G.I. Joe Night Raven Cobra Vehicle Restoration Part 1/3 - Hasbro 1986

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RetroBlasting attempts a restoration of the Cobra Night Raven vehicle from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero!
#RetroBlasting #NightRaven #toyrestoration #Cobra #GIJoe

[@CO2Giger]

1. I had the 1986 Night Raven and I remember how very difficult it was to install the front landing gear installed when I put it together. During your next attempt, try heating up the front section of the fuselage carefully with a hairdryer. (This way the plastic won’t be so brittle that it will snap. But don’t overheat it or it will melt!) 2. FYI. You have the later model of the 1986 Night Raven. There were two versions and I had both. The difference is with the lever on the bottom that deploys/retracts the landing gear. The earlier model was simpler and the lever did not lock into place. Your version of the Raven is the later model with the lever that does lock in place. (I’m mentioning this because I don’t know if you can mix and match parts of the earlier version of the Night Raven with the later version.) 3. I have a little trick I’d like to share with you. If you remove the two large fins off of the back of the 1986 Night Raven and switch them (so that the left-fin is on the right-side and the right-fin is on the left-side) the Night Raven has a completely different look! Switching the fins makes the Raven look more like a stealth fighter than an SR-71 Blackbird. (The rear fins come off very easily and are not difficult to reattach.)

[@JD_Colton]

I thought I was just an idiot for not being able to figure out how to disassemble GI Joe vehicles. That's why I love Retroblasting... common sense and intelligence are both present. Very rare... Can't wait to see what you decide to do with the Night Raven project. Don't forget about it...

[@retroblasting]

Joe Colton Oh don't worry. I've got a plan and Part 2 isn't far away. Might be after DragonCon when it gets posted, but it will be completed without serious delay.

[@TheNightBadger]

Retroblasting + Night Raven = WINNING! Then came the most tragic of endings... this was less the ending of Star Wars and more the ending of Empire... and like the fans back then, we have the agonising wait for the conclusion...

[@retroblasting]

TheNightBadger We shall press onward. Like Hannibal from The A-Team, I have a plan...

[@GarouLady]

I don't restore toys and such. But all these are from my childhood and I find the idea of restoration just totally fascinating. All the little tricks and ideas. Thanks for the awesome video!!

[@retroblasting]

GarouLady You're very welcome!

[@VMIFerrari]

Found a complete example of the Night Raven at a flea market on Memorial Day; purchased it for $50 bucks, and it still had the Strato-Viper pilot at the controls. It also needed some TLC, but my example wasn't scratched nearly as bad as this one. Since I'm also an avid model builder, I have a number of special tools & products to help me out. To get rid of the scratches I used Tamiya's polishing compound (22ml tube). They have a similar system to the one shown with 3 different types: Course, Fine, and Finish. I had to put a LOT of elbow grease into restoring my example, but the end results are very, very nice (almost perfect). The only problem is that the sanding & polishing causes the black finish to be just a little bit lighter than it was originally, but it's very hard to tell unless you're looking at it from certain angles. Thanks for the great vid. Can't wait for part two!

[@petervenkman5483]

Great video. You two produce such enjoyable stuff. Thanks!

[@retroblasting]

Peter Venkman You're welcome, sir!

[@smoluk1]

AHHH!There ain't no haven from the cobra Raven lol 80 cheese at its best lol kill me now! ..And learning is half the battle.

[@Track_Tension]

Seems like Destro want Cobra to have to just buy more Night Ravens and not fix the battle damaged ones.

[@robjohnson1138]

7:30 “obviously this is not going to be a fast process - this is gonna take some time”. Cut to 7:39- Melinda using the polish on the toy.

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

Landing gear on mine finally broke. Had to really glue from the inside to make it work again.

[@XueEntertainment]

Hi Retroblasting, when forcing rigid plastic you need to warm it up. You can either use boiling water or a hair dryer. That should soften it up and make it flexible enough. Too late though.

[@retroblasting]

Xue Entertainment Yes, I'm aware of this method and used it in other videos. This example was very heat damaged from attic storage and very brittle. The method did not have an affect before I made the attempt with the part.

[@patluvsvettes]

I always thought Hasbro's quality was lacking in comparison to Kenner and Mattel. I collect and restore the old Kenner Knight Rider Voice Car toys, and even after 32 years they are still mostly in good shape, or at least can be easily restored. Can't say the same thing for vintage G.I.Joe toys. You are brave for attempting this restoration!

[@retroblasting]

patluvsvettes Thanks Pat. Yeah, these G.I. Joe vehicles are nothing but trouble. I've decided the best repairs are those that go against original Hasbro design and focus on function and durability over original aesthetics.

[@billymusick]

Great video as always....Never heard of novus definitely need to add that to my toy kit...Is it just me, or does the Raven have a striking resemblance to "Firefox" in the 1982 Clint Eastwood movie?

[@MrJDSettle]

Excellent video, such as it was. I'm sorry those tabs broke. G.I. JOE was my solid jam back in the day, and I had tons of that stuff. And Mom was a hoarder, so I still have almost all of it. I'm certain me and my brother had a Night Raven (his or mine, I don't recall; Mom made us share so we never duplicated toys; and now we've forgotten who had what; we just played together all the time). But I haven't seen any of it in years. If I ever break it out (or any of the stuff, really), I'll send it to you. I don't want anything for it. Just a nice home. I had almost all the early edition figures, but those old guys have lots of broken thumbs and crotches. I wouldn't send you junk, just whole toys and certain pieces/components if you needed something I could identify. But it might be a while before I get into old boxes, so don't hold your breath. But I've liked all of your videos.

[@retroblasting]

James Settle Thanks James

[@Sharksleep]

How angry were you when that landing gear snapped? I would have been like, "fly night raven!" and then I would have thrown the whole thing across the room.

[@retroblasting]

Sharksleep I was *this* close to doing just that...

[@MarkDemeo]

call DESTRO,maybe he can sell you the parts you need lol.

[@retroblasting]

Mark Demeo HA!

[@standepain]

Epoxy a brace right over that landing gear and paint it to match. If you get that yellowing out out of the lower half I will worship you guys...even more. My Raven is still in great shape, no missing parts and it's still in it's box...and that's in damn good shape but that lower half of the Raven got killed from the heat in my attic. I was almost heartbroken when I saw how yellow it got.

[@retroblasting]

standepain That lower fuselage is so brittle, I'm concerned a RetroBrite or peroxide process will render the plastic as durable as a Dorito.

[@standepain]

Ugh, was afraid you'd say that. :(

[@Kmass]

I just picked one of these up at Goodwill for $5.00 along with Slaughters Marauders Equalizer Tank 1988 for $3.00

[@tubernery]

Cobra Raven, Cobra Raven, there's no haven from the Cobra Raven..two jet engines, a sliding cockpit, a hidden bomb, twin rear guns, and a one man drone, and it's on the lookout for G.I.Joe! That songs been in my head all these years..

[@ProjectDARKCorp]

Hi I watch your restoration video. I like what you done with the Night Raven. I hope you can help me. I got a yellowed 1983 Skystriker. I was hoping you can help me with some tips on how to make it white again. All of the parts of my skystriker, are still intact, and has no cracks,. it's just yellowed. the body and glass canopy.I hope you can help me on giving tips to restore my Skystriker. Thanks

[@MarcMcKenzie-qb6or]

In 2016 I bought a mostly complete Night Raven on eBay for such a low price it was basically a steal. All I needed was the cockpit block, the missile pods and the cockpit hatch. Your Night Raven restoration videos were a huge help--thanks to them I was able to disassemble and clean and restore the Night Raven.

[@GarouLady]

PS - I am wondering how if my brother's old GI Joes are still behind our garage in the ground. I still remember that massive command tank thing he had ( It's been 20+ years I can't remember its name. LOL) =D

[@foamymuffin2937]

Love it!

Hello Friend ! congratulations for your video , it was very good! I have a doubt ..... and would like to know can help me. I bought a vehicle like this here in Brazil ..... the vehicle is in excellent condition ... but a little dirty, can tell me what product I can use to clean it and make it shine ? thank you I would have been born in the usa...... :( God bless you

[@GoFigureCustomActionFigures]

The Novus system is amazing! I've restored a Moray with it on my channel.

[@yunoyuluvit]

I have a load of Starcom toys that I'm going to look to restore when I have some time. Some of those have scratches on and I had considered using plastic polish to tidy them up. Now I know I will. Thanks!

[@MikeD-hs6pf]

Cool

[@baron7755]

Loved this toy so much. I had a SkyStyrker and my buddy had a Night Raven, so we would hang out and have dog fights!

[@OldDirtyCollector]

Do more Joe vehicle reviews! I'm really digging these videos!

[@baremetalHW]

Started watching this vid...having restored this jet myself, I was talking to the screen "Watch out for the light grey plastic it is crazy brittle.... ugg never-mind"

[@retroblasting]

+baremetalHW fear not. I find a solution in the next episode.

[@baremetalHW]

You did and well done!! I think your fix looks\works great...

[@brandonp9967]

Any suggestions on how to dissemble the other design version of the NR (landing gear pulley is straight, the rubber cone holds the back together)? I've removed the screws and rubber cone, but the rear of the plane will not come apart. I'm trying to repair/replace landing gear and modify the mechanism inside to prevent the wheels from collapsing. Thanks for making a great channel.

[@codyneuburg1825]

One of my frist big toys, after my 1980 Enterprise and Hi Ho Sliver, with L. Ranger and Tonto, great job like brand new, I have one and a Re release

[@scottboyer8450]

Part 'Fire Fox' (mig 31) Part SR-71, all amazing. was one of my very favorite childhood toys!

[@Thor13332]

I remember finding a Night Raven shell at a thrift store and restoring it. I order my parts and pilot (Strato Viper)on Ebay. I did not take it apart but I did wash the frame. Luckily it was not severely scratched.

[@RiversShorts39]

I’m repairing my night Raven so this is really helpful

[@myronaustin]

hell of a try at it, but its not impossible! Joe vehicles are always a win/lose task you just have to plan for the parts you may possibly break and how you want to fix them. you have worked magic before I know you can again. also where do you get that polish? I've got a Hurricane canopy that needs it bad

[@grantcriddle1326]

Can I come live with you guys?Perhaps next door?

[@TheWickedOne5150]

Nice fix for the rubber piece. Mine doesn’t have a screw right there so not an option. How does glue hold up on these? Gorilla glue vs gorilla super glue. Will they eat away at the rubber harden it or anything? Any help would be appreciated

[@soterioncoil2163]

The Night Raven was sleek and beautiful. I liked how it felt to hold in my hands. I didn't care too much for the small jet on the back however - I thought it took something away from the vehicle.

[@hosomi1833]

I usually just collect either 25th or 50th anniversary with some rise of cobra sprinkled in mostly due to them lasting longer than the vintage stuff because the plastic is better

[@professionallyunprofession5729]

What about the Condor from 1989? That was an awesome toy.

[@retroblasting]

Gabriel 80's kid Mangum True. But wasn't that earlier?

[@MJKToys]

***** www.yojoe.com/vehicles/89/condor/

[@impossiblepie]

I am hoping that Hasbro re-issues the Night Raven for their 50th anniversary line or sometime in the near future! seems to me unless you can find any g i joe vehicle in mint condition (and pay a fortune ) then it's not worth getting.

[@chrisnwi1209]

I was very happy I didn't have to do this type of restoration when I bought my night raven. I'm surprised though about the flaps to the landing gear. when I got mine that was one part I had to replace and honestly it took me about 10 seconds to fit it into place and it has worked fine ever since and never put any stress on the body. I am thought they should just pop out.

[@GhostGL]

This just made me miss my Night Raven and my Rattler...I gave both away.

[@JoseGarcia-ek9xw]

Hey u ever try plastic weld works great on old jijoe toys I’ve had great success with on a jijoe polar battle bear ski mobile

[@bigpermsherm]

I really hope you guys do a video on The Visionaries. A whole line based on a hologram gimmick but I ate it up as a kid.

[@verndelap]

wow, you got damn lucky the clips for the landing gear were still intact when you got it, all the well used Right Ravens i have ever seen at trade shows, yard sales, and goodwills had at least one or two of them broken off rendering the landing gear useless, like others have said the plastic is very very fragile and easily busted.

[@awesomefanger]

I no longer collect GI joe ARAH. I was a GI Joe nut from 1982-88, but I have sold all of my childhood toys because of the fragility you are experiencing. Whenever I feel the need to start buying joes or vehicles again I watch formbx257's videos and I'm good.

[@retroblasting]

awesomefanger HAHA! That is SOUND advice! Good on you!

[@transfan83]

I just got a night raven today.any suggestions on cleaning it?I'm worried about water getting down in side.

[@Pegwarmers]

Tough break. I've got a shell from a Night Raven I was thinking of trying to restore.

[@retroblasting]

SEO Toy Review I'm working from two shells. It's an uphill battle.

[@MJKToys]

***** After my own experience it seems like three is the magic number. I've had a lot of success restoring some of my 82-86 Joe vehicles, it's not always easy though. Let me know if you need Raven parts as I might have a few. No lower halves though.

[@Pegwarmers]

***** I feel like any of the vehicles with "mechanisms" like the working landing gear or fans (hover craft) are really a challenge. Most of the other stuff is okay if you are careful.

[@missionpassed4584]

heat gun or hair dryer set not too hot is great when Un-warping plastic parts, use gloves though to protect your hands.

[@artpercy5944]

Another great video!!! Thank You!!!!

[@RiversShorts39]

I have A night Raven was my uncle was when he was a kid

[@JoeMotionVideos82]

I have a Sky Striker, that is missing the piece that holds the front landing gear in place (it falls out) Any suggestions on how to repair it?

[@retroblasting]

+Byron Kellogg yes. Go on eBay and buy that piece. Seriously.

[@j4rp13bot4]

Great video. Sweeeet toy. This jet was great as a kid.

[@popculturepalace6361]

Love the video. They just keep getting better.

[@GarciaGungFuJKD]

Very informative and awesome video as usual. Bummer about the bottom of the Raven. I'd be more interested in seeing you find a solution and keep it. Question about the Novus polish. Do you think it could polish the plastic windshield of a cockpit? I have a Justice League Javelin windshield that has an annoying scratch I'd like to fix. Its kind of a translucent blue.

[@retroblasting]

Garcia Gung Fu My understanding is that Novus was designed for clear plastics such as headlamps and some MASK collectors have said they've had excellent results with Novus on windshields of their vehicles.

[@t00lnin]

One of the toys I regret not owning when I was a child.

[@DarthIllusive1]

Nice job Mike, One part of dis-assembly is the landing gear attachment tabs, very weak and can snap off easily. Many headaches I have re-attaching the landing gear and causing the fracture. I have also had to buy additional raven shells and use the undercarriage to make a full restoration from those breaks. Its a pain, but I have successfully done so. Just takes TLC and patience. Its frustrating! But the after effects are very rewarding!

[@retroblasting]

DarthIllusive1 Thanks for the encouragement. I'm gonna need it.

[@TVfanfanatic]

Thanks for the info about the scratch remover / plastic polish. I have a few vintage vehicles that could use some TLC and I'll try using the Novus system.

[@retroblasting]

TVfanfanatic I was very surprised and pleased with the results and I expect I could get even better results with a bit more time and experience with it.

[@thevintagefetcher]

There's no haven from the raven. writers had to work for that one! great video as always.thanks again!

[@retroblasting]

thevintagefetcher You're welcome!

[@squirrelkilla7371]

Could you use a heat gun on these to restore the plastic's luster is it too thin?

[@terrywest111]

She looks like she crash landed in quick sand. lol

[@Sturmdude]

I guess you got to have a lot of love for a specific G.I. Joe vehicle like the Raven in order to go through the trouble with tabs.

[@retroblasting]

Sturmdude Yep. And while I admire the design, I have no love for the finer points. I'm going to do something daring to "repair" this problem.

[@stevenmabee3232]

aww man, my cousin had one of these...I always wanted one. I got the Tomahawk and he got that, some would say I got the better one, but I always wanted this sweet black jet!

[@retroblasting]

Steven Mabee The Tomahawk has just as many weak points (structurally) as the Night Raven. I'd say though for versatility of play, you got the better deal.

[@thrasher6499]

my cousin had both the tomahawk and the night raven he gave me the night raven a few parts were missing including the cockpit piece which was a bummer

[@retroblasting]

thrasher6499 That cockpit is a PILL

[@tomservo2000]

Sorry to hear about the rough spot in the restoration! I’m sure you’ll find a way around it though.

[@retroblasting]

Steve Elkins Thanks Steve!

[@jeremy355]

I remember the vehicles being made out of the most brittle plastic in the world.

[@retroblasting]

jeremy355 YEP

[@patlauron]

I've always loved this vehicle. I wish I could find one complete but the number of detachable parts are a pain. :(

[@retroblasting]

PatCobraQuest AGREED

[@cheddis3249]

I know it’s been 7 years but I am selling one, full parts, no damage

[@Casimir1100]

This is a little disheartening because I just started restoring my Sgt. Slaughter Triple T tank. My trouble right now is trying to pry the outer shell from the under carriage, and it feels like I'm going to be breaking some tabs which I obviously don't want to do. I will be watching closely for your conclusion to this video. Thanks for posting another awesome vid!!!!

[@retroblasting]

Casimir1100 Yeah, I had the same experience with a SHARC. These toys are on a one-way ticket sadly.

[@Casimir1100]

***** So should I just give up then and look for one that doesn't need restoration?

[@ShadowcasterZero]

Damn tabs! That sucks, sorry it happened. If you still have the tabs, do you think you could glue or pin them back into place? Or maybe use an epoxy putty like green stuff to recreate the tabs?

[@retroblasting]

ShadowcasterZero I have the tabs after much searching, but even if they could be reattached, the pressure they'd be under is immense. They'd never survive one cycling of the landing gears.

[@ShadowcasterZero]

***** Have you ever tried pinning? It's a technique I've learned assembling Games Workshop plastic and metal models. Could add the strength you need to keep them in place.

[@camortie]

Another interesting episode. I remember from my old snow cat toy that those tabs are a royal p.i.t.a. (pain in the ass) to deal with. btw, are you going to do episodes toy line that had start lived shows. I think that an appropriate one would be, given the recent reliece of Jurassic World, dino riders.

[@retroblasting]

Greg Hohman Yes. We've discussed some of the short-lived shows, like Filmation Ghostbusters, Rambo, Wheeled Warriors and we'll be dealing with Bionic Six in the next month or so.

[@camortie]

My apologies, I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I have of course seen those videos in the lineup, or watched them, I was simply stating that I would like to see more of them done, possibly around the same time that big movies of that product, ie the upcoming Jem movie (sorry it was the only one I could think of) or, as I stated before, dino riders in conjuction with the recent jurrasic park movie.

[@batangbatugan]

I have got to try one of those plastic polish products, might need to do some searching as I don't know if any of those are available here. Really interested to see how you finish this restoration. =)

[@retroblasting]

Wilson Tortosa I'm just as curious as you are! :)

[@thevintagefetcher]

I've had luck with maguires cleaner wax. it will lift some color.also ecolab makes ecoshine which is good on clear but tough to find..

[@trekjedi]

Loved that plane but I do remember it not being built the best. Even right out of the box. Can't wait to see the final product though.

[@retroblasting]

Donald Lawson The project moves forward with some concerns, but I have a plan.

[@trekjedi]

Awesome. Looking forward to it

[@Reborn8303]

your wife is so sweet to help :)

[@retroblasting]

Reborn8303 HA!

[@Reborn8303]

well she did help remove the scratches right ?

[@YourUncleBenis]

Oh, this looks like a tough cookie!

[@retroblasting]

The Framemaster Good way to put it.

[@pferreira1983]

+RetroBlasting Has Michael met his match? Never!!! Onto Part 2.

[@beatlesboyseventeen]

soften the tabs with a hair dryer first! :)

[@retroblasting]

beatlesboyseventeen This particular example was badly discolored and brittle. My attempts at heat produced no measurable result.

[@beatlesboyseventeen]

stupid hasbro and thier stupid plastic :( RIP broken tabs :P

[@manhongtwkim]

Oh my god that ending was so sad.

[@retroblasting]

manhong kim We shall prevail...