My replacement Sarah arrived today. I'm still a bit let down with the arm articulation, it's a shame no bicep swivel, but still a very nice looking figure.
It's a no longer a shame (now)....
Modding Sarah Connor's Silicone/rubbery arm to restore swivel point
Intro/background
- same internal armature arms as used Sheva Alomar. Great shoulder articulation to compensate for the lack of swivel motion.
- great internal articulated body as first used for Chacha Asai.
- re-sculpt of arms by Yulli.
Characteristics of the silicone Arm
1. Internal armature is cast into the external silicone skin/arm. Because of this, each arm is unique is some way. The thickness of the silicone surrounding the internal armature may vary. This is an important point/especially for the elbows that may poke through/crack the thin skin and for this mod to suceed. So unless you inspect the silicone arms of your figure before purchase it will be a luck of draw.
2. Thicker arms of Sarah very much makes this mod possible on SC's arms and not practical on Sheva's arms.
The Modding
1. The arm is cut through as indicated with the black arrow.
2. Drill out the middle core of the cut segments so that you can insert a steel rod inside. Diameter to drill (slightly smaller than the rod to be inserted) this is to give both swivel resistance and for a snug fit so you arms dont fall off.
3. Metal rod to be inserted is at around 1.5cm. The length of the rod goes from the the first screw left to the cut .... to ... the circular shoulder joint at the right.
4. Glue the rod to the lower more fragile section (upper left of the arrow), the swivel motion is all on the larger upper section (upper right of the arrow).
5. Assemble all as shown in the picture, insert it back to the arm sleeves. Arms as good as new with added swivel motion. The arms have an added range of 80 to 90 degrees before being impeded by the silicone exterior.
Will show pics of the "restored" full figure articulation range later.