Thank for the lecture on the differences in plastic. I'll be using your method of welding together waists. I hope that you don't mind me making a video to confirm your repair method.
Broken crotch issues are a huge bummer, but thankfully, there's only a handful of figures that are really prone to it, such as Outback, Recondo, Beachhead, Rock Viper, and '84 Ace just off the top oif my head. I agree with that sanding technique for the inside of the crotch. If you have one of these figures unbroken, it's a good idea to sand that piece down where the hook touches the plastic.
I have been using automotive plastic restorer on my figures to help preserve and protect them. I was wondering if you think that is effective. It seems to me that it works and even restores the shine and new feel to my gijoe and other figures I collect.
Interesting… what brand? In theory any clear-coat would protect the paint and seal the surface. Not sure about UV penetration. The trick is that some clear coats are too glossy and the matte ones look dull. As much as I like having these figures outside in natural light, the vintage figs are ticking timebombs.
