My ANH Vader lid

[kalkamel]

I bought this lid in kit form from a fellow RPF'er a month back (thanks, Dave.). All the necessary trimming was already done, plus the dome was lengthened by an additional a quarter of an inch to be more accurate, so all that was left for me to do was to clean it up, prime and paint.

I primed it with Krylon Grey primer, and after sanding it down, I painted the whole faceplate with Krylon Fusion Gloss Black. Once that cured, I handbrushed the gunmetal parts with Tamiya Gun Metal acrylic paint. The dome was painted with Krylon Fusion Satin Black which, after its cured, I rubbed down with some Turtlewax rubbing compound.

The lenses are from Portumac. Grills and tusks (one of them I tarnished with Aluminum Black instead of painting it all black) came with the kit.

Pics:

I haven't come up with a proper mounting system yet. So far I've attached a large velcro to the forehead and three at the spot where the three Apple tabs should be. I also used a 1 inch thick spacer I made from gluing pieces of mouse pad together at the top of the faceplate. Its still a bit unstable. I might just do what motionmaster did with his GH ANH but first I need to find those 3M fasteners.

I'm also wonderin' whether I should put some clearcoat or clear lacquer over the faceplate. Suggestions are welcomed.

 

[HAL9000]

Looks great. :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

Don't clearcoat. - looks like you are already 'screen used'

good job

 

[Darth Kahnt]

I agree, no clearcoat. If you do go with a clearcoat to protect it make sure it is a low gloss finish.

 

[lambotour]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HAL9000 @ Mar 25 2007, 05:02 AM) [snapback]1447613[/snapback]</div>

Looks great. :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

Don't clearcoat. - looks like you are already 'screen used'

good job
[/b]

Ditto. :thumbsup

 

[Boba Frett]

:thumbsup Lookin' good

 

[lesternessman]

nice dome-good job.

 

[exoray]

I haven't come up with a proper mounting system yet.[/b]

I have these, they are in storage somewhere but I can dig them out if there is interest... Not the same size as the "Apple" ones but with a little trimming they can be VERY close... The natural ones have holes, the black ones do not... They hold like hell, and they need to be placed exactly right as they will shift slightly to lock if they don't lineup when locking them down...

BTW nice dome, I like the flat look you don't see that often...

 

[Smiling Demon]

That's a very good looking helmet.

How did that Krylon Fusion paint work for you?
Looks good, did it go on pretty easy? I was thinking about using it to paint my lid but didn't know much about it without experimenting.


Kenny

 

[vader71]

Looks great. Nice work.

 

[kalkamel]

Thanks for the nice words, guys.

Kenny, the Krylon Fusion was a blessing to work with. When they say no runs and drips, they really meant it. I was able to get a smooth finish with every coat. Of course, it's important that you prime it before painting.

Exoray, what is the size difference between the actual Apple tabs used and the ones you have? I was also thinking of using the 3M Dual Lock fasteners that motionmaster suggested in his GH ANH helmet thread, are they the same size?

 

[exoray]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kalkamel @ Mar 25 2007, 08:45 PM) [snapback]1448091[/snapback]</div>

Exoray, what is the size difference between the actual Apple tabs used and the ones you have? I was also thinking of using the 3M Dual Lock fasteners that motionmaster suggested in his GH ANH helmet thread, are they the same size?
[/b]

Not a Vader guy myself so I don't have the exact measurments of the real deal but I believe mine are the same length just wider by 1/4" so taking off 1/8" on both sides should get you close... Or at least I believe, they are sitting on an inch ruler in my picture they are about 1 5/8" long by 3/4" wide and made of nylon... You would probably need a heat gun to get them to fit the helmet curve they are stiff.

 

[The Manlet]

awsome lid.

 

[kalkamel]

Thanks, GZ. I just wish my camera wasn't so crappy.

 

[yakcam]

VERY Impressive....

I it like a LOT.

Well done Mate :thumbsup

Cheers,

Kraig

 

[vaderdarth]

Sweet Noggin....

Dave

 

[agent5]

Please excuse my ignorance... I don't collect these helmets but I always look and I noticed on the front tusk what looked to be a sam brown button/stud? Is that what it is? If so, do any of you know where I can find them, but with a flat head? I can find the basic, ball shape everywhere but I'm looking for something similar, but with a flat head. These can be found on vintage military flap holsters but I have no idea where to get them now.

Any help would be much appreciated if you have the time.

Oh, and your lid looks fantastic. I say no clear coat as well. Already looks sweet.

 

[kalkamel]

Agent5, the tusks look like the ones on the right in the pic below:

You can get these from Fatherless One. Here's the link to his JY thread: http://www.therpf.com/index.php?showtopic=125581

 

[agent5]

Thanks for posting that,. I appreciate it. A bit different than what I was looking for so...the search goes on. The never-ending prop/costume search.

 

[kalkamel]

Over the last weekend, I decided to repaint the helmet. I wasn't quite happy with the way the dome looked and the gunmetal was a bit too silvery. So I stripped the paint with acetone, reprime it and gave the faceplate a few coats of Krylon Gloss Black and the dome a few coats of Krylon Satin Black. Once that cured, I handbrushed the gunmetal highlights with a darker gunmetal paint. Here are the results:

I also have an older set of GT armor which I repainted the same method I used for the helmet (I know there's no cape hook in ANH, but I'd rather the cape chain hung to the hook rather than garroting me:confused !):

Here is the helmet next to my Portumac ROTJ:

And here's my next project, a Celtic Touch 20th Century faceplate with an unknown dome I bought last year:

 

[dcarty]

WOW! Great work Kal I really like what you've done with the helmet, is it OK to be jealous ?

Congratulations,

Dave