Graflex saber conversion help

[Sith_Lord_Hritz]

This is my first post here so hi to all. OK I just bought a Graflex 3-cell flash handle for $90.00 that is complete in mint condition. Dose that sound like a good price? I would like to convert it into a Luke style saber. I m not sure if I should go ANH or ESB what do you guys think? Also I have seen conversion kits on ebay for both that run $20-$30, but I would like to get some opinions on the most accurate looking kits available from you guys who have already done this conversion. This is my first custom saber so if anyone has any tips or comments on how to do this please feel free to post them here.
Thanks

UPDATE 7/28
Ok I got the ANH kit from Blast-tech and now in need some type of reference or template that shows the proper placement for the parts and spacing for the grips. Does anyone have or know where I can obtain such info?
Thanks

 

[franz bolo]

First decide what version you want!!
You can't do much more until you do that! :thumbsup

Once that's done, you have to get your parts inventory, then pick where to buy or make the parts needed. Then get some reference pics to find out how the clamp is aligned and grip placement etc.

Good Luck.

FB

 

[Snoballz]

ANH would be the easiest conversion. You add a bubble board, some grips, and a D-ring. Only one hole drilled and/or tapped for the D-ring.

ESB requires drilling and/or tapping of each grip in addition to the one for the D-ring. You'll also need to replace the "glass eye" on the bottom with another red button like the one on the top. And for some versions, remove the tab that holds the red button cap on the top. If you're wanting to keep it all original, this one will be a more expensive, and more work.

Is BlastTech still selling kits? They are (were?) pretty good for the price.

If you're wanting original or super accurate parts, a few come up for sale here from time to time. Check the Junkyard.

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

I would suggest getting a set of grips from Saberfreak. They are more difficult to work with than Blast-tech grips, but they're original parts made out of the original material, and since you have a real graflex, I'd get real t-track. Also, when you install your d-ring (or if ESB, grips and d-ring) I would use pop rivets instead of allen head screws and taps. Pop rivets are easier to work with and they are what was on the original.

 

[tingjunkie]

Here's an all-important site... http://www.partsofsw.com/

Decide which version you want first. If you want repro parts (as most people are happy with) then go with a kit from Blast-Tech. If you want 100% screen accurate ANH, find an Exactra 19 or 20 on eBay, order a set of grips from Gino, and a d-ring from Blast-Tech. If you want an all-vintage 99% screen accurate ANH, then repeat the previous steps, but get the grips from Saberfreak. Personally, I am going the all-vintage route myself. I can sacrifice the tiny inaccuracies of the grips for knowing my saber is made entirely from found parts just like the original. (mmmmm... warm and fuzzy) [And no offense to Gino. I think it's awesome that people now have the option of having insanely accurate t-track. It was a decision I honestly lost sleep over ]

I am curious to know where you found a "mint" Graflex for $90. If it's a real Graflex, then you got an absolute steal. Repro flashguns go for that much.

Welcome to the GF club!

 

[p0sitr0nic]

Indeed, that was an absolutely great price for a Graflex.
Good luck with the conversion!

 

[Sumatra]

I just paid $90 for a replica, so yeah, that's a good price.

As far as I know John at http://blast-tech.com/ is still selling them. At minimum, he does have the bubble strip/circuit boards in stock.

I would also suggest checking the archived thread section of the forum. There is a great (long) discussion about the 7 grips and single screw D-ring on the ANH Luke saber.

 

[Sith_Lord_Hritz]

Bump

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

Bump

www.partsofsw.com has templates for the grip and reference photos for the d-ring.

Dan

 

[Gman666]

For a real quick guide I used my MR FX ANH Luke saber. I have it tore down for a Vader ROTJ/stunt saber. The end of the Graflex fit right in the battery end and used the 7 grips on the hilt to line it up. Waiting on Yoda to get more DIY Graflex kits in.

Thanks!

Greg

 

[jheilman]

My one and only saber is the Luke ANH. I got a Graflex for $120 last year, so $90 is a great buy. Good luck with it.

 

[burn]

My one and only saber is the Luke ANH. I got a Graflex for $120 last year, so $90 is a great buy. Good luck with it.

i got mine recently for round 43 dollars (27pounds) with 2other hilts(different look) in mint conditions (dont need to weather is as looks v.old). Well that was a bargain