Top Gun Moto Helmet - Part 2: VIPER

**Monster Dave** · Apr 21, 2012

Saturday Update!

I got up early this morning and took my helmet outside and put it in direct sunlight to check for any final adjustments that might need to be made before I move on to graphics application.

Turns out there were just a couple little inconsistencies that I felt compelled to work out. So I did about 10 minutes of wet sanding in a few small places, let it dry, and then applied a light coat of paint. I'll let that dry for the better part of today and maybe start tape mock-up this evening.

**RPF Support**

**Monster Dave** · Apr 22, 2012

Today was BIG day with LOTS of progress!

This morning I did a full inspection of the paint and felt it was completely done and looked GREAT! Now on to Phase II: Graphics Application

To get fully into the spirit, I sat myself down at the coffee table and put Top Gun on the blu-ray player and got to work!

I figured the best place to start would be be mark a center point and then lay down the call sign which I would then use to guide the stripes that I will do later:

Success!

Then based on the positioning of the E and the R of MAVERICK, I layed down a center line that ran all the way to the back for placement of the rear MAVERICK logo:

It went on perfectly! That being said, I was stressed and my hands were getting sweaty because I didn't want to mess it up!! So I took a break to calm down and enjoy the progress.

Next, rather than try and do stripes, I decided to do the eagle!

With a lot of patience and care to keep out bubbles, those both went on GREAT!!

The hard part was getting both eagles positioned properly so that the tail end didn't run up on the vent for each side as well as getting them positioned in the same place on both sides so that from the back (as seen above) they both look symmetrical.

I was SO happy when I saw that it worked!! Though I'm far from a pro, and nothing is ever perfect, I'm really happy with how they look!

Now, this is a motorcycle helmet rather than a flight helmet, so the dimensions are different and I knew that the placement would be different - mainly that the eagle tails would not meet in the rear. And I'm totally OK with that, but what I tried to closely mimic was the downward angle of the eagle from back to front while still keeping the positioning good looking on my helmet.

I'm so excited that it's turning out the way that it is! Time for some lunch, then consider striping!

**Monster Dave** · Apr 22, 2012

Got the back done!!! I had to modify the rear slightly to fit with the rear vents, but I really like how it turned out!

Here's a flight helmet that someone else did for comparison:

**Monster Dave** · Apr 22, 2012

Since things were going so well, I decided to keep on going and started striping the front!

This picture gives screen accurate a new meaning!! LOL:

Cutting the angles isn't that hard, but getting them to match and keep the lines strait is a challenge.

Here's another pic that's not so up close and personal:

This has taken me nearly 6 hours to do...and I've now seen (or at least listened to) Top Gun 3 times today!!! One more viewing and I should be all done!! Even after 3 times, that movie never gets old!!

**Gigatron** · Apr 22, 2012

Looks awesome, Dave. I'm really glad you went ahead with the wet sanding - it really paid off.

Looking forward to the completed helmet.

-Fred

**Monster Dave** · Apr 22, 2012

Gigatron said:

Looks awesome, Dave. I'm really glad you went ahead with the wet sanding - it really paid off.

Looking forward to the completed helmet.

-Fred

Thanks Fred! I agree - it was worth all the effort!!

So here's where I'm calling it quits for the night. I went ahead and did the top stripes but things ran a little tight with space due to the vent housings. I have plenty of striping left, but I think that this is the max for what I'm going to do on the top (between the vents). It's a little cramped for my taste, but I think that I can live with it. I almost considered leaving the white stripes off entirely, but they are such a key to the layout. And while it looks 'cleaner' without the white stripes (as seen in my last post) I think that it also looks like something is missing.

I can't believe that I did all of this today...moreover, I can't believe I've been working on this for almost 8 hours!!

I think a break will give me some perspective. I welcome any/all input!

**Hirohawa** · Apr 23, 2012

Great work!

**Monster Dave** · Apr 23, 2012

THANKS!

I keep going back and forth on the white stripes on the top. I like them, then I don't, I like then, and then I don't....

I do want to add a bit more striping I think from the vents down towards the lettering to balance it out.

The next big step is to decide about clear coating. I'm worried about clear coating over the vinyl graphics...any thoughts or suggestions??

-edit-

I just got an email from the guy who sold me the graphics pack (amazing Ebay seller btw), and he said that the graphics work great under clear coat but that I should wet scuff the surface lightly with 1000 grain sand paper and then apply several layers of clear wet sanding in between coats.

...I'm going to be a pro wet sander by the time I'm done with this!!!

**Keyser** · Apr 23, 2012

\m/

**Monster Dave** · Apr 23, 2012

Thanks Keyser!!

**Humanoid** · Apr 23, 2012

Really coming together nicely. Not sure if it was suggested but how about a Goose helmet for your wife/girfriend?

**NormanF** · Apr 23, 2012

Ok, I see a serious problem. How old is that TV? It looks like it has a tube in it.

**Ford W Maverick** · Apr 23, 2012

Sweet!

**Monster Dave** · Apr 23, 2012

NormanF said:

Ok, I see a serious problem. How old is that TV? It looks like it has a tube in it.

I know...I know!! That's on the list to replace!

A Goose helmet for my fiancee is a great idea!!

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone! I'm really looking forward to wearing this helmet as soon as it's done!

**Monster Dave** · Apr 25, 2012

Hey everyone! Well after 2 days off from working on my project, I found myself inspired tonight and finished the graphics application!!! CHECK OUT THE PICS!!!

Front:

Rear/Side:

W/Visor for effect:

I must admit that seeing it all gussied up like this - I LOVE IT!!!

As you can see it's still taped-up because I anticipate doing a clear coat over it to protect all of my hard work. The areas that are taped are black which I really think will add some nice accent color against the blue. Lastly, I'm going to get a dark/smoke colored visor to round it out with.

You'll have to take my word for it, but the pictures don't do it justice!! I'll take a few pics in the full daylight soon!

**Leigh** · Apr 25, 2012

This is looking great!!
Its good news about keying the decals prior to clear, Ideally you need to key the hole thing prior to clear. Be very carefull with the edges of the decals though.
I would also replace the masking but with rattle can paint its not essential.
If your struggling with using 1000 grit paper over awkward shapes you should be able to get round that with GREY scotchbrite, test it first to make sure its not too scratchy though, it shouldnt be

Just make sure that the thing is spotlessly clean before you clear coat, even a single paper fiber or hair could ruin it.
Really looking forward to seeing how this comes out

EDIT: If your going to wet sand in between coats give it 2-3 coats first then let it thoroughly dry & add a bit of washing up liquid to the water before you start wet sanding. High gloss clears can clog the paper easily, the clog can leave deep scratches & the soap reduces this but make sure to rinse & de-grease before applying the next coat of clear.

HTH

**Mxlplx** · Apr 25, 2012

Very nice execution!

**Monster Dave** · Apr 25, 2012

Thanks Guys!! Next will be to clear coat it which will really bring it to life! Thanks for the tips too!

I'm so close to completion that I can hardly wait to wear it!!

**Superkrates** · Apr 25, 2012

OH! and NEVER, NEVER shoot clear in a high humidity environment. This should not be a problem in Arizona, but take it to heart if a storm is blowing through and you're about to clear-coat in the garage.

**Monster Dave** · Apr 25, 2012

Good to know! At the moment, humidity is at 8%...

...and I'm thirsty.

**Monster Dave** · Apr 30, 2012

Hey everyone! It's been about a week since my last update but work has moved forward on my helmet!! The clear coat has been applied, sanding was done, and it was cleared again and I can tell you for sure that these pictures don't do it justice!!

So without further ado, let me present to you my completed custom and first time ever RPF (or otherwise) movie replica project:

I am so pleased with it! It's going to let it sit overnight but I expect to wear it tomorrow!! I only have a clear visor for it at the moment, but I want to wear it so bad!! I expect to get a dark/smoke shield ordered and have it before the end of the week!

When I think back to where my skills where when I started this project, I can hardly believe that not only I did this, but also that it turned out so amazing!! I'll never doubt Rust-Oleum products again that's for sure!

Thank you guys for all of your advice over this month!!

"Goose, it's time to buzz the tower!"

**Leigh** · Apr 30, 2012

Looks fantastic! lovely gloss, well done

**Monster Dave** · May 1, 2012

Thanks Leigh!

I'm really happy with it. After I took those pictures, I fully reassembled it so that I could wear it on my ride to work! That being said, it's so pretty that I'm almost afraid to wear it!!

**Gigatron** · May 1, 2012

That turned out fantastic

.

Did you use Rustoleum clear, as well?

-Fred

**NormanF** · May 1, 2012

Monster Dave said:

Thanks Leigh!

I'm really happy with it. After I took those pictures, I fully reassembled it so that I could wear it on my ride to work! That being said, it's so pretty that I'm almost afraid to wear it!!

More reason to drive carefully.

Top Gun Moto Helmet - Part 2: VIPER

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