First, give it a good clean—no dust or grime hiding those little creases. Check the launch mechanism for rust or wobble; replace any worn parts with matching originals if you can find them, or a carefully sculpted replica. Then, choose a color that feels nostalgic—think muted earth tones or the classic army green, not some neon trend. A matte finish will hide tiny scratches and keep it looking vintage. Add a few subtle decals or hand‑painted symbols that match the era it came from; that will give it personality without making it look kitschy. If you want to make it pop, consider a tiny, hand‑crafted launcher tip that adds a bit of shine—just enough to catch the light when it fires. Keep the work patient and precise; rushing will only ruin those delicate details. If you run into a part that’s irreparably damaged, improvise with a small, clear acrylic plug or a custom 3D‑printed piece that blends in with the original design. That way, the toy keeps its charm but is ready to play again.