Restoring 1977 R2-D2 Radio Controlled Robot - Star Wars Toy Restoration

Restoration of a R2-D2 rc toy from 1977. I will restore and repair this droid to the shape it was long time ago in a galaxy far far away. The toy has some cosmetic issues, teh dome has lost it's shine and plastic has yeellowed, but also some technical issues. It's only making the sounds, not moving and the controller is not working perfectly.
I started by fixing the controller. It was an easy fix since the contacts just needed to be cleaned. After I got the controller working the toy itself was still only making sounds and not moving. This was resolved by oiling the motors and turnign them. In time all sorts of dirt and dust and rust collect in the motors and those prevent it from turning. The motors are not strng so even a little dirt can cause issues.
I fixed the yellowing plastic with process called retrobrigting that uses a chemical proicess to remove the yellowing. Here's my tutorial about it: • How to remove yellowin... and my tutrial on makign the retrobrighting box: • Making the Ultimate Re...
To fix the dome I needed to metal plate the plastic with real metal. The reason for this is that there are no good mirror chrome paints. There are however systems that look like a paint gun and you spray on liquids that make real metal deposit on the surface. Those systems are very expensive and I wanted to learn how to electroplate metal. I used a conductive paint to coat the plastic, then I copper plated a thicker surface that can take a bit of sanding and sanded and polished the surface. Finally I plated the copper with palladium. Here's the video of the power source: • Making Simple Variable...
Finally I printed out some new stickers and cleaned rusty parts with vinegar in my ultrasonic cleaner. If you want to make your own, here's how I made mine: • Making My Own Ultrason...
Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed the video!
The bellow links to amazon are affiliate links. I get a small fee of anything you buy after clicking them, but you pay no more than without clicking. This is a great way to support my channel.
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SOME TOOLS FROM THIS PROJECT:
Screw driver set: amzn.to/3WB3YjP
Copper paint: amzn.to/44XJBSt
3D Printer: shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=108542...
Soldering Iron:amzn.to/3qH2ogq
Mini sander: amzn.to/3nSDbn7
Electric screw driver: amzn.to/3HmRAgn
Prying tools: amzn.to/3HkFSmt
Isopropyl alcohol: amzn.to/42vUdX0
Hydrogen peroxide: amzn.to/3O5qOyF
99.9% isopropyl alcohol (IPA): amzn.to/34Po8dX
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SUBSCRIBE ▶▶▶ / @oddtinkering
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#restoration
#repair
#starwars
#asmr
#tech

[@Njazmo]

Theres actually some serious engineering involved with that thing, if it goes where the head points, and it's wireless, and it's from the 70's. Back then, cheaper remote controlled cars actually had wired remote control, so you had to walk behind it. That is truly a toy of the kings, if we look way back. Great work.

[@InTeCredo]

I had this one for Christmas present in 1978. My grandparents, parents, and relatives HATED it because of its irritating beeping sound. One day, the R2D2 stopped beeping, and I suspected one of them silenced it by snipping the wires while I was sleeping.

[@daylightdies7194]

That’s unforgivable if they did

[@mrbuttons1243]

Lol. I had a similarly annoying toy that was a police motorcycle with a cop on it. Kind of a CHiPs knock off.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

As an adult who doesn't want children, I even winced at the sound of this thing and could easily imagine a parent deeply regretting buying it for their kid 😂

[@Aniware]

would've did the same tbh

[@daylightdies7194]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley I don’t want kids of my own either but cutting the wires on a toy because of the noise is pathetic

[@TheLoxxxton]

The thing I love about odd tinkering that sets him appart is the variety of skills this man has. Engineering, plastic restoration, 3D printing, electroplating, mechanical, electronics oh and no other channel has a Docktor Duck 😅

[@MisterGames]

And laser rust removal 😀

[@rapcom]

And no annoying pussy cat.

[@hyperwebster5118]

Fr, this guy could be an evil genius if he really wanted to. Good thing he's a little preoccupied!

[@hudsonlogie6520]

You mean the ducktor

[@shawnblohm8439]

I still have my radio controlled R2-D2 that I got as a Christmas gift in 1978. Every Sunday I fire it up to make sure his gears don't get totally stuck. He still works, sort of. He can go forward only. Its gears in its right leg don't turn anymore. Its eye still lights up red and it still can make noises. I'm afraid to take him apart though in fear that R2 won't work at all if I try to repair him. A priceless gift from my childhood. Thanks for making this video!

[@shaysela6989]

I love the length you go to keep everything as close to the original. Especially remaking the stickers (plz show more of the process of remaking stickers, it seems really interesting!). And now, you also have the power and magic of 3D printing! But the thing I love most about your restorations, is that they're real

[@Dorelaxen]

Oh, there is most definitely a good chrome paint out there. It's simply called Mirror. It's not cheap, like 40 dollars for a small bottle, but it legit looks like highly polished chrome. Toy Polloi has used it in some of his restorations and it's truly incredible.

[@jonvincentmusic]

Thermochrome too.

[@MaxRide1]

there's a slightly cheaper version that molotov do liquid chrome, they do it in markers or refill bottles. I've yet to find a way to varnish it without dulling the finish though... I don't own an airbrush so alclad's varnish won't work for me.

[@Aquascape_Dreaming]

​@@MaxRide1get an airbrush, then. If you can afford to buy and tinker with paint, an airbrush doesn't seem that expensive, by comparison.

[@JedH1991]

R2D2 once said “boop boop beep boop” and man did I feel that

[@_MrOcean]

I was there when he said it. Whaddaguy.

[@lauraschlieselhuber8487]

To quote him : *_"WOOOOOAAAAAAOOOOH"_* Truely deep and meaninful words.

[@JedH1991]

@@lauraschlieselhuber8487 yes! That’s my life’s motto

[@marckyle5895]

@@lauraschlieselhuber8487 His Deathscene was on the order of Brando's in Apocalypse Now. Odd worked on him back in the shop and bought him back in time for the applause.

[@Rehteal]

Everyone overlooks his best delivered line though when he said "bipboopbeepbop" on Dagobah. Massively underappreciated.

[@crissy1764]

Omg that ending…. Thanks for restoring R2!

[@jerryziegner]

The amount of time and effort that went into this restoration is incredible. Not to mention the talent and knowledge of electronics, plastic and re-plating.

[@WhiteDragon689]

Back at the University way back when during a EE lercture, the professor is giving a lecture writing equation the length of the board and another professor drove one of these into the class room. The guy was laughing so hard he could not teach anymore. I'll never forget that. Thanks for the memory.

[@foto-nio2913]

Some restoration videos may be fake, but i find yours quite legit and real, and you also show how you even make it with detail and care I love it, keep up the nice work!

[@TELL5]

yep, you can tell the other channels are fake when you see how theyre posting videos very frequently and are too anonymous. odd tinkering takes his time making videos, explains his procedures, and sometimes gets sponsored with restoration products (like the laser rust remover). he treats it as a business, not some fake clickbait material

[@huttjos85]

I only subscribe to two restoration channels for this reason. There’s a lot of crap out there, but ODD is legit.

[@marckyle5895]

@@huttjos85 what's the other one? I know some good aircraft, history and navy focused channels.

[@claclaclac1]

@@huttjos85 Yeah me too, only have 2 legit restoration channels subbed, this one & @mymechanics also @Tronicsfix but he is mostly repairing and saving gaming devices and not completely restorating

[@TELL5]

@@marckyle5895​ im not the original commenter, but theres another restoration channel i look at as well. hes called rescue & restore. the guy hasnt posted full length restoration vids in over a year and only makes shorts now about items from old time periods, but his old vids have the same level of quality as odd tinkering. if you havent seen him, i think youll love the sandblasting process of his vids

[@garrettsteele1174]

This was the toy I always wanted when I was a kid. I think that this is the toy that helped inspire me to join the R2 builders club and build a full scale RC R2-D2.

[@awesomesauce8083]

Kenner engineering never ceased to amaze me. The things that they did was just outstanding.

[@jedikroner]

The force is strong with this one! Great job on the restoration, I was also a child of the 70's and had this same exact R2 unit as a present from Santa in 1978, I still have mine but the remote is no where to be found 😣

[@hillaryjones143]

This makes my heart so happy. May the force be with you!

[@anthonyhernandez8527]

I'm so glad there's no background music and the length of the video. Stuff like this is perfect because it's educational and relaxing. I get to calmly learn about something i didn't know too much about. Thanks again

[@nohrtillman8734]

Back in the Before Times, when toys and electronics were put together with screws. A fighting chance for a fixer to fix things. Very little in the last 20 yard isn’t permanently glued/melted together in a one-way manufacturing process. Thanks for the video! I thought I was the only one restoring vintage plasticy stuff like this!

[@leokimvideo]

Incredible work. Sadly where I live Hydrogen Peroxide at that concentration is now a prohibited chemical.

[@zixea3318]

Whaaaat!?!!? Where??

[@zixea3318]

Oh wait Omg it’s you??? I recognize your channel. I used to constantly watch you as a lil’ kid haha.

[@Lialia-xf7ji]

​@@zixea3318i thought hewas fake, how tf does he not have a checkmark

[@wobbled5609]

It's the same stuff found in hair bleach, can you buy it in cream form? If so just paint it on, works just as well

[@alkanstvdxing]

australia

[@alexanderleach3365]

Everyone loves R2-D2! Greatest robot of all time.

[@eloquentsarcasm]

Wow, talk about a walk down memory lane! Like many others here, as a kid Star Wars was HUGE back in '77, that single movie ignited a lifelong love of Sci-Fi, computers, cybernetics, robotics, the whole shebang. While I didn't have the RC version, my uncle and I spent a summer building model kits of R2 and 3PO in 1979 if I recall correctly. 3PO was about 12" tall, not sure of the scale of them, but those models held pride of place on my shelf for many years until I grew up and moved out. Beautiful restoration as always, seeing any vintage toy given new life is wonderful, but something like this really hits home, kudos!

[@samanthadean1083]

Perfect project for May!!! Fantastic job from you and the Ducktor!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@paulavram6319]

Incredible restoration. The plating of the plastic head was next level

[@2degucitas]

Interesting the silver didn't stick to the copper paint. Maybe cleaning the surface with alcohol first is needed.

[@cavalaxis]

I had this exact same toy! My dad was an Engineer at NASA and he was FASCINATED by the radio controlled part. He was so fascinated, I ended up watching HIM play with it for a few hours before I ever did. Ugh, hit by the memory bat upside my head!🤣🤣

[@milotaconella3630]

May the force be with you…. Wonderful restoration!!

[@oldshack]

Absolute multitalent person, so much included into one video, eletronics, chemistry, only 3d printing needs lots understanding of design softwares. Excellent work! Always entertaining and educative

[@mandipandi303]

Possibly the coolest restoration you've ever done

[@StrangeMan]

Great blend of new tech bringing life to older treasures!

[@andreacrashe9894]

*A collectors item fully restored back to its former glory. May the force be with you and RD-D2 too.*

[@Archeev]

Very impressive how much you did to restore the head. Your knowledge is invaluably versatile!

[@joralexandrgoesdiniz8109]

we need more people like you. have a nice day...

[@arivaldojunior8515]

You know....... Im addicted to this channel..... ❤

[@dmomintz]

This guy is such a pro that he installed a WD-40 cupholder on his work bench

[@paulroehl1099]

I loved that, too. It is perfectly placed. Lol

[@mikebasil4832]

It’s wonderful when something very special from the past can be restored after so long. Especially when it’s a favourite Star Wars toy. Thank you for making and sharing this video. May the Force be with you.

[@Tobonocom]

Thank you for bringing cute R2 back to live and for giving him some polish. 🙂

[@HoldingOnDaily]

very iconic toy. beautiful restoration! Would be neat to see someone fabricate these gears and make them metal. would even make R2-D2 more stable when mobile.

[@diamond_stardust]

It's truly joy when I see another beautifully completed project. Keep up the amazing work!

[@J.A.1969]

Wow. This is such a great insight into getting into all different corners and nooks of electronics. Really enjoyable video of the puiling apart and re-connection of a timeless gadget. I think my favorite parts of your video here are the cleaning out of the inside of R2-D2's dome and the refurbishing of his head. Excellent stuff. I remember as a kid, even though I had most of the figures and the 3 major spaceships and the Death Star and Land speeder which was my favorite actually, This toy was too expensive at that time and couldn't get my mom to budge. The beeping sounds turned out great in your restoration. Awesome video. 👍👍👍

[@Agamemnon2]

A beautiful restoration of a vintage piece that would have been the envy of any child in the 70s

[@RWNetWraith]

As I sit here and watch this amazing video, I am glancing up at the top of a book case in my office on which sits one of these droids, in it's original box. I haven't played with it in years, but I'm going to see if it's even still working now. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@MpSkyfall]

May the force be with you... And with R2. Amazing job! 👏🏻

[@PeterDoesFarming]

It's like a holiday present when your videos pop up! Thank you so much for your hard work!!

[@shamroc34]

I got this toy for Christmas. I left the R2 unit on that night after playing with it and my mother was having a quiet cup of tea late that night after we had all gone to bed. The radio frequency used by the remote must have been the same as a garage door opener or something because it came alive and scared my poor mother half to death. I miss that little robot.

[@arcticxabyss]

you made that R2D2 toy look like it was just bought!! good job!! 👏🏻

[@biltrex]

I had this toy as a kid, don't even remember when I got it. But it was super satisfying to see you restore it to glory. Especially the electrobrighting, that's an amazing process.

[@sophiakaiajw2829]

2013

[@fullblooded64445]

Your restoration videos are just so mind-boggling sometimes. Great job!

[@garrettdeblieck5286]

Really enjoyed watching a restoration of a classic Star Wars toy bavk when Star Wars meant something great.

[@sky173]

OMG, I had one of these. I almost forget about it. Thanks for sharing this great memory.

[@44punisherable]

The most underrated and most loved robot in Star wars hands down. Great work on the restoration!

[@mariacristinaalvarez9838]

Absolutely brilliant restoration! What a wonderful work. Congratulations!

[@mrheadbox6951]

the comeback of the master ! Happy to see you do more restoration of quality !

[@nataliegray8019]

You just know some little kid absolutely adored that toy robot once upon a time.

[@anthonypreston8355]

As a star wars fan I was extremely satisfied with this restoration, and k ow really really want one of these. I’ll have to check online for one

[@BuckEtheAlien]

This is my favorite restoration you've done. Excellent job once again!

[@YTTV_Mic8]

I love your restorations, they are amazing

[@DiddleEgg5]

Had that R2 as a kid! So fun to watch you work your magic on these old toys and bring them back to life! Great work, as always!

[@superamario6464]

Probably one of your best videos! Long live the Ducktor!

[@snowdog1109]

Absolutely an amazing restoration! Bravo sir! 😃✌️👍🍻🇨🇦

[@alphagames4818]

Here before HD :)

[@GothGuy885]

wow this R2D2 brings back some memories of my childhood of the 70's 😀

[@murabito6435]

I liked the screen transitions that were like the movies, good touch!

[@terryingram6755]

Another fascinating refurbish. Thanks Odd. I always enjoy your video's.

[@shady5733]

Man, I love your videos so much. Keep up the great work!

[@gregggoldstein3449]

I purchased a Buzz Light Year before release of the Toy Story movie and New Bright Toys featured the talking action figure, although I was un impressed by certain missing features and examined it in pieces and canibalised a recording chip from a key fob recorder and cut appart the molded fingers and he could twist his fore leg to read ANDY on the bottom of his foot and gave the finished action figure to my Nephew for Christmas and kids which saw his made their parents buy them one but were disappointed that it did not perform all the functions I housed inside it. His was truely one of a kind. When I saw R2D2 I discovered how difficult to get the middle foot to drop down and do all the amazing skills factored into the movie. As there were different versions of this droid serving cold beverages, Answering the phone, etc. to make it look more life like. Watching the 3D printer recreate that gear is really facinating to watch. And itmeshed together flawlessly.

[@Pollux95630]

So I had this exact toy as a kid. A couple years after I had it, was maybe 1981-02. Middle of the night and that things starts going off in my closet. Lights, sounds, all of it. I yelled and my parents eventually came running in the room and saw it working and went to turn it off…thing had NO batteries in it. It stopped right as my dad picked it up, but we all saw it working by itself. Freaked me out as a kid and still gives me chills.

[@Blacktiger54]

It's been so long since you've posted a video. I love your content and keep up the great work ❤

[@abrainlessfish4139]

I absolutely love these kinds of videos

[@talonfarmer5547]

Love that part at the end, he's off on his own adventures now

[@sitto20021]

Absolutely amazing. This is the way to repare ancient toys. Congratulations and thanks for the video

[@Chancherpancher]

Dedicated to Kenny Baker (The Man of R2-D2) (1934-2016)

[@rixithyellas0621]

Very interesting restoration! Reminds me of one I watched a while ago with a ‘77 Star Wars X Wing toy. Keep it up : )

[@Pante09]

Yeah but that X-Wing looked weird afterwards imo. Way too white

[@JRthepyroguy]

I see what you did there for us breaking bad fans. R2d2 came out perfect. Great job.

[@markgannett5948]

this was so satisfying to watch, I had one but it got lost over the years...you did a fantastic job restoring this great toy.

[@OutsideLands77]

I had no idea ugnaught hands were so similar to human hands. Practically indistinguishable with those gloves. I have spoken.

[@marckyle5895]

It is the way.

[@Lukeno52]

I'd say it would probably have been worth trying to 3D print replacements for all of the plastic gears, even if they haven't failed now they probably will at some point in the near future - especially the smaller ones. Otherwise, very nice work.

[@2degucitas]

They are slipping on their spindles. A touch of super glue would do the trick.

[@marcuspetford1098]

Not until they break. They looked in good condition, keep it as original as possible if you can.

[@prophez23]

I had this exact R2D2 when I was a kid. I'd love to find another one some day.

[@Thelongmanable]

*_Toys like that never got the appreciation for its clever engineering and pcb designs.._*

[@lewiekong]

You should check out Moltow Liquid Chrome or Stuart Semple's "Mirror" paint for chrome effect paints.

[@OddTinkering]

Maybe I need to check those out, best one I've tested myself is from Spaz Stix, makes pretty good mirror effect, but it's not very durable and after clear coating even with their own clear coat, it's not that good anymore. Most paints I've seen tested on youtube or even tested have the same issues. The only spray on products I've seen that are really good actually deposit a layer of metal on the surface and those cost a lot. And some of them need special spray guns etc. But electroplating on plastic was something I've been meanignto learn anyways. But good paint alternative would be a lot more practical.

[@jayboo1447]

Happy Mother's Day, Odd Tinkering

[@thunderchief7256]

But he’s not a mother….

[@dlberker]

Oh my goodness! It's so amazing to see this toy that I had growing up being restored!

[@kevingeary2072]

Simply awesome! One of the hardest SW toy to find working. Nice to see it can be restored to its off the self state.

[@RobotJeeg]

Amazing job. Two questions please. 1) Why you spray water before gluing the stickers on the remote controller? Is it water? 2) In the ultrasonic cleaner you put a glass of vinegar inside and water all around the glass? Is it correct? The vinegar is only in the glass, right?

[@MrZics]

Nice to see a new upload but why only 360p??

[@johnconnor555]

The force is strong in your soul !!! Great future for you I see, may the force be with you !!!👍👌❤❤❤🥇🏆🛠⚙

[@Yo_DynamoJoe]

Best Star Wars content produced this century

[@HeisenbergFam]

You've casually returned after 2 months to give a shoutout to unknown franchises like Star Wars, respect

[@abrainlessfish4139]

idk man but star wars isnt an unknown franchise to me

[@OddTinkering]

Haha, hopefulyl I can make the next video a bit faster, I've also been working on some other stuff so don't worry I didn't spend 2 months only on this. But it was a lot of work because I spent a lot of time learning that electroplating on plastic, I didn't expect it to be quite so complicated compared to my usual electroplating projects.

[@Guardian-of-Light137]

​@@abrainlessfish4139 You do realize it's a joke right?

[@happy_pikmin5540]

@@Guardian-of-Light137 his username is Abrainlessfish

[@Guardian-of-Light137]

@@happy_pikmin5540 Yes but usernames don't always mean they actually are. My username is a reference to a self insert charcter in a story I made. Doesn't mean I actually am him. As for them. *shurgs* Who can say? Could just be a funny username to them.

[@sergeantoof]

The quality is only 360p?

[@YTTV_Mic8]

Ikr why?

[@matt4193]

it takes some time to process the other resolutions to be available.

[@Zenpookie]

I had no problem with vid quality, sounds like a "you" problem.

[@uhartak47]

@@Zenpookie you sound like a dickhead... the problem is not his/ her... the problem is that when uploading a video on youtube, its not just uploading in one video quality.. it uploads on all video quality individually which takes time.. higher the quality, the longer it takes... before telling people they are the problem, understand how shit works first.. The reason you christine didnt have any problem is because you watched this 2 hours after this person posted the comment.. tells you easily that the uploading process was done...

[@uhartak47]

The video is now in 4k if you would like to re-watch this terrific restoration

[@disdonut]

I love the use of classic wipe effects like the ones they had in the original Star Wars for transitions

[@rayshelld791]

Lol I bought one of these for my husband. He still has it up in the attic somewhere. Had so much fun with it.

[@johneygd]

WooooW that starwars robot was really ahead of it’s time.

[@robertsmith2491]

Brings back memories of late 70s being a kid. Thank you.

[@MrDeeperASMR]

7:31 Everytime I saw the ducktor in your video I feel a bit of joy 💖 It's the little thing

[@jasonstadnyk2348]

My favorite childhood memory was playing with this guy...

[@silhouettoofaman2935]

And a happy belated Star Wars Day to you too, Odd Tinkering!

[@snakeplisskinable]

Amazing that humans got to the point where such exceptional ingenuity would be spent to make a little thing that beeps and moves a little bit which reminds them of their favorite play. The theory behind electrical devices is quite a step up from firemaking

[@jonyak1221]

I had gotten one of these for xmas when i was little, lost it in a house fire. Great restoration

[@fmphotooffice5513]

Fabulous! That's a HUGE BOM for a TOY! 5:35 I know this guy is a pro. He keeps the WD40 in a table leg holster.

[@loganjorgensen]

I've wanted to see you tackle something like this with your typical thorough process.🙂 Love that generic "[Blank], Do Not Drop" sticker since you could put that on anything, fruit, glass, babies.😆 Still it's so much work to full take anything apart that you might as well restore everything as close to original as you can before putting it back together. Always surprised at how much oxidation occurs on metal toy parts even when they've been relatively well taken care of.🤔 If I were a kid getting this back in '77, wow what a great Christmas or birthday that would have been.😁

[@GAMECLOSET]

I still have mine!!! Sites on my shelf in my studio next to 12” C-3PO. And it still works!

[@stevenjones3822]

Ty for bringing a R2 back to life from my child times I myself building a life size one at the moment awesome job

[@darthprime4916]

Everything you do is so far out of my realm and understanding, but I thoroughly enjoy it all!! The force was with you on this.