New Ape Bits

[scott metzger]

THe trick with the CTVT apes stuff with the pleather is to get it when it's fresh. I got some of those when they first came out and, having been in a an air conditioned house, they've held up fine. Stuff I got later, stuff that had been sitting in the warehouse for a while, that fell apart if you gave it a dirt look. Now I don't know about major long term survival (even good pleather can start peeling given enough time), but anything that's been there a while is likely to be iffy. Same for plastic stuff; split boots and belts from dried out plastic have plagued a few of my CTVT purchases.

[Confessional]

^^ I've used that strategy too, climate control, the whole deal… even if that can/could mitigate storage issues, its can't negate the exposures in packaging and transport. As such, some items persist while other spontaneously degrade.

Here's a new issue. These rubber boots (https://www.classictvtoys.com/pairof...ots-1-1-3.aspx) degas and will melt/stick to vintage ABS. I had a Soldier Ape with a pair of these barely touching a catapult wagon wheel, resulting in goo after a few weeks.

[apes3978]

Here's a new issue. These rubber boots (https://www.classictvtoys.com/pairof...ots-1-1-3.aspx) degas and will melt/stick to vintage ABS. I had a Soldier Ape with a pair of these barely touching a catapult wagon wheel, resulting in goo after a few weeks.

@Confessional,

You mentioned the FTC rubber boots and the catapult wheel and melting, and I have to ask: Which melted, the boots or the catapult wheel (or both)?

Also, here's a question along the same lines, but it pertains to the new Mego figures and their footwear: Have you had any issues with the new Mego boots (such as on Ursus and the Soldier Apes) causing any melt issues, since they're rubber and not plastic like the originals were?

[Confessional]

^^ Bonded together, but the wheel revealed the melt after separation.

The FTC boots are very soft rubber. So far the harder rubber Mego bits seem stable… no reactions yet.

[scott metzger]

@Confessional,

You mentioned the FTC rubber boots and the catapult wheel and melting, and I have to ask: Which melted, the boots or the catapult wheel (or both)?

Also, here's a question along the same lines, but it pertains to the new Mego figures and their footwear: Have you had any issues with the new Mego boots (such as on Ursus and the Soldier Apes) causing any melt issues, since they're rubber and not plastic like the originals were?

The FTC/CTVT boots will melt right on the figure. I seriously doubt any Starfire from FTC will come these days without the feet melted into the boots. I got a couple bagged figures for the yellow/orange bodies, and tried to pull the boots off, managing to also remove both half disintegrated feet in the process. Anyone with the soft, rubbery boots is going to have trouble. I don't think the Mego boots will have that problem, as they feel like a very different vinyl, more like what was used on the Mattel Retro Heroes (and those have held up fine).

[apes3978]

@scott metzger,

Thanks for that info. While interesting to know, it's making me less likely to buy any footwear (boots/shoes) from them, except maybe their APE General boots and their Dr. Zaius knockoff boots which appear to be soft plastic? (If they're not, scott or Confessional or anybody else reading this thread, please chime in...)

[PNGwynne]

Checked my medieval customs today, CTVT pleather finally disintegrating. *sigh* Sad, these were nice kitbashes.

[ODBJBG]

Thanks for posting these updates.

[TrekStar]

This looks really cool, I like the black color tunic, very sharp. I have a nude Dr. Zaius and I was thinking about doing this same thing, but I don’t want to much orange on him. What would be your suggestion for which color stretch pants to use and color tunic? I would like it to blend in with his tan color skin.

[apes3978]

Yesterday, I received the "new and improved" CTVT Soldier Ape tunic. As you can see, I opted for the all black tunic. The first thing you notice when you take it out of the baggie, it's not as thin and fragile as their pre-2025 Ape tunics. It's a nice, stronger material. No flaking. However, BE CAREFEUL when you put it on your Ape. The velcro strap is not sewn on as secure as a modern Mego and if you pull it too fast or rough, it will tear off the tunic. The tunic is a little bit shorter than the Mego tunics but it is a nice looking reproduction. CTVT did a much better job this time around.

Thanks for posting your review of the new Apes gear by CTVT. I know you posted the Youtube thing, but I like hearing the opinions of someone from the MM.

BTW: Your Soldier Ape looks pretty sharp decked out in all black.

[apes3978]

If you plan is to strictly use the Soldier Ape tunic, I'd suggest the tan tunic with orange sleeves with orange tights. If CTVT made matching tan tights, I'd go for that but they don't make them. It's all a matter of what appeals to you. I opted for the all orange look with the Zaius jacket, orange tights, brown Zaius boots, and brown gloves.

is the Orangutan (Zaius) on the right the head from the https://www.worldsgreatestsuperheroe...et-of-the-apes website? Just want to confirm, thanks...

[Confessional]

… it's not as thin and fragile as their pre-2025 Ape tunics. It's a nice, stronger material… CTVT did a much better job this time around.

Happen to buy any of the "NEW" General's gear?… I'm tempted but certainly not convinced.

[pmwasson]

I just got my order of a bunch of the new ape stuff. Looking forward to trying them out.

[apes3978]

I just got my order of a bunch of the new ape stuff. Looking forward to trying them out.

When you get your stuff, if you could post your "review" of the stuff, I'd appreciate it: I'd like to hear more opinions of the stuff before I'd delve into it. Thanks.

[apes3978]

I don't want to put the jinx on anybody's stuff, but 6 months later (give or take), how are the new pieces from CTVT holding up for those who've bought them?