Taigen New Hull Stuck to the Metal Chassis

[TigerMouse1]

Bought two new parts intended to upgrade my Taigen Panzer IV (with Heng Long plastic chassis). When I tried to dry-fit both, they become stuck! I pressed on the pin at the bottom of the chassis but nothing happens! I reached in and could feel the sliding plates moving. But the hull is stuck solid! I emailed Taigentanks.com support but have not heard back. If you know what I am doing wrong or not doing, please let me know.

This is the video I sent them. https://youtu.be/lvLFILv_E_Q

[tankme]

The pin is supposed to slide to one side. Does it slide? If not, try to push the top down a little to relieve some of the pressure on the latch. Sometimes I've had the mechanism slide, but not all the way. If it's not all the way it won't unlatch. Hold both pieces together tightly and then try to get the latch to slide all the way.

[MrChef]

Glad you got it open finally.

I saw yous post on the SoCal FB group. Maybe share some pics to see if these chaps have any good ideas. Because I agree that the bent hook might be the culprit. But I already shared my experience and what I did on the Socal group.

Anton

[TigerMouse1]

I managed to release the hull by pushing the hull and chassis in opposite directions while moving the pin to the far right. Afterwards, I noticed that the two metal hooks that protrude upward have different curvature. Not sure if the curvier one became stuck to the hull!? I am thinking of returning it for another unit, We'll see when I hear back from Taigen.

[TigerMouse1]

Here's one more pic with the hull plate (extra one that comes with the chassis) laying over the latching mechanism of the chassis to show how they come together. The hook on the left does look like curving a bit too much! MrChef mentioned sometimes he had to file things down and apply graphite to make a better fit. I am hesitant to alter anything at the moment. I may return it to taigen.

[jhamm]

The problem can be easily solved with a pair of pliers
the hook is made of soft chinesium.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Herr Hamm is right: just use a pliers and bend the hook on the left in the photo above until it is more upright, just like the one of the right. If necessary, you can file the hooks to make them a bit looser. Having to fiddle this way to get thing to work is normal with any of my modeling hobbies.

[TigerMouse1]

Thank you everyone for the input.