"Deconstructing" Vehicles

[Vorlon]

Heya BoLS, Recently, I came across a chimera conversion that I pretty much fell in love with....but there is a problem...I found the conversion after I built 3.5 chimeras (one is still in progress). So...is there any easy way to break down a vehicle into its constituent parts without destroying it in the process? I dont suppose Simple Green or Purple Power will weaken CA glue?

[eldargal]

What is CA glue? If it is of the sort that melts the two layers of plastic together I don't think simple green will help. But if it is superglue it should, I bought a few vehicles at a boot sale which were covered in 4mm of paint and a hell of a lot of superglue and after an exceedingly long soak in simple green it all came off and they fell apart.

[Col.Gravis]

I believe that CA glue is cyano-acrylate, so yes that would be superglue which means there is hope.

[faolan]

Superglue- a little mechanical force, aided with a sharp knife works wonders.

[Vorlon]

Aye, by CA Glue I meant cyano-acrylic. Thanks for the info...I shall prepare the big tub-o-simplegreen.

[Mystery.Shadow]

Superglue- a little mechanical force, aided with a sharp knife works wonders.

Dang, and all this time I always used a hammer*.

* This is a joke in the event you did not catch the sarcasm.

[chromedog]

Freezing will often help to weaken the bond beforehand as well (due to the way it cures and encapsulates water molecules.)

[Sign Ahead]

Freezing will often help to weaken the bond beforehand as well (due to the way it cures and encapsulates water molecules.)

Good idea!

But make sure the model warms up to room temperature before you start pulling or smacking it.

[Vorlon]

Thats a damned good idea....thanks!!!
Any idea on optimal freezing time? Or let it sit overnight?

[chromedog]

Overnight works well.

Works even better on metal/plastic hybrids due to the differing thermal expansion qualities of metals v plastics.

[Vorlon]

Freezer did the trick! Thanks for the tips!