Hot Toys MMS 375 The Force Awakens Ep VII Chewbacca - Custom Modifications

[agonistes86]

Wow, matrix! You always set new benchmarks for characters with your customs! He looks eerily realistic now.

 

[Codyhsl]

How long would you put the head into boiling water to take it apart? Is it like a quick 5 second dunk? I havent fixed a figure like this before. I just like to think I could. Im thinking about picking the Han and Chewie 2 pack soon.

 

[QuiGonFishing]

Yeah, so.... I've just sent my Chewie to you for the full treatment, Matrix. I taped some money to his forehead. Hope its enough!

 

[asgardianboy]

Matrix69, man, this is amazing.
m.

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[QuiGonFishing]

 

[Adam1138]

With closed mouth...which is my preferred look...
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Superb work Matrix!

 

[matrix69]

Thanks for the compliments guys...much appreciated:duff
Trying for a ROTJ look...

 

[generalgrevious]

so many looks just not sure which one to pick and stay with.

 

[corellianfive]

So after seeing these mods for the last few years I finally plucked up the courage to have a go & I'm pretty happy with how he's come out. I only did the jaw, not sure I have the courage for the eyes just yet.

 

[TheClient]

I got this set in hand yesterday and I am working up the nerve to modify Chewie. I am going to be taking it VERY slow and VERY carefully. First time I've ever tried something like this.

For those who have done it, I have a few clarifying questions.

First, can I "pop" off the head just like any other Hot Toys figure?

From the descriptions here in this thread, I'm not sure if the head itself is attached to the body with glue or not. After the head is off, it would seem that there are a total of 5 pieces that will need to be disassembled.....
1) Neck plug, remove from head (attached with glue)
2) Hinged jaw mechanism
3) lower jaw piece
4) upper mouth (roof of mouth)
5) Leaving the cranium/face as one piece

Do I have that correct?

Obviously taking apart the head is phase 1. After that I should be able to get a good look at what needs to be done, but I cannot resist asking another question to give me a better idea of what I am in for....

When reducing the size of his philtrim/upper lip, are we cutting away any plastic? Or is it just fur in that spot?

Also, will I actually need to "skin" any part of the head in order to complete the mod? Cutting excess hair does not intimidate me, but peeling the fur away and keeping it intact is another matter entirely.

Thanks for your help.

 

[TheClient]

Ok, so I ordered a spare Chewie head to avert any potential catastrophe. I am looking it over, and I got to ask……HOW do I get this neck plug out? Any recommendations? Currently doing my best with some pliars and some hot water poured in between the plug and head surface, but it will not budge.

 

[youngguns303]

Ok, so I ordered a spare Chewie head to avert any potential catastrophe. I am looking it over, and I got to ask……HOW do I get this neck plug out? Any recommendations? Currently doing my best with some pliars and some hot water poured in between the plug and head surface, but it will not budge.

I haven't done the mod myself yet but some people are dropping in a bit of boiling water to the plug then taking it out. That way the glue is soft.

 

[corellianfive]

not sure how I would feel about boiling water. I used pliers and a small screwdriver to lever it out

 

[TheClient]

Belated update: It felt like it took the jaws of life, but it got out after all. You can see the damage done by my pliers, but thankfully it will be all internal.

Afterwards I had no trouble removing the roof of the mouth and clipping away at the excess fur and netting. I decided not to go the whole none yards and trim/ sand down any plastic under the nose, so it’s not quite perfect, but still leagues better than before. Could not have done it without this thread, thank you all!

Now I just need to work up the nerve to do the recoloring, darken the eye sockets and the mustache.

 

[Ciscotiger]

Great mod! Thx!