C3PO Vacuformed

[aron42486]

The GA helmets, what is that on the inside? Is that just regular old fiberglass mat or is it that the version of bondo resin with the fiberglass strands already inside it? If its the latter i will definitely stay away from that crap

 

[Nairod]

TMP, is the helmet made from fiberglass or vacuum formed please?

 

[TMP]

We did try both. ABS does not work for the high details. So for best ressult it is Fiberglass. Ironicly the ABS takes the chrome better, less chance for the orrange peal look. Real tricky.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Shame molds for ABS injection molding are so expensive, seeing as the chroming works better on ABS.

Damn fine displays! :cheers

 

[oblagon]

We did try both. ABS does not work for the high details. So for best ressult it is Fiberglass. Ironicly the ABS takes the chrome better, less chance for the orrange peal look. Real tricky.

You can get better results with fiberglass, you just have to take your time and wet sand everything smooth to a glass finish.

Here's a shot of my fiberglass suit which isn't heavy to wear at all. The wall thicknesses isn't like a car bumper. At the most you're looking at 1/8th in material.

 

[TMP]

Very fine finish!! But out of curiousity...

How long did you take to sand that peice down for this ressult?
Did you get any Orange Peal look?
Did you try several times?
And what chrome method did you use?

Hmm.. Maybe we sould offer some kits, and people could wet sand them self..

 

[oblagon]

Very fine finish!! But out of curiousity...

How long did you take to sand that peice down for this ressult?
Did you get any Orange Peal look?
Did you try several times?
And what chrome method did you use?

Hmm.. Maybe we sould offer some kits, and people could wet sand them self..

The wet sanding didn't take that long; maybe an hour per part? I never timed myself The most important part is sanding in stages and not hurrying. Start with a 220 then move to a 320 and finish with 400 or 600 grit to get the glass finish. Also I used the Dupli-color filler automotive primer; IMO it's the best stuff out on the market and will hide any small sandpaper marks.

No I didn't get any orange peel on the suit. I've heard of this happening due to silicone from the mold getting into the parts so perhaps MLC isn't using silicone molds for his parts or it could have to do with the brand of primer I used.

The suit was only plated once.

I used vacuum metalizing, same as the original suit.

 

[laserblast]

No that guy is clearly mental. I want to do a static prop version.

are you still looking for a c-3po in parts ?

 

[TMP]

This is the original head we aquired. Note the bolts are not as seen in the movies but these were atached on, Aperently there vere several different bolts & discs. This mask is one of the original helmets, probably not used in the movies, but right from the mould as was one of several used to test the different chrome colors. It was dark rich gold before but this gotten pale over the years.

 

[TMP]

Asside from the mask..

Here are some older photos of a suit we did.

This bellow is a statue in painted gold color. Not chrome.

 

[Jackpot76]

I want one! lol among 50 other things

 

[d3po2u]

Great thread.
Here's a link to what can be done with a GA Vac-formed suit, with time and talent.

http://my3pobuild.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-many-parts.html

 

[vaderdarth]

Sweet, wanna sell it to me???

 

[Trap Joe]

Here is the C3PO We made and still got the moulds for. The head is from an original that we bought from the original chromers in UK.

ah, so cool, you´ve been tha maker!! I had one of your C3-Po´s for years until I sold it. The head was awsome. Also a great wheathering on it. :thumbsup

 

[rackey01]

Awesome! I'm looking to get one of these too!

 

[thegreatgalling]

Just saw this and figured I would throw it here:

ThinkGeek :: Giant C-3PO Plush Transforming Backpack

Its a C3PO backpack: would go great with a Chewie costume!

 

[TXarmory]

I've been looking for a 3PO to ride on the back of my landspeeder that I could mount in a sitting position. I also need an inexpensive light weight R2D2. See the speeder at RealMovieToys.com for an idea of what I'm working with. We have the Dallas Christmas parade this Saturday and was hopping to have the two droids on the back by then, but now it's getting to late. Let me know if you can help or have suggestions.