Pimp My Batmobile!

Archive for September, 2008

  Well we had to do it. What started out as a quick, minimal disassembly of an Elite Batmobile to grab the batphone for molding for the upgrade kits turned into a full exploratory session. And we uncovered some interesting finds in the process.

First off –   All the sonic welds are MUCH easier to rip through for parts removal than on the Standards I’ve tried. All these parts popped out with some simple scraping of their weld divots.(note the detect-a-scope inner round screen remains as part of the dash and the housing around it pops off. Good to know for our new scope upgrade)

Next, as you can see in the upper left corner of the photo below – the turbine engine is part of the front wheel assembly. Easy to remove but interesting physics going on there. I know it’s a fictional engine but  – yeesh. The sooner I get a Ford 390 in there the better.

Next, we had heard this but hadn’t experienced it until now – the Elite seat-tops are rubber and removable. And the silver trim bottoms come off easily as well. All the better to try some of Futurabat’s new seat designs out on them.

After removing several of the soft rubber pieces, we find that many items are much different than the ones on the Standard. Here you can see the subtle differences between the Elite center console and the one we cut out of the Standard. (you can see evidence of the trouble the older phone gave me)

Probably the most interesting thing we discovered was that the 2-piece chrome dash pops right off. This will make installing the photo-etched dash panels that much easier.

I’ve got to say – I’ve ragged on Mattel a bit but they really optimized this model for upgrades! They should put all the parts in a box and call it the “Custom Batmobile” edition.

No offense to the memory of General Eisenhower, but we’re not a fan of the Ike.

The other day we inadvertently left a window open in the PMB! offices and just like we were Tina Turner, Ike smacked us down. Now, being this far inland and away from the Gulf, we didn’t get much more than big winds and rain (and power out for 7 hours) But we got rain all over a few folders of artwork and – yup  – Batmobile decal sheets.

We are all out riht now. The remaining sheets all got ruined. We have put out an emergency call to our decal guru and are hoping for a quick fix but please – if you’ve placed orders – either ask for a refund or hang tight. We’re working on it.

 Saw some preliminary shots of the new figures which look great.

Working with a new vendor on lighting kits (and more)

Got some great stuff coming in soon from Falcon Designs and Futurabat etc. so we’re trying not to let our serotonin levels get too affected by some silly rain.

Okay.

We waited for the Elite.
Then we waited for the Super Elite.

Clown time is over.

People have been asking about the new upgrade parts and when were we going to show any of these parts/tips in action for months. We were waiting to see if maybe,  juuuust maybe Hot Wheels would pull an eleventh hour sneak, surprising all of us and defying all of their past performance. And we now know that was crazy nutty dream thinking. Like planning to win the lottery with your new “system” that uses a laser, a clothespin and tidal schedules.

But we now know better.

Now we dig in. Look for our upcoming new parts and tutorial videos and posts effective immediately.

Gentlemen – start your engines.

(wait, I think there’s a few more cliches I didn’t tap into, how about “Let’s Do This Thing” or “It’s On”…)