Toy maintenance?
 

So...toy maintenance.

Here's my issue. I just got (finally) my DX Gouraijin from ebay. The seller stated it was new and unopened; unfortunately this is not the case. I’m not upset with the seller since he or she is working with me on it. I noticed upon opening it that some of the chrome on the metal is absent, the toy is dusty, and some screws are rusty. I assume at one point the toy was in a very humid environment.

So with that fluff out of the way I will present my conundrum. The plastic feels very dry if that makes sense, almost brittle. I know that the DX Gouraijin can break connector tabs easily and fortunately mine are intact. I was thinking of using light assembly/gear lube on the connectors since it takes some effort to connect them.

I'm wondering if anybody had used any type of oil to 'lube' ABS plastic. I was thinking of using TAMIYA ceramic grease on the taps only. I know some oils, like mineral, can actually eat plastic.

Here's my other issue:

I've use glycerin to restore tires on vintage RC car tires. I'm wondering if I can use glycerin or something else as a preventative measure on the tracks and tires as they seem dry.

Any advise would be AH-SU-MA-POW-WA

Missing chrome :( not much I can do there.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...psex2pvz0v.jpg
I found some ceramic grease. Hopefully it will not react with the plastic.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...psjouaeuhr.jpg
I applied it with a cotton swab to the problem tabs. Sorry, bad pic.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...psxtzsixrw.jpg
All in all it worked pretty well. Most of the tabs click in and out with no problem. It really takes the cringe out of the super tight tabs.
Next I need to disassemble the guns on the crimson one and lube 'em up since they are super tight.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...pspmer6xun.jpg
Huge much?

Shock oil is very commonly used in these parts, typically to lubricate exceedingly tight ball joints on SH Figuarts in their hips. Your case is the first I've heard of using ceramic grease and hopefully that's a harmless long-term solution, honestly know nothing about the stuff.

That's a good idea for joints. I have some super heavy differential oil, I wonder if I could use overly loose joints. Iv'e used clear nail polish on bad ball joints as a quick fix but it usually does not last too long.