Helmet repair

eezarthegreat

Hi guys,

Need a little advise. Found my dad's helmet from the 70's and I want to repair it - it's quite manky.

It could do with a complete paintjob as well as new padding put on the inside. It won't be used again, but cleaned up as part of "history" if you get me.

So, what kind of paint do people usually use to repaint helmets? Also, where should I take the helmet to be padded out again?

Here's what it looks like: (image found online)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tfn_FiembFs/TgUV3uj-u7I/AAAAAAAAApk/X1axZikpLcY/s1600/kunoh1.JPG

Many thanks

mbiking123

I remember those helmets, if memory serves me right they are fiberglass so are not painted, a colour is added to the fiberglass resin when it is mixed. if you put paint on it, it will chip off fairly easily

CJhaughey

The white is gelcoat, it is painted on the mould before the fibreglass is applied.
You can retouch it but it will never look as good as the original finish.
Clean the inside with soap and water.
Blot dry with newspaper leave to dry in a warm dry place.
Hard to repair the lining its better to leave it as it is, warts and all.

arybvtcw0eolkf

I'd go with the advice about.

We used them in work for years and they never really stood up to any repairs or even a decent cleaning.

And tbh, if I'd found something like that I'd feel I was washing away a lot of the helmets history.

eezarthegreat

Douglas Embarrassed Griddle wrote: »

I'd go with the advice about.

We used them in work for years and they never really stood up to any repairs or even a decent cleaning.

And tbh, if I'd found something like that I'd feel I was washing away a lot of the helmets history.

I wouldn't mind keeping it mainly intact, but it's been sitting in a derelict shed and is covered in dirt, mould and cobwebs.

Poor thing is very neglected...

Hmm... I know what you guys are saying, I'd love to sort it though

arybvtcw0eolkf

Have you tried taking a hoover to the lining, then freshen the lining up with something like Fabreeze?.

For the shell I've recommend you use a very light abrasive kitchen cleaning liquid then buff it with some Mr.Sheen (or similar).

Sounds a bit far fetched by we used the same piss-pot helmets in work for years and this is how we kept them clean and fresh.

Interceptor

Get a packet of babywipes and clean the inside and outside with them as best you can and then leave it. You'll destroy the patina and vintage look if you go painting or replacing any parts of it. Buy another one if you want to practice doing it up - they aren't worth much in terms of monetary value.

'cptr

FiSe

I have old Stadium plastic lid sitting in my shop for a while but never got around to actually do something about it - get the lining re-made from leather, new padding and proper 60's paint job a lot of flakes and candy...

Anyway, if you want to get it re-painted it's nothing easier. If it is fiberglass shell:
take out the linen sand the gelcoat - you can see that it's cracked in the mould joint line, this has to be sanded right down to the fiberglass, you can use a bit of filler to fill the crack, sand it smooth
spray filler all over, sand it smooth
next, epoxy primer is the best bet /but any good primer will do/ and voila, time to start messing with colours - basecoat, clear in one or two coats and you'll get stunning shell.

eezarthegreat

FiSe wrote: »

I have old Stadium plastic lid sitting in my shop for a while but never got around to actually do something about it - get the lining re-made from leather, new padding and proper 60's paint job a lot of flakes and candy...

Anyway, if you want to get it re-painted it's nothing easier. If it is fiberglass shell:
take out the linen sand the gelcoat - you can see that it's cracked in the mould joint line, this has to be sanded right down to the fiberglass, you can use a bit of filler to fill the crack, sand it smooth
spray filler all over, sand it smooth
next, epoxy primer is the best bet /but any good primer will do/ and voila, time to start messing with colours - basecoat, clear in one or two coats and you'll get stunning shell.

Amazing advice, thank you

Thanks to everyone. I'll get cracking on it, probably at the start of the new year, and sure I'll slap up how I get on here.

Have a great Christmas/Holidays guys