Fixing Alicia's shoulder

Yet again i'm plagued with the cracks, this time it was the common shoulder crack on the DDIII body.

 

I tried the zip tie method, however i couldn't get enough tension when pulling it. I tried pulling it using a vise as an aid to get just one more click, but ended up stretching it and it all came lose. I was pulling it that hard and it was very hot where i was doing it

 

Then i had a long think of how to do it another way. Then i came up with an idea of having two shaped pieces that encapsulate the sides and using nuts and bolts to clamp the two pieces together. But it would take too much time to do and the main problem is that it would be too bulky.

 

Having already cut 1cm strips of 1.2mm plaplate, I was getting bored and decided to wrap a piece over the socket, drilled a couple of holes and tighten with a screw and nut. I found it to do a better job than the zip tie.

 

Here's what it looks like, it's not pretty but it does the job

DDIII Shoulder Fix by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

DDIII Shoulder Fix by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

DDIII Shoulder Fix by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

Oh man, you and your girls just can't catch a break! I'm sorry to hear that happened but you're a very resourceful guy and seem to be able to quickly handle repairs. I had thought about something like this as well but I never tried it due to the Plastic Weld I used on Mamimi holding on it's own so nicely. Who cares if it looks like that? You'll never see it under the bust anyways! And I think it looks fine anyway, it's clean and finished looking in the pics and as long as it works, who cares?

 

I'm glad you figured out another way to repair this problem. I like seeing all the different ways people do this.

 

 

 

Billy

Oh man, you and your girls just can't catch a break! I'm sorry to hear that happened but you're a very resourceful guy and seem to be able to quickly handle repairs. I had thought about something like this as well but I never tried it due to the Plastic Weld I used on Mamimi holding on it's own so nicely. Who cares if it looks like that? You'll never see it under the bust anyways! And I think it looks fine anyway, it's clean and finished looking in the pics and as long as it works, who cares?

 

I'm glad you figured out another way to repair this problem. I like seeing all the different ways people do this.

 

 

 

Billy

 

I guess it was gonna happen sooner or later. But not so soon after Kaori's problem

I just had a thought that it would be much better if the piece was made out of metal, but i wouldn't know where to get that over here. Also shaping and cutting metal is something i haven't done before.

Oh man, you and your girls just can't catch a break!

 

Bad choice of words, Billy

 

I really like this solution, it looks more sturdy than the zip tie method. What exactly is plaplate? Where does one get it?

 

Despite epoxy, my Moe's shoulder kept re-breaking. The zip tie is working for now, but this is good information to have. One day, when Volks restocks (sigh) I'll buy a replacement piece.

Oh man, you and your girls just can't catch a break!

 

Bad choice of words, Billy

 

I really like this solution, it looks more sturdy than the zip tie method. What exactly is plaplate? Where does one get it?

 

Despite epoxy, my Moe's shoulder kept re-breaking. The zip tie is working for now, but this is good information to have. One day, when Volks restocks (sigh) I'll buy a replacement piece.

 

It's styrene, Pla-Plate is made by Tamiya other companies that make it is Plastruct. You should be able to get these in sheets in hobby shops.

Oh man, you and your girls just can't catch a break! I'm sorry to hear that happened but you're a very resourceful guy and seem to be able to quickly handle repairs. I had thought about something like this as well but I never tried it due to the Plastic Weld I used on Mamimi holding on it's own so nicely. Who cares if it looks like that? You'll never see it under the bust anyways! And I think it looks fine anyway, it's clean and finished looking in the pics and as long as it works, who cares?

 

I'm glad you figured out another way to repair this problem. I like seeing all the different ways people do this.

 

 

 

Billy

 

I guess it was gonna happen sooner or later. But not so soon after Kaori's problem

I just had a thought that it would be much better if the piece was made out of metal, but i wouldn't know where to get that over here. Also shaping and cutting metal is something i haven't done before.

 

I've done metalwork in the past, it would be an interesting challenge to make something in this particular size and shape, but without the proper tools and machinery it would be even more difficult. Also, depending on the type of metal used, corrosion or rust would be an issue instead of the cracking. Rust is at least fixable, aluminum corrosion is not. Aluminum + Salt Water + Air = disintegrated aluminum. That and aluminum doesn't react well to long term direct contact with steel.

 

Your fix looks pretty cool actually, and much cleaner than my sloppy use of zip-ties.

Time to do investigation!

 

Will compare both methods. I'm surprised you had an issue with the zipties.. What kind were you using?

Time to do investigation!

 

Will compare both methods. I'm surprised you had an issue with the zipties.. What kind were you using?

 

Dunno, probably left overs from computer parts.

Anyway, this method allows you to control the tension much easier and the piece covers a larger surface area than a zip tie. Well that's what i think, i have no proof what-so-ever

I'm back again!!! Too much online gaming has kept me away from my girls and finally decided to change their clothes. Sadly i noticed the Alicia's other shoulder also cracked.

 

Rather than fixing it like my previous post, i decided to make a better fix. Well that's what i'm aiming for.

 

If all goes well, i'll share what i have done.

so anybody tried the carbon fiber method yet?

Are the Cool Cat pieces good for repairs or are they just for preventative measures?

OK... I finally finished making the shoulder piece, resulting in sore fingers holding tiny pieces.

I seems to do the job, with the right tension and seems to be quite strong.

 

Here's what i made

 

DIY DDIII Shoulder Fix by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

DIY DDIII Shoulder Fix by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

DIY DDIII Shoulder Fix by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

DIY DDIII Shoulder Fix by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

hmm. if you ever plan to mass produce these puppies then put me down for 10 sets

hmm. if you ever plan to mass produce these puppies then put me down for 10 sets

 

lol... mass produce... i don't think my hands can manage that and i still have to make the other side. That piece took me 2 days to make. i really wish someone would make affordable replacement parts, so i dont have to make it myself

 

The tricky part is making the parts the right size, filing small amounts and test fitting them. Even with all my test fittings some parts were a fraction off.

 

I may consider making a piece or two if someone really needs it, but that depends on the outcome of the other piece that i have to make

well. if you can make a gut test version i can ask my buddy with a cnc machine to make a mould. so that in the future you only need to cast platic in it. i havent done it by now cause i am absolutely terrible at making things and he doesnt know i am into this hobby

Man, you always seem to be able to make the coolest stuff Himitsu! Excellent work! That sucks that it took you 2 days to make and that it wore your hands out... but the result looks to be worth it. Congrats on that!

 

And also, it's great to see you around again! How are the girls doing? I've missed seeing them and so has Manami.... she loves your sexy girls and their fun adventures. I hope we get to see more of them soon!

 

 

 

Billy

Just finished making the other shoulder piece, this time it just took a day to make and i was getting bored with the amount of filing i had to do.

 

Fixed Both Sholders by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

Fixed Both Sholders by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

Fixed Both Sholders by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

Fixed Both Sholders by XOHimitsuOX, on Flickr

 

You will see them soon.... maybe...