Top Gun Moto Helmet - Part 2: VIPER
- Thread starter Monster Dave
- Start date
Ford W Maverick
Well-Known Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Sweet!
Sweet!
Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
:lol
I know...I know!! That's on the list to replace!
A Goose helmet for my fiancee is a great idea!!
Thanks for the positive feedback everyone! I'm really looking forward to wearing this helmet as soon as it's done!
:lol
I know...I know!! That's on the list to replace!
A Goose helmet for my fiancee is a great idea!!
Thanks for the positive feedback everyone! I'm really looking forward to wearing this helmet as soon as it's done!
Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Hey everyone! Well after 2 days off from working on my project, I found myself inspired tonight and finished the graphics application!!! CHECK OUT THE PICS!!!
Front:
Rear/Side:
W/Visor for effect:
I must admit that seeing it all gussied up like this - I LOVE IT!!!
As you can see it's still taped-up because I anticipate doing a clear coat over it to protect all of my hard work. The areas that are taped are black which I really think will add some nice accent color against the blue. Lastly, I'm going to get a dark/smoke colored visor to round it out with.
You'll have to take my word for it, but the pictures don't do it justice!! I'll take a few pics in the full daylight soon!
Hey everyone! Well after 2 days off from working on my project, I found myself inspired tonight and finished the graphics application!!! CHECK OUT THE PICS!!!
Front:
Rear/Side:
W/Visor for effect:
I must admit that seeing it all gussied up like this - I LOVE IT!!!
As you can see it's still taped-up because I anticipate doing a clear coat over it to protect all of my hard work. The areas that are taped are black which I really think will add some nice accent color against the blue. Lastly, I'm going to get a dark/smoke colored visor to round it out with.
You'll have to take my word for it, but the pictures don't do it justice!! I'll take a few pics in the full daylight soon!
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Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
This is looking great!!
Its good news about keying the decals prior to clear, Ideally you need to key the hole thing prior to clear. Be very carefull with the edges of the decals though.
I would also replace the masking but with rattle can paint its not essential.
If your struggling with using 1000 grit paper over awkward shapes you should be able to get round that with GREY scotchbrite, test it first to make sure its not too scratchy though, it shouldnt be
Just make sure that the thing is spotlessly clean before you clear coat, even a single paper fiber or hair could ruin it.
Really looking forward to seeing how this comes out thumbsup:thumbsup
EDIT: If your going to wet sand in between coats give it 2-3 coats first then let it thoroughly dry & add a bit of washing up liquid to the water before you start wet sanding. High gloss clears can clog the paper easily, the clog can leave deep scratches & the soap reduces this but make sure to rinse & de-grease before applying the next coat of clear.
HTH
This is looking great!!
Its good news about keying the decals prior to clear, Ideally you need to key the hole thing prior to clear. Be very carefull with the edges of the decals though.
I would also replace the masking but with rattle can paint its not essential.
If your struggling with using 1000 grit paper over awkward shapes you should be able to get round that with GREY scotchbrite, test it first to make sure its not too scratchy though, it shouldnt be
Just make sure that the thing is spotlessly clean before you clear coat, even a single paper fiber or hair could ruin it.
Really looking forward to seeing how this comes out
thumbsup:thumbsupEDIT: If your going to wet sand in between coats give it 2-3 coats first then let it thoroughly dry & add a bit of washing up liquid to the water before you start wet sanding. High gloss clears can clog the paper easily, the clog can leave deep scratches & the soap reduces this but make sure to rinse & de-grease before applying the next coat of clear.
HTH
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Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Thanks Guys!! Next will be to clear coat it which will really bring it to life! Thanks for the tips too!
I'm so close to completion that I can hardly wait to wear it!!
Thanks Guys!! Next will be to clear coat it which will really bring it to life! Thanks for the tips too!
I'm so close to completion that I can hardly wait to wear it!!
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
OH! and NEVER, NEVER shoot clear in a high humidity environment. This should not be a problem in Arizona, but take it to heart if a storm is blowing through and you're about to clear-coat in the garage.
OH! and NEVER, NEVER shoot clear in a high humidity environment. This should not be a problem in Arizona, but take it to heart if a storm is blowing through and you're about to clear-coat in the garage.
Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Good to know! At the moment, humidity is at 8%...
...and I'm thirsty. :lol
Good to know! At the moment, humidity is at 8%...
...and I'm thirsty. :lol
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Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Hey everyone! It's been about a week since my last update but work has moved forward on my helmet!! The clear coat has been applied, sanding was done, and it was cleared again and I can tell you for sure that these pictures don't do it justice!!
So without further ado, let me present to you my completed custom and first time ever RPF (or otherwise) movie replica project:
I am so pleased with it! It's going to let it sit overnight but I expect to wear it tomorrow!! I only have a clear visor for it at the moment, but I want to wear it so bad!! I expect to get a dark/smoke shield ordered and have it before the end of the week!
When I think back to where my skills where when I started this project, I can hardly believe that not only I did this, but also that it turned out so amazing!! I'll never doubt Rust-Oleum products again that's for sure!
Thank you guys for all of your advice over this month!!
"Goose, it's time to buzz the tower!"
Hey everyone! It's been about a week since my last update but work has moved forward on my helmet!! The clear coat has been applied, sanding was done, and it was cleared again and I can tell you for sure that these pictures don't do it justice!!
So without further ado, let me present to you my completed custom and first time ever RPF (or otherwise) movie replica project:
I am so pleased with it! It's going to let it sit overnight but I expect to wear it tomorrow!! I only have a clear visor for it at the moment, but I want to wear it so bad!! I expect to get a dark/smoke shield ordered and have it before the end of the week!
When I think back to where my skills where when I started this project, I can hardly believe that not only I did this, but also that it turned out so amazing!! I'll never doubt Rust-Oleum products again that's for sure!
Thank you guys for all of your advice over this month!!
"Goose, it's time to buzz the tower!"
Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Thanks Leigh!
I'm really happy with it. After I took those pictures, I fully reassembled it so that I could wear it on my ride to work! That being said, it's so pretty that I'm almost afraid to wear it!!
Thanks Leigh!
I'm really happy with it. After I took those pictures, I fully reassembled it so that I could wear it on my ride to work! That being said, it's so pretty that I'm almost afraid to wear it!!
Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Thanks guys!
I agree Norman!!! I got quite a few people giving me a double take as I rode to work this morning.
Fred - I had to use the Rust-Oleum Automotive Clear because I learned (before trying it out - thankfully) that you can't mix paint types. So the R.O. clear seemed like a smart choice since I used the enamel blue paint.
I got a little frustrated last night though - when I put the visor on, my thumb slipped off and my nail left a mark in the still soft clear coat. So I need to buff that out. I also discovered that now that the paint is thicker on the helmet that my visor can't be opened all the way or it will scratch the paint as it swings upward... :angry
Oh well, at least it's nothing big.
Thanks guys!
I agree Norman!!! I got quite a few people giving me a double take as I rode to work this morning.
Fred - I had to use the Rust-Oleum Automotive Clear because I learned (before trying it out - thankfully) that you can't mix paint types. So the R.O. clear seemed like a smart choice since I used the enamel blue paint.
I got a little frustrated last night though - when I put the visor on, my thumb slipped off and my nail left a mark in the still soft clear coat. So I need to buff that out. I also discovered that now that the paint is thicker on the helmet that my visor can't be opened all the way or it will scratch the paint as it swings upward... :angry
Oh well, at least it's nothing big.
Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Hey everyone, just a quick update regarding my last post.
After accidentally marking my helmet when I installed the visor, I later noted some other marks that led me to believe that I had most certainly not given the clear coat sufficient time to cure before wearing it. As such, I decided to re-sand it and re-clear it again.
Now it looks great again and it's been sitting since last week. Due to the type of paint that I used, I'm going to let it sit for the next 5-10 days before doing ANYTHING with it so that I don't risk messing up the clear coat again.
I chalk that up to yet another lesson learned about painting!!
Hey everyone, just a quick update regarding my last post.
After accidentally marking my helmet when I installed the visor, I later noted some other marks that led me to believe that I had most certainly not given the clear coat sufficient time to cure before wearing it. As such, I decided to re-sand it and re-clear it again.
Now it looks great again and it's been sitting since last week. Due to the type of paint that I used, I'm going to let it sit for the next 5-10 days before doing ANYTHING with it so that I don't risk messing up the clear coat again.
I chalk that up to yet another lesson learned about painting!!
Monster Dave
Sr Member
Re: My First Build!! Top Gun Moto Helmet!!
Hey guys and gals! My helmet is now FULLY COMPLETE!!
I'm not ready to wear it yet, still too fresh and beautiful to risk getting bugs on it yet!! I got the dark visor this last week and installed it without any problems!
Started with this:
Ended with this! Check it out:
Front:
Side:
Top:
Rear:
Check out the clarity of the reflections!:
(Even the dust particles show!!)
Hey guys and gals! My helmet is now FULLY COMPLETE!!
I'm not ready to wear it yet, still too fresh and beautiful to risk getting bugs on it yet!! I got the dark visor this last week and installed it without any problems!
Started with this:
Ended with this! Check it out:
Front:
Side:
Top:
Rear:
Check out the clarity of the reflections!:
(Even the dust particles show!!)
