The Challenge - Fixing a Misaligned Dome - M.R. Vader

[Huzz]

Hey guys,

a friend of mine has a Master Replicas Limited Edition Darth Vader helmet that has a misaligned dome. I'm looking for help and suggestions on how to fix it, and based on the talent I've seen here, I'm sure you guys can solve the problem.

As some of you may know, the dome of the Master Replicas Vader helmet attaches to the face mask using:

(1) a magnet in the dome and the mask; and
(2) a keyed disk atop the mask that fits into a circular depression and key slot in the top underside of the dome.

The misalignment in my friend's helmet appears to be because the disk that sits atop the mask is not flush on one side with the top of the mask. The disk is lifted on the right side. So, when the dome is placed on the mask, the dome tilts to the right, enough to make the dome's center ridge out of alignment with the center of Vader's nose.

Does anyone know how this could be fixed or suggest some things to try?

Does anyone know how the disk is attached to the top of the face mask? If we knew that, perhaps we could develop a way to get it sitting flat, at 90 degrees to the vertical center of the face mask.

Thanks in advance and cheers guys!

Huzz

 

[darthgordon]

My suggestion would be to send it back to MR and tell them you want one that fits right.

 

[Huzz]

Hi DarthGordon!

The helmet was bought "as-is" at a reduced price so that's not an option. Its in pristine condition otherwise.

Come-on the rest of ya - I know someone out there can figure this out!! Based on the talent I've seen here, it ought to be easy!

Huzz

 

[OdiWan72]

Why don´t you sand the "raised" area of the mounting disc until you compensated the lifted ring?

Markus

 

[Huzz]

Thanks for that suggestion! :thumbsup

I've just learned that in addition to the disk being raised on the right side and not flush and level, there is another problem. The disc is also rotated to the right so that the key on the disk points toward's Vader's right eye. It should point straight out over the bloke's nose.

It just goes to show that rap music these days has a bad influence even on Vader who can't seem to wear his hat straight these days. :wacko

Huzz

 

[OdiWan72]

Thanks for that suggestion! :thumbsup

It just goes to show that rap music these days has a bad influence even on Vader who can't seem to wear his hat straight these days. :wacko

Huzz

:lol

I´ve never seen the mounting system of a MR Vader, but would it be an option to cut off the key and adding a scratchbuild new key to the ring?
All work that´s done to the mounting system will be hidden by the dome anyway...just an idea?!

Markus

 

[Huzz]

Here is a side-view the mounting disk of one that I had and sent back. The key is pointing forward on this one, but if you look closely you can see that this disk is raised slightly.

My buddy's lid has a more severe tip to the disk, plus a rotation to the right:

Thanks!!

Huzz

 

[Aegis159]

Any chance you could get pictures of the area in question and what it currently looks like misaligned? It would more than likely lead to more suggestions of how to fix the problem....

Just a thought....

 

[Huzz]

Lemme see what I can dig up!

Huzz

 

[Huzz]

Here is a picture of the helmet with the misaligned dome on the right, and next to it on the left side of the image, a helmet with a properly aligned dome.

 

[Chewcy]

I had a MR vader with exactly the same problem, i sold it to a friend of mine very cheaply.

it took him ten minutes to fix it, using a dremel he enlarged the cut out in the dome fixing, making the dome able to turn more left and right, making it easy to centre the dome, also the repair is invisble when the dome is attached, simple and effective.

hope this helps, how MR lets faults like this slip through I have no idea though.

Paul

 

[Chewcy]

Also the top ring on the face part is screwed and glued,i removed the padding to check this so is very difficult to remove,esp without damagingt he helmet I would definately just mod the dome mounting inside,as with a dremel like i said the repair will take minutes

 

[Huzz]

Guys - thanks for the comments to date.

Here is another picture of the disk atop teh face mask:

I'll see if I can get some that better show how the disk is twisted to the right relative to Vader's face.

Thanks again!

Huzz

 

[Chewcy]

that is awful, why would MR think that was ok to release to the public, the one I had was twisted but not raised like that, i still think if you modify the cutout in the dome to make the dome turn, it should resolve 99% of the issue for minimum fuss, oh and with mine MR didnt want to know, and never offered to replace it:angry

 

[kurtyboy]

Yeah I paid full price for one with a squint dome. QA people should be shot.