I don't think any of these toys were ever engineered with the idea that they'd be stripped down and repaired. Seeing people figure out ways to do so always impresses me.
The Japanese engineered all their toys for repair. Unlike vintage American toy makers that used rivets, the Japanese used Phillips screws as they believed things should be fixable rather than just throwing things away, like American toy companies thought. 😁
Aside from expensive third party products and the SOC line, we'll probably never get to see these kind of toys anymore. I think that's what fascinating about these toy restorations, it's like opening up a time capsule and trying to get into the heads of the toy designers and engineers who made them. Sure, they never thought about designing them to be easily stripped and disasssembled, but they sure did made them to become some of the most beloved toys of our generation. I can still remember praying, crying and hoping that my parents would get me even one Voltron lion. But alas, I had to settle with the many smaller knockoffs.
Me too! I wanted a large, metal Voltron like this the most thing ever in the world and all I ever got was those tiny plastic knockoffs. I share your deep, unabiding disappointment for unrequited Voltron. I thought I was the only one.
UA-cam is seriously devoid of Voltron GB-36 restoration videos. I found that out personally. Great job, Mr. French. You're a celebrity to me and thousands of others.
This was great to see someone with the skills to do this kind of repair. I am so glad that my Voltron is 100% intact and that I was old enough to keep not only the box, but the styrofoam insert too.
Good call on not trying to mess with the pin I just had to remove a pin from a g1 highbrow to replace the helicopter blades that were broken and it took me forever ruining a spare wing to save the pin and it was extremely hard to do even using heat I love restoring toys and fixing them
I remember my brother having those matchbox voltrons. Such a pain how the tail and wings always broke as kids BUT we were rough on them. That is awesome you got some OG parts for him. Great job on the repair. I hope you do more toy repairs in the future!
Absolutely love watching these. Just a thought, in similar situations sometimes a bit of wax carefully applied to the sticking points seemed to help, I kept an emergency candle on my bench for the purpose.
Its unfortunate that this line was limited to the Voltron robots only. I had this toy as a kid and though it was one of my favorites, it saw very little play as it was out of scale with everything else in my toy box. As an adult, I only collect vintage star wars but I would be tempted to pick this up if found one at a reasonable price. Great job fixing it up Micheal.
Really appreciate this video. Have a Lion Voltron since 1987 when I got it for Christmas on clearance at Alexander's when I was 14. Since about 2000 or so My Black ion has had wings cracked at the white joints where they fold for years. Just taped them up. It's also got a broken hip and loose knees. And that's just from being a display piece. From my experience, the white plastic at the wing joints is really fragile.
I love this video. Retroblasting has always made awesome videos, but I think they are at their best when showing how to repair! It's what brought me to your channel guys! Thank you!
Why take the rear legs off to get to the tail and wings? It’s 3 screws on the back to pop the whole back off. The legs sit separate. Didn’t understand that move as I’ve repaired many of these. But besides that, great video to show a repair/restore. And I gotta give a thumbs up to this guy as he does great work! 😁😁 But the rear legs do not need to come off ya’ll to get the back open. You can gently pry up on the rear yellow piece just high enough to slide the tail out. Might need a flathead screwdriver to push. Or if needed, use a blow dryer to heat up the decal to remove it easy, then take out the screw. Once going back together us scotch adhesive roller to reapply the decal. And for parts, you can use Lionbot or Trendmasters Voltron parts to replace as they’re usually identical.
Great video! That Michael is very fortunate that this Michael is so knowledgeable and willing to help. Now I know what I'll be doing... looking for two wings to acquire
Thanks for the video, Michael! I actually have that exact Lion, who unfortunately suffered from the same problems (broken tale, missing wing, but in my case, I just removed the other wing unfortunately. Wishing I hadn't, but wondering if it's around the house here). I'm actually thinking of trying to track down the other lions (found a blue lion that seems in good shape, but going to take my time with the others). The Trendmasters reissue set wasn't bad though, it just made the weapons gold (but better than no weapons at all), and I think they had some Q/C issues. Again thanks, this video was a bit of a blast from the past.
That was quite nerve wracking! When you are struggling to replace a screw at the bottom of a pit with poor access, and not quite the exact screwdriver, a small blob of blue tack temporarily holding the screw to the screwdriver will often save the day...
I always hated toys that put screws behind stickers, Growing up (and now) I would fix my toys if they broke but I always hated to have to destroy a sicker to get the thing apart.
One of the most common responses I've gotten from voice actors concerning these 80's properties is of how surprised they were that people remembered them for 30+ years. The fact that these toys are so absurdly DURABLE despite NO ONE thinking they'd last this long is testament to their quality and build.
Ive fixed a bunch of these its very easy usually when wings are missing the screw an spring are sitting inside, they loosen over time and just unscrew themself from moving the wings around over time
By the way who the hell had a problem with this video that it got 3 thumbs down you are just fixing a toy you didn't say anything negative about anyone or anything so what that hell people did they get offended cause you are fixing someone else toys i don't get it. Keep up the good work Retroblasting and be safe
I would love to find a place to get a few missing parts on my original lion voltron I had as a kid.. he was played with alot.. one of my wings had tge upper folding wing fall off
This is the exact video I need!!! I bought my 5 yr old son a vintage voltron, same as I played with as a kid...and bam...he breaks the wing. Anyone can tell me where I can purchase replacement wings???
Great video. I'd love it if you'd do more Voltron Restoration videos. My black lion, one front leg just came completely detached from the body so it just falls off and when I form Voltron I kinda just have to fiddle with it to get it to look right when I attach the red lion for the arm. Also, what can be done when the green and red lion's heads won't stay attached to their bodies and keep popping off because of the spring firing gimmick? I think mine are the bootleg Lionbot ones.
Ready form Volton, activate interlock, Dinotherms connected, megathrusters are go. FORM FEET AND LEGS, FORM ARMS AND BODY (TORSO), AND I WILL FOM THE HEAD.
I have a black lion head that the white jaw had the part where the pin holds it fall off.. is there a fix that will not break the rest of it when replacing the lower jaw.
MIKE: I am going to show you how to disassemble and reassemble a vintage diecast Matchbox Black Lion. MATCHBOX: We didn't expected this to happen! BROKEN VADER: If that surprised you, just wait when I get my hands back.
I enjoyed your video ver informative. I am actually trying to do the same thing I am missing green lion head and wings where were you able to find wings any help would be appreciated. Thanks
I don’t even collect voltron but I’m very interested. Could you possibly bur off the end of the pins and fasten a new end or make a new one altogether as with Marty’s Matchbox Makeovers?
Thanks for making this video I still have mine but the last time I saw it, it was in pieces I know that my head on mine is broken How would I fix that ?
Especially at an olde-tyme independently-owned small-town hardware store full of old folks. The both HAVE everything AND know where to find it. And if they don't have it, they'll know who does.
I’m getting a broken Voltron go lion witch is missing both wings, a broken tail and one of its horns the rest seams to be in good condition as I’m aware. Is there any good advice for fixing the head?
I've been trying to find a location or person who can supply 3d printed replacement parts for Voltron figures. I know I have seen a few who do Transformers but I have yet to find somebody who supplies voltron.8(
It would likely work just fine. The longer you can leave the chrome pen to cure, the better and the stronger the result will be. Let it cure for a month if possible. Don't be in a rush.
@@retroblasting I actually have this exact problem. I stupidly stored my Voltron combined and now the red and green lions will not separate from the black lion. Any ideas on how to separate them without resorting to brute force?
I don't think any of these toys were ever engineered with the idea that they'd be stripped down and repaired. Seeing people figure out ways to do so always impresses me.
The Japanese engineered all their toys for repair. Unlike vintage American toy makers that used rivets, the Japanese used Phillips screws as they believed things should be fixable rather than just throwing things away, like American toy companies thought. 😁
Infinite Godaikin /Brent I would agree with you.
Aside from expensive third party products and the SOC line, we'll probably never get to see these kind of toys anymore. I think that's what fascinating about these toy restorations, it's like opening up a time capsule and trying to get into the heads of the toy designers and engineers who made them. Sure, they never thought about designing them to be easily stripped and disasssembled, but they sure did made them to become some of the most beloved toys of our generation. I can still remember praying, crying and hoping that my parents would get me even one Voltron lion. But alas, I had to settle with the many smaller knockoffs.
Me too! I wanted a large, metal Voltron like this the most thing ever in the world and all I ever got was those tiny plastic knockoffs.
I share your deep, unabiding disappointment for unrequited Voltron.
I thought I was the only one.
Toy Polloi Dave is yelling “Lighter fluid!” from across the pond...🤣
Is it just me, or does anyone else hear the " Mission Impossible " tv intro music, when Michael performs his toy restoration surgery?! 😁
too funny ,so right !
Magnetic screwdriver will help a bunch, great how to! Enjoying this
This is funny. I actually fixed the wings on two different black lions today and then this video pops up.
Very good, you're the best fixing vintage toys.
UA-cam is seriously devoid of Voltron GB-36 restoration videos. I found that out personally. Great job, Mr. French. You're a celebrity to me and thousands of others.
"This episode of -"
[Hits "Like"]
You can't go wrong with RB!
This was great to see someone with the skills to do this kind of repair. I am so glad that my Voltron is 100% intact and that I was old enough to keep not only the box, but the styrofoam insert too.
It's like watching surgery. Fascinating.
Good call on not trying to mess with the pin I just had to remove a pin from a g1 highbrow to replace the helicopter blades that were broken and it took me forever ruining a spare wing to save the pin and it was extremely hard to do even using heat I love restoring toys and fixing them
Tryin' not ta break thiiiiiings, while tryin' to fix thiiiiiings.
Michael French: the Robbie Burns of our age.
The official theme song of every toy repairer.
He's singing a song of his people!
Somebody please buy Michael a set of magnetic tipped screwdrivers. 🤣🤣🤣
Or just magnetize them yourself for free...
I remember my brother having those matchbox voltrons. Such a pain how the tail and wings always broke as kids BUT we were rough on them. That is awesome you got some OG parts for him. Great job on the repair. I hope you do more toy repairs in the future!
Dude I can really appreciate the way you take care of our childhood. Your the man
Absolutely love watching these. Just a thought, in similar situations sometimes a bit of wax carefully applied to the sticking points seemed to help, I kept an emergency candle on my bench for the purpose.
Amazing uploaded thanks for cheering up the mood many thanks and stay safe from lockdown London 🇬🇧
Lockdown London 😂
An interesting diversion for the day.
Its unfortunate that this line was limited to the Voltron robots only. I had this toy as a kid and though it was one of my favorites, it saw very little play as it was out of scale with everything else in my toy box. As an adult, I only collect vintage star wars but I would be tempted to pick this up if found one at a reasonable price. Great job fixing it up Micheal.
This video just feels GOOD. Taking it apart, reassembling it with replacement parts. I love it!
Really appreciate this video. Have a Lion Voltron since 1987 when I got it for Christmas on clearance at Alexander's when I was 14. Since about 2000 or so My Black ion has had wings cracked at the white joints where they fold for years. Just taped them up. It's also got a broken hip and loose knees. And that's just from being a display piece. From my experience, the white plastic at the wing joints is really fragile.
Sweet! More Voltron content!
Mad props for going for this in real time, minimal cuts.
There's just something about watching a toy repair video on this channel that is fascinating. Always great stuff as usual, Retroblasting team 👍
Excellent video! Great job Michael!
That was super cool of you Michael to offer to fix his toy plus you got a kick ass video out of it. 👍👍👍👍👍
I love this video. Retroblasting has always made awesome videos, but I think they are at their best when showing how to repair! It's what brought me to your channel guys! Thank you!
Great repair video Michael!
Why take the rear legs off to get to the tail and wings? It’s 3 screws on the back to pop the whole back off. The legs sit separate. Didn’t understand that move as I’ve repaired many of these. But besides that, great video to show a repair/restore. And I gotta give a thumbs up to this guy as he does great work! 😁😁 But the rear legs do not need to come off ya’ll to get the back open. You can gently pry up on the rear yellow piece just high enough to slide the tail out. Might need a flathead screwdriver to push. Or if needed, use a blow dryer to heat up the decal to remove it easy, then take out the screw. Once going back together us scotch adhesive roller to reapply the decal. And for parts, you can use Lionbot or Trendmasters Voltron parts to replace as they’re usually identical.
Great video! That Michael is very fortunate that this Michael is so knowledgeable and willing to help. Now I know what I'll be doing... looking for two wings to acquire
Now I want to play with my old Voltron lions.
🎵SO TAKE
🎵These lion wings~
You are an artist!
I believe black lion can fly 🎶 I believe he can touch the sky 🎶 he thinks about it every night and day 🎶 spreads his wings and fly away 🎶
two words, Micheal: Magnetic Screwdrivers
Michael is like, the cool Dad of youtube
Nice job!!! The matchbox version was really the mist durable..but as you said the big plastic version housed the figures..sonbith are with owning
Thanks for the video, Michael! I actually have that exact Lion, who unfortunately suffered from the same problems (broken tale, missing wing, but in my case, I just removed the other wing unfortunately. Wishing I hadn't, but wondering if it's around the house here).
I'm actually thinking of trying to track down the other lions (found a blue lion that seems in good shape, but going to take my time with the others).
The Trendmasters reissue set wasn't bad though, it just made the weapons gold (but better than no weapons at all), and I think they had some Q/C issues.
Again thanks, this video was a bit of a blast from the past.
Gooood video love the stuff you guys do
Yay! Informative!
Great Job!
Nice, gives me some guidance to fix my lion’s wings. My other repair are the fold out “ears” but they look like a one piece unit attached to the head.
Brilliant video I still trying to get the black lion will one day I will
When Michael was putting it back together, I really wish he had said something like "Bring shoulders to head".
That was quite nerve wracking! When you are struggling to replace a screw at the bottom of a pit with poor access, and not quite the exact screwdriver, a small blob of blue tack temporarily holding the screw to the screwdriver will often save the day...
I always hated toys that put screws behind stickers, Growing up (and now) I would fix my toys if they broke but I always hated to have to destroy a sicker to get the thing apart.
Blowdryer!! And utility knife to help peel up sticker. I was cringing hoping you weren’t gonna snap the plastic. Glad u didnt
One of the most common responses I've gotten from voice actors concerning these 80's properties is of how surprised they were that people remembered them for 30+ years. The fact that these toys are so absurdly DURABLE despite NO ONE thinking they'd last this long is testament to their quality and build.
Rhythm of Love t-shirt, YES !!
Ive fixed a bunch of these its very easy usually when wings are missing the screw an spring are sitting inside, they loosen over time and just unscrew themself from moving the wings around over time
Now we just want to gently press this whole piece KLACK (oh sh!t)
Very cool 😎
By the way who the hell had a problem with this video that it got 3 thumbs down you are just fixing a toy you didn't say anything negative about anyone or anything so what that hell people did they get offended cause you are fixing someone else toys i don't get it. Keep up the good work Retroblasting and be safe
Don't forget to bring your towel.
WOW ok I am so impressed.
That was great.
Wow thank you
You’re welcome
I just spent hours trying to repair the wing by molding polymer clay ugh 😩
Well I know there’s a better way now.
just use some naptha/lighter fluid to float the sticker off. it better and faster than overstressing and possibly breaking old plastic parts
I would love to find a place to get a few missing parts on my original lion voltron I had as a kid.. he was played with alot.. one of my wings had tge upper folding wing fall off
Also the spring has a wide end and a narrower end, narrower end goes direction of head of screw.
I always wondred how they chromed plastic in the factory where they were made..?
This is the exact video I need!!! I bought my 5 yr old son a vintage voltron, same as I played with as a kid...and bam...he breaks the wing.
Anyone can tell me where I can purchase replacement wings???
Great video. I'd love it if you'd do more Voltron Restoration videos. My black lion, one front leg just came completely detached from the body so it just falls off and when I form Voltron I kinda just have to fiddle with it to get it to look right when I attach the red lion for the arm. Also, what can be done when the green and red lion's heads won't stay attached to their bodies and keep popping off because of the spring firing gimmick? I think mine are the bootleg Lionbot ones.
Ready form Volton, activate interlock, Dinotherms connected, megathrusters are go. FORM FEET AND LEGS, FORM ARMS AND BODY (TORSO), AND I WILL FOM THE HEAD.
I have the newer anniversary edition of this model with a broken wing. How do you source parts?
cool
Any chance you can do a disassembly of Soul of Chogokin GB-71 Voltron? I see two screws on back, but nothing else to disassemble it.
I want to swap the wings, so the hinge part is on the back.
I have a black lion head that the white jaw had the part where the pin holds it fall off.. is there a fix that will not break the rest of it when replacing the lower jaw.
A blow dryer would take the sticker of easy without damaging that way you dont take the chance of snapping the plastic
MIKE: I am going to show you how to disassemble and reassemble a vintage diecast Matchbox Black Lion.
MATCHBOX: We didn't expected this to happen!
BROKEN VADER: If that surprised you, just wait when I get my hands back.
Any idea what I can do with my junker Vehicle Voltron that would allow it to at least stand up? A lot of the connectors are broken.
I enjoyed your video ver informative. I am actually trying to do the same thing I am missing green lion head and wings where were you able to find wings any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Rear legs dont need to come off
I don’t even collect voltron but I’m very interested. Could you possibly bur off the end of the pins and fasten a new end or make a new one altogether as with Marty’s Matchbox Makeovers?
Thanks for making this video
I still have mine but the last time I saw it, it was in pieces
I know that my head on mine is broken
How would I fix that ?
Is there anything you can do about pins that have rusted and are binding up?
Is there anyway to restore the silver paint on the plastic parts?
He has a USS Flagg does he also have the Cobra Terror Drome?
How do you paint the chrome or silver. I’ve been trying to find that.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Does anyone know where I can get those wide screws and springs to fit this version of voltron?
Especially at an olde-tyme independently-owned small-town hardware store full of old folks. The both HAVE everything AND know where to find it. And if they don't have it, they'll know who does.
How about the chrome paint? What would you use to restore that?
I’m getting a broken Voltron go lion witch is missing both wings, a broken tail and one of its horns the rest seams to be in good condition as I’m aware. Is there any good advice for fixing the head?
I now have him and it seems like the legs of Voltron wont come off and the blue lion seams to be fragile on one of its legs.
the legs did come off.
Some unintended ASMR for some lol.
Where did you buy the new tail ? mine broke and I had to super glue back together.
I've been trying to find a location or person who can supply 3d printed replacement parts for Voltron figures. I know I have seen a few who do Transformers but I have yet to find somebody who supplies voltron.8(
Does the Molotow Chrome work well on the legs? What’s the drying time? I have a some legs that are faded as well.
It would likely work just fine. The longer you can leave the chrome pen to cure, the better and the stronger the result will be. Let it cure for a month if possible. Don't be in a rush.
Problem with my black lion wing is where the wing folds its loose so the wing doesnt stand, it just folds onto itself. Any fixes?
If you try clear nail polish, it'll tighten up the joint... That's worked for me...
Great Job! Is ebay the only place for Lion Parts? Any other suggestions?
after 5 minutes I would just clip out that broken piece with flush cutters or a hobby knife.
What is that board you work on , just a piece of wood? Just wondering cause i was thing of getting a green self healing board
@@timothyward8695 yup, the Official Retroblasting Yellow-Towel Taple-Topper.
Great video. Do you know if GB-36 parts are interchangeable with Lionbot or 97 Trendmasters?
My god the chrome wear? Was it attacked by kidney thieves in a seedy motel room in thailand??
Who would win in a fight? Golion Voltron or Evangelion Unit 01? Or is that not a fair fight?
Can u give me the name of the seller ?? Of the 3d parts
Where can I find those red wings ...
There are sellers on Etsy who sell 3-D printed replacement wings, otherwise, you'll need to source original replacement parts from a donor Black Lion.
@@retroblasting I tried everywhere cause I need the whole thing ....on both wings
what about voltrons that have the limbs stuck together?
What about them?
Mine and most matchbox voltrons I've seen the Lions are tightly attached and unable to separate
@@retroblasting I actually have this exact problem. I stupidly stored my Voltron combined and now the red and green lions will not separate from the black lion. Any ideas on how to separate them without resorting to brute force?