Supposing I want to put together a Vader...

[JudgeSabersmith]

I see a lot of information on putting together the different versions of a Vader costume, but a lot of them seem to be geared towards people looking for 100% movie accuracy, or trying to gain membership in the 501st.

If I wanted to start chucking money at a project of putting together a reasonably accurate Vader costume, what parts would you recommend I look for? More than likely, we're talking a display piece in my room here, but I would maybe like to wear it every once in a while too.

No Rubies Supreme. Seen it...don't like it.

Why don't we start with the helmet. What do I keep an eye peeled for here at the rpf or on eBay? I know to avoid starfortressproductions, so that's a non-issue. Do I look for a real Don Post CA or can I get away with a Rubies Supreme helmet that I rework a bit?

What about other parts?

 

[Huzz]

If you want to do an Episode III Vader, I've seen some Master Replicas helmets go for relatively cheap on eBay recently. I saw one list at an opening price of $499 and, as there was only one bid, the fellow got it for that.

Huzz

 

[HAL9000]

to answer a question with a question:
How much money are you able to chuck at it?

That is what will decide the quality/accuracy of your vader.

 

[KevVader]

^ Even so, prices for most parts have fallen dramatically in the last year or two due to a number of factors. Hell, inaccurate Vader chestox and belt sets used to go for $500 - $600 on ebay not all that long ago.

To the OP, decide what version you want: OT - ANH, ESB, ROTJ or PT - ROTS. They all have thier own details that seperate them from one another. Then decide your top end budget and start shopping. Take your time and research so you know what you want before you even see it for sale.
There are bargains to be had, ya just gotta wait for them. Hell, a SPFX helmet sold here recently for $400, used to sell for $800 - $900!

Patience, young Jedi....

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

I would say the best way to build a Vader display is to start at the top and work your way down.

Buy a helmet, and you have a nice display until you can add armor, which can give you a cool bust display. Then add a chestbox to the bust display and go from there.

There is a huge range depending on what you want to spend. A modified rubies can look decent, but it will never be a Don Post helmet, which itself will never be a SPFX, or a VP. It's all about what you want to spend and what will make you happy.

(BTW, if you're interested. I have a Don Post CA that I could part with )

Good luck

-best

Dan
ddstokes@aol.com

 

[DB73]

deffo go register with sithtrainingtemple.net its geared towards vader builders.

...You will build and ANH, you do want an ANH, you know ANH is the best...

Anyway sith mind trick aside, ANH is imo the best of all the vaders but in some cases the hardest to pull off.

the guys above are right and prices have dropped these days but if your going to do it, do alot of study and ask all the right questions before you buy anything.

getting to where i wanted with my vader was a long trek, 6 or so helmets down the line four sets of armour 3 chest boxes and two belts and im still upgrading lol 4 years later

the search button up the top of the forum will help

the path to the darkside is a long one :/

 

[JudgeSabersmith]

Thanks for the tips and advice.

My budget is around $2500 to $3000, which spread over a period of a couple years, won't be too bad.

No joining the 501st for me, but want something that I can be proud to display in my room, and that will be immediately recognizable as Darth Vader.

I want to do an ANH version. It's my favorite of all them. Yeah, I know there's little details for all of them that are different from one another, but maybe I can not get so completely hung up on those.

I agree, working from the top down is the best idea. That way, I always have something to look at and keep myself motivated to keep working towards the final goal.

 

[OdiWan72]

Thanks for the tips and advice.

My budget is around $2500 to $3000, which spread over a period of a couple years, won't be too bad.

No joining the 501st for me, but want something that I can be proud to display in my room, and that will be immediately recognizable as Darth Vader.

I want to do an ANH version. It's my favorite of all them. Yeah, I know there's little details for all of them that are different from one another, but maybe I can not get so completely hung up on those.

I agree, working from the top down is the best idea. That way, I always have something to look at and keep myself motivated to keep working towards the final goal.

If you want to go ANH, get yourself one of SgtFangs ANH Vader bucket kits for about $200 IIRC, perfect for display (not sure about their trooping qualities!?) Then I´d proceed with either a NEW GT or a GINO -original sculpt- chestarmor...you can get a good deal on both. After that I´d start to look for portumacs items, which -while being inaccurate- are also good for the money and good for an instant Vader

Sources for gloves, undersuit and other softparts depend on the amount of money you´d intend to spend and your frequentation of the ´bay :

Just a few ideas...

Markus

 

[JudgeSabersmith]

As a custom saber builder, I am trolling ebay daily.

I saw this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Star-Wars-Prop-Darth-Vader-Leather-Body-Suit-2-Pcs_W0QQitemZ170261936998QQihZ007QQcategoryZ99970QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I was thinking it looked pretty good for a body suit. The price is nice, definitely. What do you all say?

Copy that on the St. Fang helmet and the GT or GINO armor. I'll keep an eye peeled.

 

[jcoffman99]

I have that suit. It's great. I love it. It's nice and cool in the back. I sent them my measurements and it fits like a glove. Pretty quick turn around too.

John

 

[JudgeSabersmith]

Excellent! Did you get the two-piece suit, or the one piece? I like the one piece because of the lack of extra parts (and I could be bare chested under it and stay a bit cooler). Too many decisions! HAHA

 

[jcoffman99]

Yep got the one piece. The back is all mesh so you do have to watch taking the chest armor on and off. I nicked the mesh with the corner and tore it a bit.

 

[JudgeSabersmith]

Excellent! Even though I wanted to get a lid first, maybe I'll get the body suit now while I am searching for the right "lid" for the costume.

Now I'm going to have to drag my HVLP and air compressor out of storage if I am going to paint armor and the lid. Might want to check the local paint dealer and see if I can get some Toyota 202 black ordered...

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

Get the GINO armor while you can. PMing about the helmet.

 

[pisani]

I snagged a rubies supreme on eBay for 10 bucks. Anyway good things come to those who wait.

 

[XWFalcon]

Sorry to hijack, but is there a good reference place to see the all the differences and other identifiable parts of the different Vader suits? I've never been that keen on the detail that I've seen any major changes.

If there is, thanks in advance.

 

[GINO]

Go to www.starwarspropaganda.com
Click on the proparchive.
Go to the vader section and click on the thumbnails as well as the propstory thumbnails for some in-depth info.

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