How to fix RG Zeta Gundam broken shoulder joint

Quick fix to make the shoulder joint stable and stronger for RG Zeta Gundam

Some say that RG Zeta is the most unstable or most flimsy RG kit ever. I beg to differ, because it is stable enough to stand and carry loads of accessories like other RG kits. Others also mention that this kit has a lot of  "issues" with its Advanced Joint Frame. In this post, we will deal with one of the most common issue of the RG Zeta gundam kit, which is its SHOULDER JOINT. 

Usually, the shoulder joint is exposed to a lot of stress due to the kit's transformation gimmick. And for enthusiasts like us, especially to those who are having a hard time understanding the transformation sequence, IF DONE wrong, the shoulder joint would probably snap in two and will leave your kit messed up. Technically, the shoulder joint is the only thing keeping the arms connected to the main body. 

When this happen to your kit, these are the step-by-step guide you may follow in order to fix the shoulder joint.

Disclaimer though, Do expect that the kit may not be 100% working as of before, and end up around 90% or 95% workable after the fix. I usually say, "50% or higher, of something is better than nothing." Its like, for me, its better to be working at 90/95% rather than seeing the kit as scrap. 

So here's how we can fix the problem.

Tools:

Super Glue (mighty bond)

Paper Clip (depends on your preference on which size to use, but preferably a small one) 

Needle File (flat)

Pin Vise (size: same size with your paper clip)
Side Cutter or Pliers (to cut the paper clip)

STEP 1: Dismantle all parts involved from the actual kit to pinpoint where to start trouble shooting. You may need to dismantle the whole upper part of the kit.

(front view of the broken shoulder inner frame)

(back view of the broken part)

STEP 2: Disassemble the shoulder part itself to prepare for trouble shooting. (quick fix time)

helpful pointers : (thanks to dalong.net for the pic)

STEP 3: Drill holes on the swivel of the broken shoulder. The Swivel is the lighter gray and is in the middle. 

STEP 4 : Drill holes on the peg that connects to the main body. Remember the angle how the hole should be drilled. (refer to the helpful pointers)

STEP 5: Apply super glue on the hole of the shoulder piece first. Using your side cutters or pliers, Make creases or dents on the paper clip like cutting the paper clip half way to increase the traction of the metal paper clip with the broken plastic joint. 

STEP 6: And then stick in the paper clip brace to make it stable. Wait for the super glue to dry up so it would be strong.

STEP 6: Take note of the length of the brace and fit the peg that goes to the body. Make sure that it's just the right length so the shoulder part will still meet with the peg. If you're sure of the length,  make creases again on the paperclip brace apply super glue and wait for it to dry.

STATUS CHECK: Check if the placing of the brace are the same as with the other shoulder-arm part. Make sure to file down the excess plastic from the drilled part. Sometimes the paper clip brace would be showing because the length is longer than measured, just file away.

TEST FIT :

front view (test fit)

rear view (test fit, without outer armor) 

with armor on (front view)

with armor on (back view)

Since the test fit seemed okay and looks fine even when you move the broken part. Reassemble the kit as it is.

Ta~da!!! And there you have it. You successfully repaired your kit and still maintained the articulation of the broken part. now for some action poses. :D

 Action pose :

 You might notice that the shoulder joint is not aligned, but its okay. Nobody minds the small part, as long as you can pose  your kit in an awesome way :D

And here are some pictures showing that the Shoulder joint still works after the repairs.

Here are some more shots on Waverider :D

And that's how simple you can address this common issue of this kit.

Any questions or other issues you'd like me to address, you may message me thru:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aro9nes

email: andrewnaynes@gmail.com


till the next repair guys :D