The Expanse: Belter Vac Suit Build

[NonSleeper]

View attachment 1437572

Helmet is complete!

Super happy with it, now onto the rest of the suit.

where did you get the stickers for the helmet?

 

[Kokanee]

where did you get the stickers for the helmet?

Hello!

I made the stickers myself. Your post reminds me, I was planning on doing up a sticker pack for release, I should get on that.

Aww looking on this post makes me sad; the only thing I kept from this was the helmet. The suit is on display in a comic book shop in the UK. And I sold the rest of the components off. At least others are enjoying them, shame I can't keep everything.

 

[NonSleeper]

how did you make them if its ok to ask?

thanks!

 

[Kokanee]

how did you make them if its ok to ask?

thanks!

Yeah always ok that's what this is about eh?

I used some laser compatible vinyl sticker sheets, printed them out then carefully cut them out. Some I have a shot of clear coat so they would look new, some left as is

Then I applied them as I did the weathering so some were more worn than others.

 

[NonSleeper]

Yeah always ok that's what this is about eh?

I used some laser compatible vinyl sticker sheets, printed them out then carefully cut them out. Some I have a shot of clear coat so they would look new, some left as is

Then I applied them as I did the weathering so some were more worn than others.

thanks!

 

[cosmognosis]

View attachment 1498397

Helmet stripped down, primered then major components attached with hot glue and bondo

View attachment 1498398

And after removal of a good amount of the extra bondo, glazing putty to smooth everything out and repair dings and scratches from the removal process.

I heard those helmets have lead paint in them, how do you safely going about stripping it?

 

[cosmognosis]

View attachment 1498397

Helmet stripped down, primered then major components attached with hot glue and bondo

View attachment 1498398

And after removal of a good amount of the extra bondo, glazing putty to smooth everything out and repair dings and scratches from the removal process.

I head these helmets use lead paint, how do you go about stripping it safely?

 

[Kokanee]

I head these helmets use lead paint, how do you go about stripping it safely?

You are correct! "helmet stripped down" meant "as much as possible without disturbing the paint". Seals removed, rust addressed etc. To paint over the old, chipped lead paint, I used a coat of self-etching primer, then used some glazing putty to fill any chips or imperfections. Light sand on that outdoors, then filler primer until it was ready for paint.

 

[cosmognosis]

You are correct! "helmet stripped down" meant "as much as possible without disturbing the paint". Seals removed, rust addressed etc. To paint over the old, chipped lead paint, I used a coat of self-etching primer, then used some glazing putty to fill any chips or imperfections. Light sand on that outdoors, then filler primer until it was ready for paint.

Thank you!!

 

[cosmognosis]

Thank you!!

I just got all the assemblies and stuff off the main dome of the helmet (it was actually a lot harder than I thought), what is the order in which you go from here? E.g. in what order do you attach the greebles (and using what adhesive), use self etching primer, glaze, sand, and use filler primer? Also did you remove the internal heather head cap part to paint the inside as well?

 

[Kokanee]

I just got all the assemblies and stuff off the main dome of the helmet (it was actually a lot harder than I thought), what is the order in which you go from here? E.g. in what order do you attach the greebles (and using what adhesive), use self etching primer, glaze, sand, and use filler primer? Also did you remove the internal heather head cap part to paint the inside as well?

Hey I can answer this in detail in a bit, but if I had to do it over again, I would fibreglass resin the inside of the helmet shell. It's thin aluminum, and can flex slightly and cause cracks in filler or paint down the road.

Resin, then truck bed liner on the I side, then helmet pads

 

[Extimate Space]

Hey dude,

Newly registered on RPF and my first stop had to be this thread. Just wanted to say thank you for the exhaustive documentation of your build - it was invaluable in tackling my own quick and dirty build start-to-finish in about 4 weeks back in March of this year. The art assets you shared in the FB group were super helpful as well.

I'll write up a thread with proper photos when I get the chance!