Need Advice on Articulated Arm Swap!

[5weetCoco]

I have this cool Shimmering Lights Ariel (Music & Lights version), but her hand is totally busted
I'm using this as an excuse to dive into my first doll customization project! I want to replace her default stiff arms with fully articulated ones, but I'm terrified of breaking her.

What's the best way to get her old arms off without tearing her up? Any specific articulated doll arms/bodies you recommend for a clean switch?
If I'm feeling brave, I want to add or change the glitter in her tail. Is this a messy nightmare, or an achievable goal for a beginner?
Any quick tips for fixing or replacing her fabric fin?

Any advice, video tutorials, or links for this kind of doll would be amazing! Tell me where to start!

 

[dollwoman]

Barbie made to move bodies are popular donors, but matching skin tone and scale might be a problem for you, what year is your ariel? and the glitter tail is ambitious for a first project. Have you done any vinyl work before?
Might be easier making a new fin from scratch by the way

 

[krea.tion]

@5weetCoco heat the torso joints with a hair dryer first to make removal way easier without cracking and obitsu bodies are popular for articulated swaps, just match the neck peg size