G.I. Joe Defiant Space Vehicle Restoration: Part 2 - The Booster

Support us on Patreon: / retroblasting Michael takes the next step in his greatest restoration challenge, the Booster of the G.I. Joe Defiant!
#RetroBlasting
#GIJoeDefiant
#toyrestoration
#GIJoe

[@funnypicturescomics]

There is not one single man, KZbin channel that cares as much as Mike and Melinda. Their commitment and integrity to toys and restorations is unreal!

[@christopherulichney]

I love that when you make a mistake and have to remove a part and reinstall it later you leave it in the video. It shows that mistakes happen and how to rectify making a mistake. Excellent work both on the restoration and the video. I am anxiously awaiting parts 3 and 4.

[@FCastle23]

Everything is left in but the profanity.

[@marcothommen2484]

Yes! The ability to admit a mistake shows having character!

[@CuteFluff8]

It's hard to believe any survived! Amazing patience! I salute you! I am not a G.I. Joe collector at all, but I always enjoy any of your restoration videos.

[@mikebrindos3612]

As a fellow restoration artist I have to let you know that Testors enamel thinner removes the stickers very easily. Obviously you don't flood the plastic with it, but I have found the enamel thinner makes easy and quick work of removing the old stickers without drying out or leaching the plastic. Love your vids as I've learned quite a lot from you. Just thought I'd give back.

[@Fauntleroy.]

Also, been meaning to say for a few years now: I love the version of the RetroBlasting theme used during the time lapse segments.

[@somarriba333]

I like the "Good job everybody." I felt included. I felt like I helped in some way and I accomplished something. Thank you.

[@severindrax]

you know, i love these GI Joe restoration videos. I was never allowed GI Joe (or the uk equivalent-Action Force) when i was a kid. my parents didn't approve of real world war toys (star wars, Transformers, He-man and Ghostbusters were fine though) so this is a glimpse into a whole world of toys i never got to play with.

[@r.davidhill7639]

My parents were the same way. No gi joe because reasons but robots and other human type characters could fight each other and it was ok.

[@Sportimus]

My dad was the same way because he was career US Navy. My mom bought a few of them anyway, and he wasn't happy. But he let me keep them.

[@AL-ws5yi]

Same but because I was a girl. That and my parents were cheap/poor and wouldn't buy me toys. During Christmas, they would only allow us one present to keep and the rest became gifts for other people the following year.

[@davidgray1974]

You have the patience of a saint. I would have lost my mind dealing with those doors.

[@superermac55]

What a nice suprise to see after a long day at work

[@MisaelCastilloBrenes]

This is my dream G.I.Joe playset from childhood. I'm glad it was just a dream lol. Thanks for all the effort to put together this massive toy.

[@johnr7279]

I was not into GI Joe toys but really think the Defiant was really cool and watching this restoration was fun!

[@TheKiman2]

I literally crossed fingers, both hands... and when I heard the "pop", breathed a sigh of relief. Way to keep us in suspense Michael!

[@stevenmabee3232]

Countdown for the Booster! Perfect choice 👍👍

[@johnperry9287]

Excellent as always RB. Great fix-it ideas also. It looks fantastic! Looking forward to parts 3 and 4.

[@Bt3615]

Amazing! I really like those restoration videos, especially the step by step approach which I imagine is quite difficult to do on camera.

[@AL-ws5yi]

So I'm not a collector but I'm a child of the 80s. I enjoyed watching you lovingly restore this old toy.

[@jamespero6803]

I appreciate u showing how everything goes together. I bought mine complete and use kid gloves on it, but if anything breaks i can use urs videos as reference to hopefully fix it without causing any other damage

[@brock2443]

I enjoy seeing old toys brought back to life. My Joe vehicles that I found in Dad's barn were well beyond repair. The Defiant I had was broken as a kid it was to brittle for play, but the Terror Drome held up pretty well.

[@impossiblepie]

Great part 2 of the Defiant Michael!! Thay shuttle and booster look fantastic together!!! Love it!!!!!

[@ForgeMaciejewski]

Thanks for the video! I know that Michael is pretty mellow on these restorations but would any other fans love to see a blooper real and half of it is just Michael swearing (bleeped out of course) of such a mass undertaking? Maybe I find it funny... Thanks again!

[@genesanford9412]

Badass !Booster is the perfect pilot-good choice!.Love these restoration vids.Thanks

[@Faben32]

16:51 that is the most satisfying sound to me in the world. When two plastic pieces snap perfectly together in place.

[@jeremylemings]

I know the argument against, and can understand the purest stand on it, but those guns and that airlock door would be 3-D printed replicas if this was mine. And I'm pretty sure I'd replace the airlock door pegs with a metal bar running the length. you must have the patience of a saint.

[@brycevo]

Don't forget to do your part, and tell KZbin what you think about its new policies. Only You can help keep RetroBlasting blasting on!

[@Thehumblecollectoruk]

Amazing i have missed this video .great repair

[@jedi69outcast]

It’s amazing to think in 1988 I got the DEFIANT For ninety-nine dollars from Child World and all these years later I can get A Vintage Collection X-Wing for one hundred dollars. My how times have changed for the Toy Industry.

[@mrmisty8708]

The Defiant is a marvel of toy engineering and a nightmare to work on especially after 30+ years of age and deterioration is added to the mix. The gantry is probably the worst to work on. When you finish it I would suggest putting blocks or a low profile plastic tote under it to keep the axles from bowing and eventually snapping. With the weight of the shuttle, booster and gantry itself pushing down on them they end up being one of the weakest points on the toy when it's left on display.

[@jeenkzk5919]

You definitely have the patience of Job! If every man had your discipline we would have had flying cars by now.

[@jasonknight8581]

I waited two days to finally be able to give my undivided time and attention to this video. Here I am with a bottle of Yoohoo and a pack of Ding Dongs, ready to enjoy. 5 minutes in and after seeing those instructions? I'm already feeling sorry for all those parents who had to assemble this on Christmas morning in 1987.

[@brianw94]

Thanks for another awesome video!!!

[@stevenmacias3605]

I definitely have to give you all the credit in the universe for showing such patience. I for one don't think I've would have accepted this mission. My patience level can sometimes be very short. . Continued success. 👍

[@georgelea4297]

My heart skipped a beat when I heard that pop great video as always retroblasting

[@kevinyoung9557]

Just found your channel. Good stuff.Love that, Defiant and kudos to you on the repair job .

[@retroblasting]

Thanks!

[@chayftonjohnson7425]

Michael Formbx found it best to turn those chairs facing the cockpit of the booster. That way when you close it, you won't run the risk of breaking the chairs.

[@peterdunlap7126]

wow great restoration. i'd want this toy over the flagg.

[@Fauntleroy.]

I'm sorry to spam the comments but this gave me a rush of memories and emotions I did not expect. I had so many happy hours with my Defiant, and the booster was my favorite part because of its base-like qualities. Have to say, I got Countdown for the same reason--the booster needs a pilot!!! Seeing it restored so beautifully is just a wonderful, awesome thing. Also, KZbin, if you're watching this, I'm not a kid, I'm 40. There's nobody watching this video who isn't 40. Just saying.

[@Fauntleroy.]

Some of these videos can be downright nerve-wracking, especially when you have to snap fragile, 32 year-old pieces in place... You've got nerves of steel, Michael. (Which makes me wonder if you also have wings of silver, but that's another story.)

[@thefantasticdrill788]

While I don’t agree with your cynicism on modern properties, I can always be assured that you provide quality and interesting content. Thanks for the hard work restoring a little part of history!

[@retroblasting]

What modern properties? Everything these days is a retro reboot.

[@thefantasticdrill788]

You make a good point. For as much as I love seeing beloved franchises take the spotlight, more unique ideas should be allowed to thrive on the shelves.

[@andybennington637]

Huge! Good job!

[@vagtav310]

Finally. I have more anxious to get the defiant fixed than my broken car..

[@badape3620]

Excellent video. I appreciate the time and diligence Michael took to doing this project. I do have some advice. When working on plastic toy parts. I have found using a silicon based lubricant meant for airsoft/paintball guns helps. I myself work with 1/6 scale action figures and that lubricant helps me along with a hair dryer to heat up parts.

[@drawingbyhand]

great restoration Michael dame brittle plastic.

[@byteme6620]

Imagine having to Set camera shots and Angles of sight for positions all by yourself , while trying to put all this back together. Some G.I. Joe Destruction would be so there. Barn find, doesn't mean good find in all case. This one on the other hand. Is a hidden Gem .

[@r.davidhill7639]

Not a joe collector but love your restoration videos and other content.

[@scottm4969]

Great video Michael

[@mathiasmorqubus]

This thing, looks like a nightmare of the 80’s.

[@The1queencollector]

I never had this line as a kid but wish I had, the Falcon and these bad boys could have had some epic battles.

[@blainecarlton3505]

I like gi Joe and I'm 11 to be exact retro gi joe.

[@cybertronnation9247]

Great vid! It's definitely a challenge restoring the GI Joe Defiant! I don't have one as it's extremely expensive plus I'm not a GI Joe Collector, but that is definitely the hardest challenge as far as retro toy restorations go anyways. Congrats for attempting anyways!

[@Sportimus]

A truly amazing restoration video. I love how careful and clearly you explain things. A labor of love for the toy. I do have one question about another GI Joe vehicle. Do you know how I can remove the windshield off a Cobra HISS Tank? I have a replacement that is in better condition. I hope you continue doing these restoration videos. I find them both helpful and informative. It's cool to see them being given new life. Take care.

[@retroblasting]

Hmmm...Cobra HISS windshield. Knowing what I know about that toy in relation to the question makes me break out in a cold sweat. Lemme check....

[@Sportimus]

@@retroblasting Same here. It wasn't made to come out I guess. Also, any advice on droopy gun fix? Thanks in advance.

[@hatandbeardmedia5925]

I feel like there needs to be a Retroblasting toy museum for this amazing collection and especially the wonderful restorations. Wouldn't it be great if you could have a display of these restored pieces with the restoration videos playing in behind them?

[@protozoalord]

Great video, when should part 3 be out? Been waiting on it for a while.

[@GoNotreDame]

Hello - just got my first Defiant. One of the attachment hooks at the bottom of the booster ship is broken off - this is where the shuttle slides on and attaches. Any ideas of how to replace? Any help is appreciated.

[@robertadamcik9179]

An early concept for the space shuttle was a manned, liquid fueled booster that would return to the launch site after the orbiter detached and headed to orbit. It was changed to the reusable solid rocket boosters and expendable external tank later in the design process (way cheaper than the manned booster).

[@kaylemathewcomendador7614]

That sure was a time consuming one. I guess GI Jo'burg was lucky that they got theirs complete in good condition from someone. And judging from their video on it those rocket panels on the sides do snag on the panels regularly. And it was strange that they didn't release several astronaut figures for the Defiant at the time it released. Fortunately Star Brigade filled up the void of astronaut figures for it, minus the ones in crazy colors. Nice restoration still. Hope your having some progress on that Classic Space stuff (I see them in the right bottom corner of the video 😁).

[@funnypicturescomics]

I'd give up the USS FLAGG any day for the DEFIANT. The DEFIANT is hands-down my favorite GIJOE toy ever made!!

[@Dthamilaye]

Just watched your part 3 and part 1. This whole defiant -toy seems really awesome as a concept and HORRIBLE as a toy :). Every single thing in the gantry and the shuttle and this booster are engineered so that if you are not extremely cautious, you break them. There must have been a ton of these toys broken by children.

[@jingizu149]

Great work as always. I've never owned a Defiant, I never will own a Defiant, however the missing pilot problem has always bugged the hell out of me, even as a kid.

[@batangbatugan]

Another video where I had to hold my breath several times. We really appreciate all the work you guys put into this one. It's weird that Countdown wasn't included as a pilot of the Booster section, I mean c'mon, he's an astronaut AND his suit is already color coordinated! The end result looks great, I can even appreciate the color difference between the shuttle and booster, at least the booster aged in color pretty evenly.

[@hofquarters]

Thanks for your informative review. As I understand you did not take the hull halves apart. This can be done, but it's tricky, since there is a bit of glue on 3 points: at the back to connect the grey back of the booster to the hull halves more securely, and on each front side of the booster where the laser gun is placed. With patience and careful cutting through the glue, the parts can be separated.

[@retroblasting]

THIS comment RIGHT HERE is how you impart knowledge without coming across like an arrogant doofus. You sir (or madam possibly) have just won 2019!

[@hofquarters]

@@retroblasting Thank you for your compliment! I like to add value to the community by sharing my personal restoration experience. By sharing we learn more. Actually, I think you and I are quite alike when I see your careful approach to restoration. Btw, I recently dedicated my Instagram account to restoration bits of info (snowcatron), I don't seem to be able to find time to create videos like you.

[@ezridax5809]

Yes yes yes finally!!!!!

[@psychoklown66]

It amazing how fragile this is, and if any were played with as a toy from a youngster, surprise any survived this long.

[@byteme6620]

The Liberty- wasn't that another G.I. Toy or Playset?? Retro Toy Polloi Jr, I know you want stock, but sometimes modifying for improvements are necessary. Ty, Toy Polloi you are our savor of many childhoods.

[@Sharksleep]

Clearly a video for kids. Bravo, KZbin. Make more wonderful decisions.

[@nublafiednubbie]

I could have bought the defiant at Costco back in the day for $45 brand new in box...but i walked away an now I regretted 4 life...I know what the term an knowing is half the battle means

[@kingvagar]

About that ball joint piece... I know that you are a pro at this stuff, but next time try using hot water to soften the plastic that you want to insert. The hot water make the plastic softer thus prevent snapping the piece, plus it make it easier to insert.

[@Pau_Pau9]

RIP to all the fallen Joes who fell victim to this contraption built by the lowest bidding defense contractors..

[@marcothommen2484]

This thing was not designed for kids, but to break as easy as possible!

[@Strawberry92fs]

I'm always torn between wanting a nice minty playset, and one so torn up that I'm honestly not worried about treating it like a museum piece...because of my budget I usually end up doing that second thing. I do want to fix up my snake mountain, luckily nothing on it is broken except the manacles, and it is more than just an empty shell, but far from complete.

[@RadRat1138]

Repro is the assassination of cool

[@retroblasting]

Lock and load! -Tim Ward

[@FCastle23]

Anymore I heat up parts with a hair dryer or a soak in hot water before I try to snap together. I just don’t trust the plastic. The heat gives you a little extra protection.

[@retroblasting]

Yeah I did that. It didnt make the final cut. Would you like to see the footage?

[@dominicliner1609]

How does the booster shuttle land without wheels.

[@jackgahan149]

WOW COOL colection!!!! Did the GI JOE 1998 to 2004 have some value?

[@larrychilders6599]

Gi Joe: The action figures are fun to fix, but the Vehicles are the Lament configuration

[@legovampire5564]

I like to use ace as an astronaut

[@sanderswes]

Radio Control Shock Oil is your friend, use it to ease the reinstallation of ball joints.

[@Strawberry92fs]

I CAN PUT THE ROCKET ON THE BOTTOM!

[@tigerfaync]

When's part 3?

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

This is one helpful video,Mike,however,I don't have this kind of toy.

[@retroblasting]

I make videos for everyone Kirby. There are other subscribers that do have this toy....

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

@@retroblasting I know that,which is why I said "This is one helpful video" because you gave me some ideas on how to clean two of my old toys that have decals.

[@Tyler.i.81]

Mask were my favourite

[@gibbie80s61]

Imagine a still half asleep parent trying to put this together on a dark Christmas morning, with an excited five year old screaming in the background because they want to play with it...

[@Beer-can_full_of_toes]

My dad was up so early he had it together before I woke up. It was mind blowing as a five year old. Now that I have restored it thirty-five years later I have infinitely more respect for his patience and skill. He was in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic including a stint changing the film and maintaining the camera on the SR-71 Blackbird back in the sixties. I’m just glad they haven’t been releasing toys like this now that I’m a father. Lol

[@gibbie80s61]

@@Beer-can_full_of_toes Brittle old plastic and no returning to the store for a replacement must make this a very dicey prospect these days. You're braver than I am.

[@Beer-can_full_of_toes]

@@gibbie80s61 the amount of hunting and haggling was unbelievable even for the few parts I needed. The only problem I have now is the crane arm on the shuttle has a broken tab and the part is fused to its base thus it is unable to be removed for replacement without using a hot piece of metal to release it. It’s a new item that I just started on last night but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. My dad let my son play with it when he was 4 and some small parts were broken on the blue doors and the outer gantry walkway but I have done so many repairs on my collection that those were no big deal. It was many evenings in my parent’s basement searching through boxes of tiny parts and heating paper clips and picture nails to make reinforced repairs that is mind bending. The only scary time for me though was repairing the spring anchor points. Of course mine were broken but I have experience in sheet metal work and JB weld did the trick. I will say the Defiant should only be displayed on a turntable because there are so many fantastic things all around it. Same with the Terror Drome. I wish there was a way to put the USS Flagg on one in my basement. Lol

[@DougPalumbo]

Excellent! I love these in-depth restorations! By the way, am I said “Doug”?!?

[@retroblasting]

You are said Doug. :)

[@611_hornet5]

Part 4? But I want it now......

[@makishepard]

Did a great job, Mike. By the way how are you doing now a days and any idea how much the whole package cost back when it was new?

[@retroblasting]

Check out yojoe.com to see original price (bottom of the page): www.yojoe.com/vehicles/87/defiant/

[@johnmpowell01]

How do Cobra stickers.com compare to Toyhaxs.com?

[@retroblasting]

Toyhax is apparently the new name of their website. They cover more than just Joe resources.

[@korydoe7201]

How many f bombs were thrown when that ball snapped off? I'm guessing 10 to 15. Nice fix though, job weld and a dremel, a guy can't live with out them!

[@joesanroman249]

Awesome video! One suggestion. In the display with the Y-Wing and B-Wing, Admiral Ackbar should be standing next to the B-Wing Pilot since he helped design the B-Wing.

[@retroblasting]

Ackbar was in the Kenner photography for the YWing, which I received on Christmas Day in 1983. I'm not as emotionally connected to 1990s expanded universe trivia.

[@MJKToys]

gotta lube your ball joints...

[@standepain]

...and to think adjutsted for inflation you could have got two of these for the price of one Haslab Unicron.

[@retroblasting]

Hahahahahahahahaha