Fixing a rusty tail? -Pictures of fixed pony!

[emera_lazzaly]

Hey every pony! I have a pony who has a badly rusted tail.  I have used toothpaste to get most of the rust out but I have some questions about putting the tail back together and inside.

I got a washer and zip tie for the tail because I read somewhere that is how to fix the tail.

I was wondering if anyone had any pictures of what this looks like when completed or a tutorial for it? I'm not sure where/how to put on the zip tie or where/how to put on the washer. Thanks!

[kittybethy]

I don't have pics, but it sounds like you are doing everthing right!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

It's not as hard as you would think.  You can use zip ties as replacement washers in the future with this method too. 

Okay, see the clamp that is in the middle of the tail?  The metal part that wraps around the hair?  Using two pairs of pliers, pry it off the hair.  Zip the ziptie around the hair.  Now, position your pony and by angling the zip tie at a 45 degree angle or so, you should be able to shove the tail back into the pony.  Awkward, I know.  ;D  Use a pair of pliers to reach inside the pony and pull most (but NOT all) the hair forward.  There should now be enough space to guide the washer over the zip tie and tilt it into place.  Now, pull the tail gently back and the tension should work itself out so that the tail is straight. 

This may not work if you don't have teeny tiny zipties.  If they are too big for washers to fit over, simply proceed from the beginning, and then when you are pulling part of the tail through the body, wrap a second ziptie - opposite way to the first- and that will keep the tail from coming out when you are brushing a pony. 

Hope that helps!

[emera_lazzaly]

Thank you so much lovesbabysquirmy!!!! I really appreciate it! I was thinking something similar but wasn't sure it would work!

PS: I nicknamed this particular pony "squirmy" when I was little so it's cool it's in your name!

[Oneleo1]

I think there is a tutorial on zip tie tails in Customs

[Ringlets]

I have a tutorial with pics    I can post it here for you if you still need it 

[emera_lazzaly]

I have a tutorial with pics    I can post it here for you if you still need it 

Yes that would be great! I can never have too much help!

[Chi]

Make sure when you replace it, the washer you're using isn't metal.
It's best to just use two zip ties like this so you don't get the tail rust again. ^_^
http://www.mlptp.net/tutorials/makingtails.html

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Brilliant tutorial link - thanks for posting it, Flitter! 

[Ringlets]

I have a tutorial with pics    I can post it here for you if you still need it 

Yes that would be great! I can never have too much help!

No problem   I'll be back later today to post it for you

[Ringlets]

Me again! sorry for the delay replying
here is my rust removal tutorial
Even a little rust could be a lotta rust inside ...take a look at this Snowflake...

Doesnt look bad right? 

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but inside...( mom calls the first picture the dirty toilet )- eeeuuwww!!

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Take some long nosed pliers , like my hubby has in this pic, (if you have thinner , longer ones than these thats even better)V and grab the tail, then pull it out through the neck hole   (if the tail is a bit frizzy, wet it and comb it first to make this bit easier)

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rust is easy to remove with some toothpaste (any sort will do) , a firm toothbrush and a bottle brush for inside the body      You can get bottle brushes of various sizes from supermarkets (in baby section), or sometimes hardware stores

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Remove the rusty washer and the metal clip -I use pliers to prize the clip off (hubby is doing it for me in these pics while I take the photos )   . Sometimes if its very rusty it crumbles off easily. clean off any remaining rust with toothpaste, and dry the tail n pony either naturally or use a hair dryer

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Use some cord (I use nylon parcel cord) to tie tightly in the centre of the tail and push through the tail hole and pull out through the neck hole

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use a plastic cable tie to secure the tail around the middle bit and cut off the long plastic ends.

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Back to beautiful and no more rust problems ever again    It's easy once you get brave enough to try.

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The head will push back on. If there is a slight gap around the neck seam then super glue will hold it but most ponies dont need glueing unless you want to
 
Hope that helped a bit, and if you have any other questions feel free to ask 

[emera_lazzaly]

That helps a lot! Thanks Ringlet! The inside of my pony was so nasty too! Her tail actually popped out her back end when I gave it a slight pull! Poor thing was rusty BAD! When my husband tried to take her head off, rust fell out her butt and into his lap LOL It was quite funny! I got her all cleaned out, now just to get the old washer off and get her tail all ready to go back in!

[Ringlets]

You're welcome hun  
  LOL @ your poor hubby   its great he's helping out though!!   I'm sure you're doing an awesome job of cleaning that pony - are you doing some before and after pics? 

[ZettaMomo]

Great tutorial Ringlets!

[emera_lazzaly]

Yes I am and I will post them when I get her fixed up!!