Need help ungluing a built kit (Bugatti)

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Inspired by Pascal's beautiful Bugatti, I want to build one. The problem is that the only "affordable" 1/24 model is the old Monogram kit and it is going for ridiculous prices unbuilt.  So I gambled and bought a "started but complete" kit.  I thought it would be partially glued like engine halves.  However, I just received it and it is almost completely assembled!  It seems to be fairly carefully and nicely glued together, but not painted.  I can see why this is popular. It is a gorgeous kit! 
I'm here wondering how to carefully take it apart. Any ideas?












Thanks,
Ismael

[Joel_W]

Ismael,
Honestly I haven't a clue. If the builder put enough tube glue (just assuming that's what he used), and enough pressure during the 1st phase of the curing process, it melts the plastic into basically one piece, or so I've been led to believe. But with so many parts being chrome plated you've got a better chance of the glue not doing it's job.

joel

[Ben_B]

I’ve read that putting the model in the freezer for a while will weaken tube glue so it can be broken loose. I’ve never tried it, though. If they used super glue, there are debonders that eventually work. It’s also supposed to be water soluble, so soaking for a while? For liquid cement, you’ll probably have to use an Xacto to scribe along the joints until you cut through.

Ben

[4wheels]

Put the whole thing in a container of water overnight. Weigh it down so it stays submerged, maybe rotate it upside down for half the time as well. Then remove it from the water and place directly into the coldest freezer in your house. The water (hopefully) penetrates the tiny gaps in the glue joints and as it freezes and expands it will (again, hopefully) force the joints apart. It DOES work, altho not on every joint. Good luck, but no guarantee!

[grandsport3]

I've used bsi (Bob Smith Industries) UN-CURE on various old glues and IsoCyanates and it works well.BUT: Do NOT use on Clear or Chrome parts! It crazes the clear and bubbles up the Chrome. It does attack syrene so watch the time. Wash it of with dish detergent followed by by rubbing alcohol.

[tatocorvette]

Thank you all!  I will start with the freezer method and see how far it goes.  I'll keep you updated on the progress.
I got a very interesting reply at MCM. A guy uses ultrasound mainly for paint stripping and cleaning  and he found out it works great for this.

Thanks!
Ismael