Who is THE MEDIC?
The services for THE MEDIC are performed by Joe DeGrella and his wife, Susie from their home workshop in Buckner, Kentucky, not far from Louisville. Joe started out with the desire to be able to keep his own collection "alive" and began to fix GIJOE and other 12" action figures. He soon realized that restoring and repairing Joes was more satisfying to him than collecting them. He discovered a real need in the GI Joe community for a dedicated repair service for the average Joe collector. Someone a collector could send his figure to and know that it would get the best possible care and attention it needed. No longer does the customer need to worry that good condition parts are being replaced with lesser quality ones, as has happened with other, less reputable, repair operations. The Medic stands behind all work that is performed.
Although Joe no longer collects he still enjoys the thrill of the find. He still actively buys collections but, what items he does not keep for parts he passes on to the collectors either through auctions, sales and through wish lists sent in by customers.
What services does THE MEDIC provide? (prices are estimated, each case is unique)
Cleaning
Figure is disassembled, soaked in a de-soiling solution and each part is individually cleaned. Facial painted areas, such as lips, eyebrows and scar are touched up. Figures with Life Like (fuzzy) hair require some special consideration, so they cost extra. Painting the rivets is standard when applicable. ($10-$16)
Restringing
Figure is disassembled and new elastic is installed. Thigh rivets are replaced (when original rivets are unsalvageable or on request by the customer) and each joint is tested and tightened where necessary. ($15)
Restringing Muscle Bodies (Hasbro GIJOE manufactured 1976-78)
Elbow and shoulder are replaced with a near vintage joint manufactured exclusively for THE MEDIC and head is strung with new elastic. Kits for performing these repairs yourself are available in the Pharmacy or direct from THE MEDIC and instructions are provided in Physical Therapy (as well as with the kit).
Muscle body (upper torso) ($26)
Muscle body (deluxe) ($35) Includes rejointing upper torso. Rejointing knees and ankles with neoprene joints and restring pelvis area.
AM Muscle Body: ($35) Action Man is completely disassembled and each joint is reworked for maximum tightness.
Talker Shoulder Joint Replacement
Old swivel joint,gusset cup and rivet are replaced with new swivel joint, gusset cup and rivet. The joints and gusset are made of high strength, injected molded neoprene plastic. These parts are produced exclusively for use and sale by The Medic. Repair kits are available in the Pharmacy and come with easy to follow illustrated instructions. Cost for installation is $16 - Kits only $12.
Voice Box Repair
There are several issues to take into consideration regarding the talking figures. Voice quality is dependent upon tape condition. Other problems may exist which make it difficult to estimate cost without actually seeing the unit with the figure. Warranty is void if voice box is sent separate from figure. (Repairs start at $21)
Pull Cord Installation
Heavy duty cord replaces original - with crimps and red and blue phrase locating marks. ($5)
Speaker replacement: ($10 with voice box repair.)
Head Painting
Head is cleaned and head area is painted with a durable, non-scratch industrial paint, similar to the original paint. Touch up of lips, scar and eye brows is standard with this service. ($16)
Head Flocking (Life-Like hair)
Flocking is attached with industrial adhesive (specifically formulated and produced for The Medic for use on head flocking) using specialized static generating equipment (which makes the hairs stand on end) and cured to provide maximum hold. Hair color is matched for restoration jobs, or new custom hair colors can be used to provide more variety than was originally available. (Watch for the barber shop to be added to the site in the future to see more.)($15 (quantity discounts available))
Joint Replacement
The white plug in the elbow, wrist, knee or ankle are replaced with near original part. Removal of broken joints is standard ($5-$8)
Stain Removal
Ink, permanent marker, paint and mold removal. ($5-$8)
Please note: All repairs are performed on an estimate basis. Actual costs can not be determined without examination of the figure.
THE MEDIC, in collaboration with Cotswold Collectibles, has produced this unique medal for your "wounded in action" Joe. Medal is stamped brass with painted background and appliqué ribbon. THE MEDIC is offering one Purple Heart with a $30 repair bill at no extra charge.