Help with Power Rangers Helmet Hinge

[krayzielilsmoki]

I am about to start working on a couple of Power Rangers Helmets and need some suggestions on what hinge to use.

I am referring to the hinge at the top.
I would prefer not to have it visible.

What have others used? are people using actual metal hinges or just elastic? Any advice, suggestions, and pictures would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[krayzielilsmoki]

I know im not the only one that appreciates a nice MMPR helmet so feel free to chime in with some advice.

 

[Unit357]

I'll look into it. I'm starting on a few Power Rangers helmets soon too. Lemme know if you find out before I do.

 

[krayzielilsmoki]

I found this posted on a different board, its a person using elastic.
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x105/heroslayer5/100_1163.jpg?t=1285210822

I like the idea of elastic because a hinge seems either flimsy, uncomfortable, or might cause damage if dropped or twisted. I also like the idea of magnets, but it would have to be done right.
Ill play around with some ideas and definitely post what I come up with but I would love some input before I dive in blind.

 

[RoboTrap]

Elastic might seem an inferior option at first, but a metal hinge requires cutting away part of the helmet's exterior for it to open. All of the Toei helmets use elastic, AFAIK, even the heroes. But if you're going stunt-style (with the external latch closures) then a metal hinge wouldn't be too far out of line with the aesthetics.

 

[krayzielilsmoki]

I have seen pictures like this:
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc191/Voyager_Archive/cid_X_MA1_1267520001aol.jpg?t=1275574952

And that is the opposite of what I want.

- - - Updated - - -

This will be a display peace mainly so aesthetics are important. Functionality just bumps up the cool factor.

 

[krayzielilsmoki]

Another view of a metal hinge:
http://img-2013.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/22/yrudymaj.jpg

Looks like elastic is the way to go for looks...

 

[joshspiderman23]

If you want a smooth clean look I would scratch the hinges for keys. Basically you have inserts on opposite ends so that the sides conforms and comes together. If you want more of smooth look you could embed magnets instead of using the side clasps. I've attached a pic of green ranger helmet and you can see the key on the inside

 

[krayzielilsmoki]

Yeah I was thinking about adding guides that make the halves align together. My idea was to use the fiberglass portion that you have when you cut out the visor section and use that as the guides.

 

[Valon]

I was just playing around on the site and I happen to see your post. I dont know if it helps or not but on the green ranger pepakura build I just finished I used two small gate hinges. With a little work they work, they cant even be seen from the top of the helmet.



Hope this helps! If you need better photos of it let me know!

 

[sparton110]

Do the hinges hurt the top of your head when you where them valon?


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[Valon]

Not at all! Since I took and used two of them together, it folds with the helmet. I had to also bent the ear of the hinge so it had more of a curve with the helmet.

 

[sparton110]

Ah great idea will have to remember that.


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[krayzielilsmoki]

Great idea with the double hinge! I think Im still gonna stick with some elastic for simplicity. I just finished cleaning up the seam so hopefully by the weekend Ill be ready to cut it in half and work on the inside.

 

[montified88]

magnets......with some guide's .......should be inexpensive as well. And you can find them in a variety of shapes and sizes.