best Vader helmet for moding?

[Drago Lordist]

since this is one of the few times a year that I'll have many vader helmets available to me, which version (rubies, hasbro, etc) is the best for making the "perfect" helmet? I'd ask on the 501st forums but sometimes I think you guys are more anal about accuracy. (who'da thunk? lol)

any ideas?

 

[KevVader]

Don Post Classic Action would be the first choice and the current Rubies the second....the Rubies requires far more work for an OT look, but there are members who have done incredible things with it. That and the Rubies is far mor plentiful and affordable.

That said tho, if you can find a CA for under $300....snag it.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

Yes, yes, to Kevvader you listen...

 

[ob1al]

<div class='quotetop'>(Darth Kahnt @ Oct 15 2006, 09:48 PM) [snapback]1338673[/snapback]</div>

Yes, yes, to Kevvader you listen...
[/b]

Yup, that's thirded.

In terms of current availability, the Rubies supreme version is your best and lowest priced choice.

The helmet is a good starter for modding, you can probably find one for around $50 on eBay.

 

[Boba Frett]

Don Post CA, a lot less work to do than a Rubies.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

There can be only one... DP CA... the Rubies Supreme is a real pain to work with.

Though... for the price of the DP CA... you might as well just get a decent fiberglass helmet instead.

 

[KevVader]

I'd avoid f-glass helmets that require re-working...you'll never achieve the results that you're looking for if the cast is soft and/or warped. Details such as the nose ridge slots, dome center ridge, sonar pits below the eyes, etc... should be sharp in detail as well as having the correct proportions/location.

The aforementioned DP CA, and to a lesser degree, the Rubies are a great base to work from. Plus the fact that vinyl is easier to work with than f-glass (i.e. cutting, patching etc....).

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Ah yes... forgot the modding part of the topic... I was talking about fully un-mod-worthy f-glass helmets... :thumbsup

 

[darthgordon]

Well I'm guessing by first post that your looking for an inexpensive plastic helmet to mod. So I'm gonna go w/ the Rubies Supreme. Yes it is alot of work but it's alot cheaper than DP CA. I modded mine and it definately took some time and research, not to mention trial and error, but not alot of money. It's the correct size, where the Rubies Deluxe and Hasbro is not. The DP CA is not easy to find and will certainly cost you a few more bucks than it's worth.

Here's a site showing some of the mods that can be done to the Supreme, I've seen even more done though.

http://www.imperial-fleet.com/vader/

 

[Darth Detroit]

Don Post Delux... But its fiberglass and its a a real pain to work with.
DP Classsic action... Easier to work with and mod
Rubies would be my last coice... the center ricdge onthe dome isnt quite right. And allthe goofythings that need to be changed on it. But if doen right, they look PHENOMINAL... Darth Domain did one a few months ago and its was comparable to a DP Classic action. By just looking at it the only way could tell it apart was the center ridge on the dome.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

I did the Rubies Supreme myself and had a blast doing it; it was my first project and I made a few mistakes but no matter. I plan to do another one sometime in the near future.

If you can afford the CA go for it but if not the Rubies is workable but will require a great time committment.

 

[Drago Lordist]

thanks guys and gals - as it's my first try and I have no experience with fiberglass I'll probably go with the rubies. thanks all.

 

[Darth Detroit]

Fiberglass you just have to be very carefull. Your going to use ALOT of epoxy putty and primer filler paint for all the pittings. Vinyl masks are just sand, primer and paint. Make sure you use a flexable paint or a paint with a flex agent added. Fibergalss is heavy too. where as a plastic mask is a bit more wearable.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

<div class='quotetop'>(Darth Detroit @ Oct 15 2006, 11:25 PM) [snapback]1338868[/snapback]</div>

Fiberglass you just have to be very carefull. Your going to use ALOT of epoxy putty and primer filler paint for all the pittings. Vinyl masks are just sand, primer and paint. Make sure you use a flexable paint or a paint with a flex agent added. Fibergalss is heavy too. where as a plastic mask is a bit more wearable.
[/b]

I have a cking ROTJ fiberglass lid and I cant wear it for any more than 1.5 hours without having to take a break. It is immensely heavy, and Im not a small man.

 

[MarkG]

Guys, have anyone tackled the dome on the Rubies Vader lid ??

I'm going for the ANH look, and done the majority of the face mods....red lenses, paint and smaller chin vent... even added the 'widows peak' to the dome....

However, I wanna change the look of the ridge.. Fed up with that rounded effort, and want the 'squared' look as seen on the ANH..

What would be the best way... heat the dome to flatten the ridge, or cut it out completely and add a new one with an ABS strip.

Also, what width roughly is a ANH ridge ??

Anyone done this yet ? and any help is appreciated...

Cheers in advance.... hijack over..

 

[OldKen]

dude, you deffinately wouldnt want to do a CA for a first time project, while its easier to mod... if you mess up the rubies wont make you AS MAD.

good luck though.

im about to try and tackle this as well.

 

[DARTH ANIBAL]

<div class='quotetop'>(TK/TB6540 @ Oct 17 2006, 06:20 PM) [snapback]1340041[/snapback]</div>

Guys, have anyone tackled the dome on the Rubies Vader lid ??[/b]

That's actually something I'm currently working on, getting that ridge right. I've got some ideas and I've tried a few things out so far, it's coming along VERY nicely. I can't go into it right now, but I will be updating a progress thread I started a little while ago pretty soon (I hope :rolleyes ). I've got my wedding coming up, so Vader's been put on the back burner for now. Once we get settled in though, I hope to get back on that project, and post about how I'm doing it.

For the price though, you can't beat the Rubies'. You just can't be an "instant gratification" kind of guy. It takes time, patience, and work. Get yourself two of 'em, practice on one, and when you feel confident, get started on the next one. :thumbsup

 

[Betamin]

They're right about the time needed for modding a Rubies, but if you put the time in to it, you can make them look pretty good. I took my time and spent about 2.5 months last year on one, and was really happy with it when it was done. Plus, it was kind of cool to see what some work would do to make it look better.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

<div class='quotetop'>(TK/TB6540 @ Oct 18 2006, 12:20 AM) [snapback]1340041[/snapback]</div>

Guys, have anyone tackled the dome on the Rubies Vader lid ??
I'm going for the ANH look, (...)[/b]

Someone, can't remember who though, over at Sith Training Temple has done just that - you have to sign up to view the forum, though. It is shown in the gallery.

He backed the inside with fiberglass, built it up to a suitable thickness and strength before sanding down the center ridge. Then he probably used window rubber strip at the correct width and height, with adhesive on the one side, and attached it to the dome making a uniform and "straight" ridge. Wish I could post the pictures here to illustrate what he did... but I can send them to people who want them.

Also... you could probably also talk to Mobius (unsure if that is correctly spelled) on that forum or at The Dented Helmet, as he has done a reshaping procedure on a DP DLX copy dome with that rubber strip - he could probably give you some pointers. Unsure if he is also a member here...

Good luck.