TK_LEPER

Smoothing out the inside here. I add the paint so I can see the bumps better when sanding it, makes it easy to tell when it's smooth enough.

ANH forever!

This was one of Marks B-Grade lids (has flaws). I think it ran about $125 plus S&H (have to check on that). It required a bit of bondo, sanding, etc... but in the end, it turned out great. After the trim and fit: As always, I gave the inside a coat of plastic resin material, to help make it more durable. This shows the Bondo, and plastic resin materials that were applied/sanded to fill in the flaws.

Totally agree! This was my AP Build Bible! Jess

Well, he almost never replies to my messages, so... pretty hard to negotiate with the guy.

Great tutorial!

NICE!!

On June 7th, 2010... I bought a helmet on ebay from this "fan_made" guy. I paid for the item immediately, and never received it. And he almost never responds to my messages, even with the dispute I had opened. After three weeks of , he submitted a USPS tracking number. But they had no record of receiving anything from him. Then on July 20th, he sends me a message saying he "shipped the item today." It's been a week now (in addition to the six weeks prior) and guess what!? NO HELMET!! So buyers beware! Listing says he's in Southern Cali, if anyone's out that way, could you pick up my helmet for me?

I overlapped the raised part (over the flat) on mine. Didn't do a strip on the back.

Second that!

I've used an Xacto knife for this. From the side, slowly slide it under the plate until the seal is broken. You might have to do it from a couple sides.

Sorry to hear that man. People can be so disappointing at times. I'm real happy with my ATA, and it was pretty cheap compared to most lids out there. $127 plus S&H. Photo below. See my ATA (helmet) build-----------

Yeah, heat guns... ugh! You gotta be real careful with the heat gun, it can warp your plastic too easily. Just take your time with the iron, nice and slow. And you don't need a super deep return, 1/8" is plenty for most cases. Heck, in the movies some part didn't even have returns. I mean it's up to you... but... I would almost leave it alone, it's kind of a pain to do. I only say this because I know, I did it... And it just created a whole bunch more work for me on MY suit. Jess

I will be taking orders very soon. I was planning on doing a run in August, so... keep an eye out.

Hmmmm... Haven't seen any yet. I'll post it if I do.

They don't have any texture to them. They are pretty heavy duty, should hold up okay for many troopings. I wouldn't say they were super smooth, but I guess it depends on what you mean.

How big of a return are you trying to achieve here?

Yes, very good idea!

Stunt! Stunt! Stunt!!

I have one as well, I like it... it's shiny, and light weight. But I'm not sure I would troop in it.

Been driving all over the state visiting family so they can see the baby. Be a couple days before I can upload my final PDF. Typing this my iPod.

I guess it all depends on your price range, but you could try some online scuba shops. They often have some pretty nice rubber gloves, real heavy duty.

Yay!!!