Question regarding of ESB Graflex Beer tab removal

[Meneldil]

Hello, I am currently trying to convert graflex in to The Empire Strikes Back Bespin version. So I am planning to remove beer tab from Roman props gen2 flashgun.

However, when I tried to pry out the rivet screw, it would not move at all. Should I disassembled the internal and file down the rivet from inside?

Currently I don't have equipment to remove the contact strip, so I would love to know how to remove beer tab from the outside.

 

[Halliwax]

I always remove all the guts inside. Then file it with a file from the inside

This allows the cleaned removable..

I’ve seen others mask off the area like yourself, and then grab it with pliers and wiggle it side to side until it snaps off

Removal of the inner guts is some work.. and even more work putting it back together.. but it sure is the safest, and cleanest way to remove the beer tab..

 

[Meneldil]

I always remove all the guts inside. Then file it with a file from the inside

This allows the cleaned removable..

I’ve seen others mask off the area like yourself, and then grab it with pliers and wiggle it side to side until it snaps off

Removal of the inner guts is some work.. and even more work putting it back together.. but it sure is the safest, and cleanest way to remove the beer tab..

Thank you for the informative answers!

I did remove the beer tab, but the surface is scratched even though I used tapes to mask.

Is it irreparable?

 

[Halliwax]

Yeah that can’t be fixed… just say it’s natural weathering

 

[Meneldil]

Yeah that can’t be fixed… just say it’s natural weathering

Again, thanks for the answer. If you're not bothered, may I ask one more question?

Did TESB graflex had such minute scratches?

 

[Halliwax]

It actually has a hole there, the rivet and shaft of the rivet is missing, revealing a hole

There isn’t scratches like that on any flashes I have seen…. But the flashes that are on screen are in terrible shape… and badly beat’n

 

[Meneldil]

I am a bit sad how the flash has now plating damage, but sounds nice.

I managed to finish removing beer tab. All I have to do is adding Slothfurnace vintage Otis board and chrome tape!

 

[Captain Dunsel]

I am a bit sad how the flash has now plating damage, but sounds nice.

Don’t sweat it.

As Halliwax has pointed out, the original flashes were far from pristine. An authentic GRAFLEX hilt SHOULD have some wear and tear / history evident.

If anything, I recommend subjecting the top of the hilt to an ammonia vapor session, or two, to give the exposed brass a nice patina.

 

[Media Man]

Exposed brass makes it more realistic to an actual Graflex I wouldn't sweat it, I think the Ranch Saber has something similar like that around the rivet anyway.

 

[thd9791]

Yes, the graflexes are a freaking mess... dinged up, scratched, etc.

When Luke gets his hand cut off, that lightsaber has silver paint covering some missing plating and tarnish, which was apparently good enough for screen

I would leave it though, every Graflex is a vintage relic anyway

 

[Benjo]

As already said, scratches/tarnish and so make it closer to the real deal. Lightsaber props were beaten as hell and sloppily assembled.
I've made a ranch lightsaber replica a few years back, based on the KR graflex. I was a bit worried at the beginning but the whole building process turned out to be a complete mess. It looks the opposite of a master replica and I'v even ended up shaking it into a bag full of rocks to give it the right "finition".
I would leave yours as is

 

[Meneldil]

As already said, scratches/tarnish and so make it closer to the real deal. Lightsaber props were beaten as hell and sloppily assembled.
I've made a ranch lightsaber replica a few years back, bases on the KR graflex. I was a bit worried at the beginning but the whole building process turned out to be a complete mess. It looks the opposite of a master replica and I'v even ended up shaking it into a bag full of rocks to give it the right "finition".
I would leave yours as is

Thank for the reply. I don't mind scratch at all nowdays since all lightsabers have scratches, wear and tears on them. Since Sabers are weapons for daily use, I have made peace with some scratches and I will use brass black to make patina.

 

[Captain Dunsel]

Thank for the reply. I don't mind scratch at all nowdays since all lightsabers have scratches, wear and tears on them. Since Sabers are weapons for daily use, I have made peace with some scratches and I will use brass black to make patina.

Look at all these dings and scratches….