TazMan2000
Master Member
I still need a couple of more coats on the Visor Frame.
TazMan2000
TazMan2000
Space 1999 Helmet
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- 1999 helmet space space 1999
TazMan2000
Master Member
I haven't printed out the buck yet. Hopefully I'll get to it this weekend.
TazMan2000
DMP
New Member
Just a couple of suggestions, I design and make helmet visors. If you build a plywood mold box with a fiberglass face of the free blow area in your design, you can free form with vacuum, if you set up a solenoid valve and foot pedal switch you can "bleed" the box to control the depth of the bubble. Using Rit dye in hot water really works ! I did this about 20 years ago for a graduated tint, works great, and is permanent.
Alternatively, you can find bubbles on Aliexpress...see pic. The trim for the old Bell helmets is available at Pegasusautoracing.com. part # 4336-201.This is a project I want to tackle some day, I already have the vintage bell helmet they started with.
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TazMan2000
Master Member
Thanks for the suggestions. Can you post a Youtube link to a video that I can see how the helmet visors are made? One of the problems of creating a design of a 3D replica of the helmet, is that I don't have the original to verify. I just had some rough measurements, so the real bubble visor probably wouldn't fit properly in my re-creation. The original trim most likely won't fit on my model, as my shell is considerably thicker, so I'll have to use something that will accommodate that. I do plan on using Rit dye as well. I will follow the instructions in the video that BonesAreDollars posted. I'm going to do this outside as I'm sure that I would ruin something in the kitchen due to clumsiness.
TazMan2000
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TazMan2000
Master Member
Ok, so I managed to finally print out the visor buck. 17.5 hours using a 0.8 mm nozzle. I'll coat it with photo resin and sand it to smooth. Odd that I used the same Anycubic filament for the first part to when I switched rolls at about 1/3 the way through, the sheen, texture and colour was different. I guess they must have changed their recipe. The darker part is much more matte and must have a different shrinkage factor, because I could definitely notice the underlying support on the lighter part where the darker part was almost undetectable.
I still have to find a plastic supplier that is willing to deal retail for a 4x8' sheet of PETG. Some places in my city sell the stuff, but unless you're buying a pallet full, they don't think it's worth the money to have one of their associates to write up an invoice, and go to the warehouse and pick one sheet off of the pile to sell. Amazon sells some, but only in a couple of thicknesses and the price seems high.
TazMan2000
I still have to find a plastic supplier that is willing to deal retail for a 4x8' sheet of PETG. Some places in my city sell the stuff, but unless you're buying a pallet full, they don't think it's worth the money to have one of their associates to write up an invoice, and go to the warehouse and pick one sheet off of the pile to sell. Amazon sells some, but only in a couple of thicknesses and the price seems high.
TazMan2000
TazMan2000
Master Member
So I bought a yellow tinted visor off of Amazon. It was too small and meant for a different helmet, but I used a heat gun to widen it so as to fit inside. I also bought 1/4 " rubber edge protector for the inside opening, which fit well and didn't impede the visor opening and closing. I made some stickers for the front crescent shaped vent on the "mohawk" and the back.
I know, it doesn't look great, but I may replace it at a later date. I still have to make a name tag for the front and also half domes to cover the Chicago Screws on the visor.
TazMan2000
I know, it doesn't look great, but I may replace it at a later date. I still have to make a name tag for the front and also half domes to cover the Chicago Screws on the visor.
TazMan2000
TazMan2000
Master Member
Well, not perfect, but good enough for me. I painted the buttons with a chrome paint pen, but I think it must be old or something as the finish is far from shiny. I'll have to pick up a new one.
TazMan2000
TazMan2000
