Restringing a DDI (with pictures :)

Hello- I've done a search for instructions on how to restring a DDI & couldn't find anything, so mods please merge this thread if it already exists^^: My DDI girl's elastic was in need of tightening, so I took pics:

 

As Haru is getting a new face up, I decided it was also time to tighten up her stringing. I also added kips to her hip joints which helps with the 'swingy' leg. I think I'll suede her waist joint too. The tighter stringing definitely helps with arm posing.

 

2 by Simmo*, on Flickr

Her head comes off like a resin dolls.

 

3 by Simmo*, on Flickr

Gently pull the elbow joint out from the upper arm- the elastic is tied here. The person who strung her first cleverly melted the end of the elastic which makes it much easier to re-thread *thank you* orz

 

4 by Simmo*, on Flickr

Inside torso.

 

5 by Simmo*, on Flickr

Showing ridges inside lower thigh/knee joint for precision posing^^

 

6 by Simmo*, on Flickr

Gently pull ankle joint out from the calf- elastic is tied here. I've since read that the knots are tied a special way, but as long as they are flat so they can lie next to the plastic knob, I don't think it matters?

 

7 by Simmo*, on Flickr

Interesting joint. I guess the squished rounded bit was meant to fit onto the ball in the calf? Nowadays It just sort of sits next to it inside the leg.

 

8 by Simmo*, on Flickr

I kept the original elastic as it was still in good condition, re-tied it & thread the extra length back into her leg channel.

 

Hope it is useful for someone else !

Edited June 28, 2014 by Guest

That is so cool! There aren't many people with DDI bodies. I am afraid to take mine apart. I have a friend who took his apart and put it back together. Thank you for sharing your photos.

No problem mitsuki! I have a DD sister as well, and I must say it is nice not have to worry about staining with the DDI harder plastic limbs. And the added head tilt is great I also hot glue sueded her torso which reduces her tendency to arch backwards^^

Very interesting tutorial! I didn't know that you could pull the parts out so far and still have enough "stretch" for a tight fit.

The string must be very elastic, I guess.. The idea of adding suede or felt to the waist area is a good one, too!

 

Good to know if I ever get a DDI body!

Thanks!

No problem battrastard Yep, because it is only one one length of elastic (as opposed to the two you get in resin dolls) it is much more stretchy. And her torso poses so much better with the extra grip^^

I've always wanted to see what the inside of a DDI looked like Great Tutorial BTW

Thanks AmuletSoul!

I know its 2 years later but I just got a DD1 body and this helped immensely. The girl was just flopping everywere and now she poses almost perfectly. So thanks for the great tutorial.

I'm so glad it helped Bakura34! I don't have my DDI anymore, but I remember also hot glue sueding her waist and hip joints and it really helped with posing

I probably will suede her waist. Girl does not want to sit up straight. Nope she needs to lean back and be comfortable.

Stupid question: All DDI have strings attaching upper torso to lower body correct?

 

I recently got one and it appears to have been modified to accommodate a new chest and has internal skeleton parts in torso so the head is on a peg and it has a broken ball & socket that attached torso. But the legs and arms are strung.