Hedge36 Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 I know I've seen a thread or two around here from folks who've refinished their Gentex helmets. I've just come into an SPH-5 to replace the -4 I've been using and it's certainly in need of a different color scheme. Specifically I'm interested in stripping products/techniques against this shell's material. Any pointers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeRider78 Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Have you tried to Google "aviation helmet painting" or "aviation helmet customizing"? I know that there are all kinds of customizing schemes for motocross helmets. Maybe there is something for aviation helmets. I don't know how much, if any, difference exists between the two shells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
67november Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 get ahold of flightsuits.com, or Oregon aero as they do helmet refinishing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick1128 Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Many motorcycle shops do helmet painting. Get one that has experience in painting them. I have had good luck with the ones I have used. Just be sure to specify the type of paint. I had an aviation helmet company quote me a paint job, it was almost as much as a new helmet. I don't use mine enough to justify that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedge36 Posted September 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 Thanks, folks - I'm fine with the painting, that's not an issue. I'm more concerned with using the proper chemicals to strip the old paint off of the helmet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOATFIXERGUY Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 Try these guys: http://helicopterhelmet.com/ They have been refurbing helmets for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeloPitts Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 Don't use a chemical stripper, just sand and scuff the old paint real well and then paint. I used a lacquer base coat and an imron clear and it hasn't chipped yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Witch Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 Don't use a chemical stripper, just sand and scuff the old paint real well and then paint. I used a lacquer base coat and an imron clear and it hasn't chipped yet. I concur. Scuffing with a scotchbrite pad or 800 grit sandpaper is best. Scuff until the sheen is gone and the paint is dull. Be sure to get in ALL the cracks. Remember; prepwork is 95% of the quality. You might even want to use a paint...aw crap, I forgot the product name. Anyhow, it's a primer that makes paint stick better, I used it on the plastic on my bike. It has adheard well. An enamel or laquer is good, but the Imron...bulletproof. I'm wantin'to paint mine also, but don't know what to paint on it. Maybe just stickers? Later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedge36 Posted September 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 I concur. Scuffing with a scotchbrite pad or 800 grit sandpaper is best. Scuff until the sheen is gone and the paint is dull. Be sure to get in ALL the cracks. Remember; prepwork is 95% of the quality. You might even want to use a paint...aw crap, I forgot the product name. Anyhow, it's a primer that makes paint stick better, I used it on the plastic on my bike. It has adheard well. An enamel or laquer is good, but the Imron...bulletproof. I'm wantin'to paint mine also, but don't know what to paint on it. Maybe just stickers? Later Hey Witch - thanks for the input, I remembered late last night that it was your thread I was looking for... I need to add a volume control for my CEPs too! Did you ever get a sat result on that? You never ended up repainting that bucket? I thought you'd stripped it already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Witch Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 (edited) Hey Witch - thanks for the input, I remembered late last night that it was your thread I was looking for... I need to add a volume control for my CEPs too! Did you ever get a sat result on that? You never ended up repainting that bucket? I thought you'd stripped it already. Aw hell yeah I got great results for the volume control. I'll post a picture and schematic here. As for the hardhat, I'd like to get some vinyl stickers made; Marvin the Martian among others. That's after it gets painted of course. Later Edited September 19, 2008 by Witch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedge36 Posted September 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2008 Dood, thanks! That's a Radio Shack pot, yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Witch Posted September 22, 2008 Report Share Posted September 22, 2008 Dood, thanks! That's a Radio Shack pot, yes?Radio Shack has them, as well as other electronics stores. If you have any old broken electronics, you might find one there. Remember, one wire goes to the center post and the other wire can go into either of the outer posts. 2KΩ linear taper pot. Later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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