Mattel Retro Action figures - customizing advice?...

[dr_cyclops]

Ive taken retro actuion heads and costumes and put them on a type S body, that works great. The only problem is getting the retro action head off, without cracking open the retro action torso. They put a hard plastic piece in the neck plug which pretty much doesn't let you successfully pull the heads out of the torso.

I have only been able to remove the heads by cracking the torso open. Don't like the retro action male bodies anyway.

[daz71]

No problem. . FTC is using the closest modern equivalent to vintage Mego fabric: It's polyester single-knit (jersey). But it's not quite as soft or stretchy as the vintage cloth.

it is pretty close but has a slight shine to it which seems most obvious on the wonder woman flesh parts compared to the original but the catwoman doesn't seem as shiny but it's a different flesh colour to the wonder woman.

[PNGwynne]

No problem. . FTC is using the closest modern equivalent to vintage Mego fabric: It's polyester single-knit (jersey). But it's not quite as soft or stretchy as the vintage cloth.

[daz71]

^ The Mattel fabric is a variant spandex called matte milliskin, it has a tighter weave (therefore smoother) and duller finish than traditional spandex. It it is also thinner than typical spandex. It does not contain cotton. Spandex House online carries various colors of it.

I will admit to not caring much for it, it snags easily and doesn't approximate classic Mego single-knit well. But, costumes featuring milliskin would blend with existing retro-action figures.

oh i thought he was asking what original mego clothes were made of i forgot he was on about the mattel figures.

[PNGwynne]

^ The Mattel fabric is a variant spandex called matte milliskin, it has a tighter weave (therefore smoother) and duller finish than traditional spandex. It it is also thinner than typical spandex. It does not contain cotton. Spandex House online carries various colors of it.

I will admit to not caring much for it, it snags easily and doesn't approximate classic Mego single-knit well. But, costumes featuring milliskin would blend with existing retro-action figures.

[daz71]

When I was customizing wrestling figures, the "heat and pop" method worked best (using hot water although I'm sure a blow dryer would work just as well).

Regarding clothing, the Retro Action figures looked to have more of a brighter, silky look to the fabric and was more form fitting where as Megos were always a little looser. Does anyone know what type of fabric it was?

i think they were a polyester /cotton jersey mix i can't find any of that material anywhere a lot of the stuff today has a shine to it.

[ODBJBG]

Pretty sure the RA figures use some sort of spandex blend. It's a really cool material, albeit a bit fragile.

[CKMBDavis]

When I was customizing wrestling figures, the "heat and pop" method worked best (using hot water although I'm sure a blow dryer would work just as well).

Regarding clothing, the Retro Action figures looked to have more of a brighter, silky look to the fabric and was more form fitting where as Megos were always a little looser. Does anyone know what type of fabric it was?

[jessica]

Blow dryer maybe? To warm up the plastic?

[TrekStar]

I hear soaking in hot water for a few minutes to soften it up, then try removing, I'm sure there is a way
you can try that or I'm sure others here have better ideas.

[jayraytee]

Ive taken retro actuion heads and costumes and put them on a type S body, that works great. The only problem is getting the retro action head off, without cracking open the retro action torso. They put a hard plastic piece in the neck plug which pretty much doesn't let you successfully pull the heads out of the torso.

[daz71]

Actually I was just thinking about switch a Black Adam head to a Type S body. Is that easy or is it trouble?
Also wondering which paint remover is best for the Mattel heads. Sorry to hijack, but I thought these questions were pretty on topic.

white spirit removes paint from heads just not marker.

[MysteryWho]

Actually I was just thinking about switch a Black Adam head to a Type S body. Is that easy or is it trouble?
Also wondering which paint remover is best for the Mattel heads. Sorry to hijack, but I thought these questions were pretty on topic.

[daz71]

if the bodies are the same size dr.mego suits would fit i hear the ctvt clothes are on the small side so maybe stick with doc.

[CKMBDavis]

I've not had the opportunity to try a Mego outfit on a Retro Action body, so I'm not sure how well they fit although one would think they'd be ok. As for bodies, I have considered ordering some of the lower priced figures specifically for customizing, in fact that's probably what I'll end up doing. I'm more concerned at this point in regards to the clothing.
Thanks for the input!