How to Install the PGU Nu Gundam Clear Armor GK Kit: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
TakaraModel
Installation Tutorial
How to Install the PGU Nu Gundam Clear Armor GK Kit: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
From gate trimming to final display — full GK assembly guide with clear resin handling notes, troubleshooting table, and LED kit integration.
The PGU Nu Gundam Clear Armor GK Kit is a traditional garage kit resin product. Unlike snap-fit kits, GK parts require gate trimming, surface sanding, possible gap-filling, and careful fit testing before final assembly. Clear resin has specific handling requirements different from gray or colored GK.
Skill Level
Intermediate–Advanced
Time Estimate
8–20 hours
Finish Level
Basic to Polish
Tools Required
▸ Sharp hobby nippers (fine tip)
▸ Sanding sticks: 220–2000 grit
▸ Hobby knife / scalpel
▸ Clear UV resin + UV lamp
▸ Heat gun (low setting)
▸ Gloss clear coat spray
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Step 1Inventory Check & Washing
Lay out all parts and compare against the reference card. Label unclear parts with masking tape. Then rinse all parts in lukewarm water with a small amount of dish soap — removes mold-release agent that can prevent paint or clear coat adhesion.
Step 2Gate Trimming (Clear Resin Method)
Clear resin shows gate marks more visibly than gray resin. Use the two-pass method: first cut leaving ~1mm of gate material, then flush-cut at the part line. Sand the gate point immediately with 400-grit.
⚠️ Do not use single-pass cutting on thick gates — compression force causes white stress cracks in clear resin.
Step 3Sanding Progression for Clarity Restoration
Sanding clouds clear resin — this is expected and fully reversible. Follow this sequence:
220
Only if needed
Only if needed
400
General leveling
General leveling
800
Intermediate
Intermediate
1200
Fine polish
Fine polish
2000 wet
Near-clarity
Near-clarity
Clear Coat
Full clarity
Full clarity
Step 4Air Bubble Repair
Clean bubble area with IPA → apply clear UV resin drop → cure under UV lamp for 30–60 seconds → sand flush with 800-grit → finish to 2000. Larger bubbles can use clear epoxy glue.
Step 5Reshaping Warped Parts
Hold part 10–15cm from heat gun nozzle on low setting for 3–5 seconds. Press flat or bend to correct shape. Immediately cool under running cold water for 15–20 seconds — the part retains the corrected shape once cooled. Do not overheat.
Step 6Assembly Sequence
Install clear parts in the same sequence as the original PGU armor, working from inner frame outward:
- Torso (sets the fit reference)
- Head (check antenna orientation carefully)
- Arms (upper arm before forearm)
- Skirt armor (front → side → rear)
- Legs (thigh → shin → foot)
- Weapons (shield and beam rifle)
- Fin Funnels (install last)
⚡ Installing with the KOSMOS PGU Nu Gundam LED Kit
If pairing with the KOSMOS PGU Nu Gundam LED Kit, complete the full LED installation and wire routing into the PGU frame before attaching any clear armor panels. The clear panels then clip over the LED-equipped frame exactly as the original white panels do.
This sequence is identical to standard PGU armor installation — the clear panels simply replace the white panels over the LED-equipped frame.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| White stress marks at gate | Excess nipping force | Sand 400→2000 + clear coat |
| Part doesn't fit correctly | L/R orientation reversed | Check panel line direction |
| Surface still cloudy after sanding | Sanding stopped too early | Continue to 2000 wet + clear coat |
| Part cracked during trimming | Single-pass on thick gate | Fill with clear UV resin; sand flush |
| Part warped after heat reshape | Cooled too slowly | Repeat; cool faster under cold water |
| Bubble reappears after fill | UV resin undercured | Re-cure 60+ seconds; sand flush again |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to disassemble my built PGU to install these parts?
Yes. The clear armor replaces the existing white panels. Installation requires removing the original white armor from the PGU frame and replacing it with the clear GK parts, following the reverse of the original PGU assembly sequence.
Q: Can I install the clear armor without tools?
No. Gate trimming and surface sanding are mandatory. The parts cannot be used directly from casting. Hobby nippers and sanding sticks are the minimum requirement.
Q: Should the LED kit be installed before or after the clear armor?
The LED kit installs into the PGU frame first. The clear armor panels then attach over the completed LED-equipped frame — the same sequence as standard PGU armor installation.
Q: Can I switch back to the original white armor after installing the clear parts?
Yes. The clear GK panels and the original white panels use the same connection points on the PGU frame. You can switch between configurations, though each swap requires partial disassembly.
Q: What if a part breaks during assembly?
Clear GK resin can be repaired with clear cyanoacrylate (super glue) or UV resin applied to the break point, cured, and sanded. The repair line will be mostly invisible under display lighting.
The PGU Nu Gundam's internal skeleton was engineered to the same standard as its exterior. Clear armor gives you the tools to show it.
View the Clear Armor GK Kit →This guide is based on standard GK assembly practices and community builder documentation. The PGU Nu Gundam Clear Armor GK Kit is an independently produced aftermarket product by Takara Model Studio, not affiliated with or licensed by Bandai Spirits.