Best time to cut Iron Man Helmet? After Resin, but before Fiberglass OK?

[Grenex]

I have my Iron Man helmet done with Resin, and I am wondering if I should cut the faceplate and back of the cranium areas off at this point (I plan to use Magnets on them later).
Is it OK/suggested to do this before I have applied Fiberglass? Or should I wait until after fiberglass is on and everything is a bit more "Solid". If so, should I just wait until after Bondo is done too?

It was my original plan to wait until Bondo was done to ensure nice symmetry etc., but I am wondering how hard it will be to get inside to fiberglass and work in such a small enclosed space.

Also, how much do I cut out of the eye later? I did not pep them completely, but I think even with what I have in there it is overkill right now and will be hard to Fiberglass cleanly

 

[Kevin Gossett]

You'll want to completely finish your fiberglass and filler work before removing the faceplate and neck piece for the reason you already mentioned, ensuring everything fits together properly when reattached. If you remove them now and finish them separately, there is a good chance they won't fit together the way they should later down the line. As for the eye portions, you're just going to cut those out when finished anyways, so don't focus too much on them.

 

[Grenex]

As for the eye portions, you're just going to cut those out when finished anyway, so don't focus too much on them.

OK, so the eyes get completely cut flush with the inside of the helmet when done? No "internal protrusions"?

 

[Kevin Gossett]

Most don't, but that depends on which version you are doing.

 

[Grenex]

Thanks again Kevin!

One last question, Is it best to prime before I start to Bondo to find where I should apply my first coat and remove distractions of glare and paper lines/ink? Of just start to bondo and only prime when done?

 

[Propsjonnyb]

Personally I've found cutting better at thh resin stage, this allows you to build up each piece as you like it and to offer up each to the other and apply epoxy putty ,bondo , etc or what ever you prefer to build up the edges and sand for a perfect fit