Gremlins Bathroom Buddy
- Thread starter laellee
- Start date
lonepigeon
Master Member
Is anyone planning to replicate the tools?
It seems like we're just going to have to figure out more common alternatives, especially for the mirror and toothbrush.
I've scoured eBay and only found 4 CC mirrors (at least 3 of which were the wrong color).
Finding the modern knockoff or painting a vintage one might be the best options. I will post a comparison when my vintage one arrives.
I identified the toothbrush back in April and haven't found a perfect one yet. There aren't a lot of vintage toothbrushes being added.
Even the proxabrush is somewhat difficult now. It seems we wiped out the orange ones and not many new ones turning up.
I think the Orange Proxabrush will return. There are a number of them in different colors, and likely orange ones will return. There are not that many of us making this.
I think the mirror/fur piece was custom made for this. It just has a homemade look to it.
I have not found thumbscrews that are domed, which is why I though maybe little bottles. IDK.
laellee is modeling all the tools/buttons to get the buddy body proportions correct, and has to make the pink prophy cup thing, and whatever else we can’t identify.
I don’t want to speak for laellee, but i think a CC replica is being tossed around, and I’m positive that any help you offer would make the run that much more successful.
I’m keeping in mind the lurkers and others who are following along only to make their interest known when a kit or finished piece is on offer.
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Here is a Butler, red, with four to a row but only two at the top, not three.
GUM Butler 4-Row Head Toothbrush Soft Bristle #411 Vintage Red 1980’s New NOS | eBay
This is not intentional. I promise I will answer as soon as it is possible. This item is pre-owned. I do not do any major cleaning of above item. I leave that up to the new owner(s). I AM NOT AN EXPERT AND I DO NOT CLAIM TO BE.
www.ebay.com
So this one has a model number 2123, but it is not correct. I asked the seller to send me a pic of the front.
www.etsy.com
5 Vintage Revlon Beauty Tools W Germany Cuticle Nippers Revlon Tweezers 2123 Toenail Clippers 2121 Fingernail Clippers Spain Scissors - Etsy
This Clippers & Scissors item by EvenTheKitchenSinkOH has 2 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Circleville, OH. Listed on Jul 6, 2024
www.etsy.com
I'm still searching for a spot-on toothbrush. Lonepigeon thinks he might have the correct brand identified, I'm still looking for the correct brand and style.Here is a Butler, red, with four to a row but only two at the top, not three.
GUM Butler 4-Row Head Toothbrush Soft Bristle #411 Vintage Red 1980’s New NOS | eBay
This is not intentional. I promise I will answer as soon as it is possible. This item is pre-owned. I do not do any major cleaning of above item. I leave that up to the new owner(s). I AM NOT AN EXPERT AND I DO NOT CLAIM TO BE.www.ebay.com
I have a few I've tracked down that are in the ballpark, I just haven't located a spot-on match yet. These are brands that have close versions, but keep in mind there are a LOT of variations. You are looking for a four row 55-tuft model:
Vistron Pro
Dr West
Oral B (specifically the large 60 transparent with 55 tufts)
Poh (#4 multi-tuft model)
Worst-case scenario, I have a jig that could set tufts into a replica cast handle, but I'd still like to start with a correct handle to work from if we can identify it
Yeah, it’s the correct Revlon one with the branding under the file and on the back.
Came from this set.
Revlon executive manicure set was the listing, the contents show no or very little signs of use, not bad for $10
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Another not right one incase anyone is looking. Instead of the R is has the word Revlon on the outside. The seller was kind enough to send pics.
VINTAGE COLLECTIBLE REVLON IMPLEMENT MANICURE SET FOR MEN NEW | eBay
Incredibly rare and hard to find!
www.ebay.com
lonepigeon
Master Member
I'm still searching for a spot-on toothbrush. Lonepigeon thinks he might have the correct brand identified, I'm still looking for the correct brand and style.
I have a few I've tracked down that are in the ballpark, I just haven't located a spot-on match yet. These are brands that have close versions, but keep in mind there are a LOT of variations. You are looking for a four row 55-tuft model:
Vistron Pro
Dr West
Oral B (specifically the large 60 transparent with 55 tufts)
Poh (#4 multi-tuft model)
Worst-case scenario, I have a jig that could set tufts into a replica cast handle, but I'd still like to start with a correct handle to work from if we can identify it
You're on the right track.
The correct brand is Vistron Pro. As pointed out earlier in the thread there is a bit of the "PRO" logo showing in a couple of the pics.
They have been making this configuration of bristles since at least the 1950's. The handles have changed over the years. I've seen at least 4 or 5 different ones with the right bristle configuration.
More info when I get my newest toothbrush which should be the right model but wrong color. Judging by it's packaging I believe it's slightly older than the correct version but same mold.
lonepigeon
Master Member
I think the majority of the Proxabrushes on eBay (if not all of them) have been there since I started on this project. The only thing that changed is we bought all the orange ones. It might be a long wait until more orange ones show up.
I wasn't sure about all the tools since they're so thin and difficult to reproduce.
I want to help any way I can.
I'm helping 2 lurkers find parts
I found another correct nail clipper. Condition looks just OK and it's in an overpriced $60 lot of clippers and scissors.
LMK if anyone wants I can send the link.
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Reach out to laellee privately, I’m certain your CC dental mirror is of interest.I wasn't sure about all the tools since they're so thin and difficult to reproduce.
I want to help any way I can.
I'm helping 2 lurkers find parts
I’m about to send Laellee my precious new Revlon toenail clipper for measurements, (I offered, there was no arm twisting)
..and we’re geographically very close.I don’t say this to challenge you or anything of that sort, just to urge on communications and show what a great guy I am.
lonepigeon you’ve been wonderfully helpful with this project and I’m very grateful for that.
I don't know if this helps, but this is where I'm at with parts and reproducing. Some of these models are still WIP as info comes in, but you get the idea.
Pink prophy cup polisher:
Still unidentified, but the references are great and a replica can be made with cast handle and matched cups
Black thumb-knobs and orange bottom cap:
Still unidentified, but again the references are great and it is straightforward to make modeled-printed-cast replicas.
Red Panel Indicator light:
Available on Ebay and Amazon, readily available.
Crest toothbrush cap:
Vintage toothpaste tubes are available online and are $$$$. My cap (with tube) was $40US and I won't be doing that again, casts are easy and cheap.
Revlon clippers:
Rare but out there, if you're willing to pay a bit in some cases; these were manufactured through the late 70's and through the mid 80's. Remanufacturing is not really an option, but there are also stand-ins (including the newer Revlon versions) that are identical in size and can be a stand-in (that's a theme for a few things here). In a pinch, someone can install neodymiums in there Buddy and easily swap out clippers if/when they get the good ones.
Johnson and Johnson Vintage floss dispenser:
The correct dispenser heads (with two 'bunny-ear' cutting tabs) are usually installed in the top of J&J's rectangular coffin-style floss containers (look for dental floss or dentotape dispensers). Getting replicas of these stamped is not cost effective, but there are single-tab versions that can be used as place-setters.
Revlon nail file:
Not that uncommon, but we're usually having to buy them in manicure sets (hit me up if you have any idea what to do with the rest of these sets lol). When I pull the correct blade length from the photogrammetry I will post up a template PDF for the cut shape and length. I would love to make replicas of these as a stand-in or to make the overall cost of a BB more affordable, but for now it's easier to just hunt for a real one.
Gilette Good News disposable razor:
There are a surprising number of these out there and still available. Just be careful that you get the first generation boxy-handled razor, not the pivot head model (very similar). There is also an updated second generation razor, but it has a much sleeker design. If the correct razors dry up on the open market, I should have a few extra after my project that I'll offer to people here (correct ones and pivots).
Butler Proxabrush:
Hard to find in orange. I'm molding a NOS brush (thanks scarf man ) and hopefully get some correct orange casts that will work.
CC Dental mirror:
CC-brand are super-hard to find, never mind getting the correct light blue color. I have seen several identical products out there without the CC-specific branding; a lot of mass-produced products from China use the same factories (and even molds) across different distributors with small tweaks. I am scanning/modeling one of these knock-off mirrors, modeling the branding onto that, and then it will get resin printed for a master to mold. Tinted casting off of that master will give a uniform-finish handle (obviously mirror gets glued in). Started revising the digital logo, still a ways to go (mirror body is a stand-in):
Toothbrush:
Sounds like it's a vintage Vistron Pro, and I have zero confidence in me getting a bunch of those There are a lot of stand-ins available that look OK and it's fairly easy to upgrade the piece down the road, so that's good. A good replica can be made, but that's for another discussion; I want to get through all of the other hurdles before that gets revisited.
Black comb:
A lot of people are looking at the Ace models, I have also waiting on a couple of Vistron models that look promising. Although I want an original comb for my own Buddy, I'm all for casting multiples to keep the overall cost of a replica down. As you guys already know, it's not just one item that makes the Buddy expensive to build, it's a bunch of $10 or $20 or $30 pieces that all add up. If I can get a stockpile of reproduction parts to go with my own project plans, I can make those available for people who don't want to spend hundreds (and hours) hunting.
Pink prophy cup polisher:
Still unidentified, but the references are great and a replica can be made with cast handle and matched cups
Black thumb-knobs and orange bottom cap:
Still unidentified, but again the references are great and it is straightforward to make modeled-printed-cast replicas.
Red Panel Indicator light:
Available on Ebay and Amazon, readily available.
Crest toothbrush cap:
Vintage toothpaste tubes are available online and are $$$$. My cap (with tube) was $40US
and I won't be doing that again, casts are easy and cheap.Revlon clippers:
Rare but out there, if you're willing to pay a bit in some cases; these were manufactured through the late 70's and through the mid 80's. Remanufacturing is not really an option, but there are also stand-ins (including the newer Revlon versions) that are identical in size and can be a stand-in (that's a theme for a few things here). In a pinch, someone can install neodymiums in there Buddy and easily swap out clippers if/when they get the good ones.
Johnson and Johnson Vintage floss dispenser:
The correct dispenser heads (with two 'bunny-ear' cutting tabs) are usually installed in the top of J&J's rectangular coffin-style floss containers (look for dental floss or dentotape dispensers). Getting replicas of these stamped is not cost effective, but there are single-tab versions that can be used as place-setters.
Revlon nail file:
Not that uncommon, but we're usually having to buy them in manicure sets (hit me up if you have any idea what to do with the rest of these sets lol). When I pull the correct blade length from the photogrammetry I will post up a template PDF for the cut shape and length. I would love to make replicas of these as a stand-in or to make the overall cost of a BB more affordable, but for now it's easier to just hunt for a real one.
Gilette Good News disposable razor:
There are a surprising number of these out there and still available. Just be careful that you get the first generation boxy-handled razor, not the pivot head model (very similar). There is also an updated second generation razor, but it has a much sleeker design. If the correct razors dry up on the open market, I should have a few extra after my project that I'll offer to people here (correct ones and pivots).
Butler Proxabrush:
Hard to find in orange. I'm molding a NOS brush (thanks scarf man ) and hopefully get some correct orange casts that will work.
CC Dental mirror:
CC-brand are super-hard to find, never mind getting the correct light blue color. I have seen several identical products out there without the CC-specific branding; a lot of mass-produced products from China use the same factories (and even molds) across different distributors with small tweaks. I am scanning/modeling one of these knock-off mirrors, modeling the branding onto that, and then it will get resin printed for a master to mold. Tinted casting off of that master will give a uniform-finish handle (obviously mirror gets glued in). Started revising the digital logo, still a ways to go (mirror body is a stand-in):
Toothbrush:
Sounds like it's a vintage Vistron Pro, and I have zero confidence in me getting a bunch of those
There are a lot of stand-ins available that look OK and it's fairly easy to upgrade the piece down the road, so that's good. A good replica can be made, but that's for another discussion; I want to get through all of the other hurdles before that gets revisited.Black comb:
A lot of people are looking at the Ace models, I have also waiting on a couple of Vistron models that look promising. Although I want an original comb for my own Buddy, I'm all for casting multiples to keep the overall cost of a replica down. As you guys already know, it's not just one item that makes the Buddy expensive to build, it's a bunch of $10 or $20 or $30 pieces that all add up. If I can get a stockpile of reproduction parts to go with my own project plans, I can make those available for people who don't want to spend hundreds (and hours) hunting.
Attachments
Yep, all still revising, general proportion and dimensions are what I am looking for right now to work out the body's dimensions
lonepigeon
Master Member
My mirror came today! Good news and bad news...
These come in two sizes and mine is the wrong size, but I learned a lot of info.
We are looking for the Clive Craig #4 fiberglass dental mirror!
I was able to find a couple ads for them online. One is out of stock. We'll need to inquire about the other one.
dominica.desertcart.com
This looks the most promising:
I think Baby Blue (C52-0934) seems like the right color? Some pics of the prop look Sky Blue though.
Size comparison between Osung #4 and CC #5 (4 is correct)
I'm hopeful we can find a stash of these somewhere!
These come in two sizes and mine is the wrong size, but I learned a lot of info.
We are looking for the Clive Craig #4 fiberglass dental mirror!
I was able to find a couple ads for them online. One is out of stock. We'll need to inquire about the other one.
Buy Clive Craig Mirrors #4 Blue 10/Pk Online at desertcart Dominica
Shop Clive Craig Mirrors #4 Blue 10/Pk online at best prices at desertcart - the best international shopping platform in Dominica. ✓FREE Delivery Across Dominica. ✓EASY Returns & Exchange.
dominica.desertcart.com
This looks the most promising:
Pearson Dental Catalog (32nd Edition)
www.pearsoncadcam.com
Size comparison between Osung #4 and CC #5 (4 is correct)
I'm hopeful we can find a stash of these somewhere!
