restringing CTVT bodies does improve them. Does anyone have any advice on restringing other CTVT bodies? I'm considering the female body, but I am intimatdated by the difference in design.

[dr_cyclops]

All attempts (to date) at restring a CTVT female body have failed. DrMego's female body is a different story; starting with a broken hip-pin, The female hip-pins are smaller and more fragile than the male. Using CTVT male hip-pins, I sanded down the plug to fit inside the female leg hip-pin recess holes. From there I followed with the rings and cord method I'm use on CTVT male bodies.
CTVT females are going to take a lot longer, if at all, to find a working design.

[dr_cyclops]

Last night I took on restringing CTVT 6 inch male bodies. Allow me to start by saying: this was not an easy project. CTVT 6 inch male bodies have a swivel shoulder design that differs greatly from the 8 inch body.
First step: was to remove the original hooks and bands. If I had wanted to save the origials for reuse, I would have removed the small plastic post in the shoulder to disassemble. As it is, I don't. So using a pair of scissors I cut the bands between the upper torso and pelvic piece.
Next step: was to add tiny keyring style rings to the limbs. I have both 1/4 inch rounds and smaller ovals. The oval fit well through the hip/leg pin hole. Combining two ovals for each arm/shoulder attachment allowed me to pin one to the arm and the other to allow movement/range. No 1/4 inch round rings were used is this restringing process.
Last step: was to restring the body with fabric rubber cord. It is important to test stringing before making a knot. I make just one loop and test the body to see how it preforms. Many times in this project, I let go of the cord and tried again. Trying to use the neck hole as the tie-point failed on this smaller figure. Moved tie-point to the upper torso and pelvic/waist area. Used needle-nose plyers to pull knot to fit into the upper torso, keeps knot from interfering with waist articulation.
Tip: CTVT 6 inch male bodies have a flaw. The lower piece of the upper torso is missing the little bumps that hold the waist position on the right side, causing the figure to pinch to that side. I used maskingtape on this lower torso piece to build bulk and friction.

[Scousebadger]

Wow: I'm impressed buy your dedication and perseverance!

[dr_cyclops]

Thanks, I hope to crack 'the mystery of the CTVT female restringing', some day soon.
Reading everything I could find here on the subject of restringing, really helped. I've heard: 'Necessity, is a mother'.

[Scousebadger]

Thanks, I hope to crack 'the mystery of the CTVT female restringing', some day soon.
Reading everything I could find here on the subject of restringing, really helped. I've heard: 'Necessity, is a mother'.

I'm still learning!

[dr_cyclops]

I'm still learning!

So am I! There is so much too learn. This board is perfect for it. Ideas come from everywhere here.
This thread lacks the photos and illustrations of a comprehensive tutorial. I need to work on that.

[Scousebadger]

So am I! There is so much too learn. This board is perfect for it. Ideas come from everywhere here.
This thread lacks the photos and illustrations of a comprehensive tutorial. I need to work on that.

As a complete noob I second that!

[dr_cyclops]

The photos are easy. It's the illustrations that take time.
Scousebadger, have you read the tutorials on the Mego Museum site? There is a couple on restringing CTVT male bodies, and one on restringing a Mego type1 body.

[dr_cyclops]

Here are the illos:

[SeattleEd]

Dino,

That's what I do. With the exception of the hip pin, which I insert hook down so as to alleviate the pressure from the plastic bend so that it won't snap off or come undone.

Great job on the illos.

[dr_cyclops]

Dino,

That's what I do. With the exception of the hip pin, which I insert hook down so as to alleviate the pressure from the plastic bend so that it won't snap off or come undone.

Great job on the illos.

Thanks. I'll try Hip Pin down soon.
This method is from the tutorials here at the MM. These images have no intended copyright. Free to copy and redistribute without permission. Public domain.

[BATMAN89]

Hey dr_cyclops,
Where did you find the oval rings???
I have a friend who wants me to do that restringing of yours.
Thanks,
Barrett