MR CE helmet overhaul

[wannabetrooper]

Wanted to show you guys what I've done to my MR CE helmet. I want to thank all who have shared their ideas. Came in very handy. Not done yet, but here's what I've done so far:

 

1. Remove neck & brow trim then disassemble helmet:

 

2. Sand off any mold lines and fill in gap under the frown:

 

3. I used 220 then 320 crit sandpaper over the mold lines. Then I sanded the entire helmet with 600 wet/dry using some water with a little soap.

 

4. I removed the aerators:

 

5. Next I wanted to open up the space after the third tooth:

First I marked where I wanted the opening:

Then I drilled a small hole in the center and worked my way out:

Next, I used some small metal files and sandpaper to smooth out the hole. Now there is a more defined third tooth:

[wannabetrooper]

6. Next I removed the tabs just above the ear on the back half and these on the front, plus some other parts:

 

This was so I could close the big gap between the two halves after removing the ears:

 

I was hoping to use ears from one of the helmet kits, but I can't find anyone who will sell them to me. I might have to use the ones it came with

 

7. Filled in the areas with some MMD putty. Will sand smooth tomorrow:

 

After that it should be ready for priming then painting.

[SuperTrooper]

Great tutorial so far. Keep the pictures coming.

[wannabetrooper]

I had posted this already, but thought I should include it here too:

 

I placed some electrical tape on the brow as a guide, then trimmed it:

Before:

 

After

[Scootch[TK]]

Hey this is looking good!

[firebladejedi[TK]]

If you need some ears try John Danter on here, he offers hero and stunt versions

[wannabetrooper]

If you need some ears try John Danter on here, he offers hero and stunt versions

 

Awesome. I'll give him a try. Thanks!

[Onigiri[TK]]

Awesome. Mine arrived in the mail today (85 bucks off of Ebay)...quite teh deal and IMHO a GREAT helmet that these mods just make better. Id take teh CE over an FX ANY day. Im hoping someone comes out with some aftermarket bubble lenses.

 

Awesome. I'll give him a try. Thanks!

[wannabetrooper]

OK, I sanded the MMD putty around the ear areas and this is how they look:

 

 

 

Next I will permanently reinstall the cap, seal the seam with more MMD, then primer.

[FIVE[501st]]

You're doing a great job showing all you're doing!

Thanks!!

 

Looking forward to more.

[Onigiri[TK]]

why do I have the feeling this helmet is going be incredible when its finished....

[Runnriottt]

Im hoping someone comes out with some aftermarket bubble lenses.

 

Working on flat though!

 

I ordered one as well. Mine should arrive this week. Great job so far!

[darklordtripple9]

Great job so far,can't wait to see the endresult

 

I woulden't have the GUTS to do this to an mr ce!!!!

[Onigiri[TK]]

POSSIBLY a stupid question but what is MMD putty? Its not pink so its not Bondo so I am assuming some sort of modeling putty...

 

Great job so far,can't wait to see the endresult

 

I woulden't have the GUTS to do this to an mr ce!!!!

[Double Dee]

How do you find the MMD? Is it difficult to sand? The epoxy I'm using is a bit of a b#tch to sand down. Sands smooth, but a little tough.

 

Looking good.

 

DD.

[wannabetrooper]

Thanks everyone. I found the MMD White Putty (actually more grey) in a local hobby shop. It's made by a company called Squadron Products. It dries fairly quick and it is easy to sand. For mine I use 220, 320, then 600 grit sandpaper. With the 600 I wet the paper and it smooths out the putty really good. You can feather out the edges onto the plastic.

 

 

 

Next step is to clean the inside to get rid of the residue from the foam pieces, then paint it flat black.

Then primer and paint. I just hope after all this I don't screw up the details by hand painting them instead of using decals.

[Murray1134[501st]]

Thanks everyone. I found the MMD White Putty (actually more grey) in a local hobby shop. It's made by a company called Squadron Products. It dries fairly quick and it is easy to sand. For mine I use 220, 320, then 600 grit sandpaper. With the 600 I wet the paper and it smooths out the putty really good. You can feather out the edges onto the plastic.

 

 

I've tried some of that stuff. Found it in a local hobby shop. They aren't kidding when they say "Harmful Vapors" on the front there. It's got a powerful smell. Definitely want to use in a ventilated area.

[wannabetrooper]

After I opened up the space next to the third tooth I decided I wanted to open them all up a little. Here are some before and after pics:

 

 

 

[Amish Trooper]

With them opened up more it does look a lot better. Good job

[mark]

Awesome job....I am trying to get another CE so I can do this as well. I don't have the courage to tackle this without a backup...lol.

[Runnriottt]

When my CE gets here I am following in your foot steps man! Looking good!

[PunkRockTuba]

it looks awesome so far, i cant wait to see the finished product.

[wannabetrooper]

Awesome job....I am trying to get another CE so I can do this as well. I don't have the courage to tackle this without a backup...lol.

 

 

Exactly! I have an unaltered one too that I plan on taking pictures side by side when I'm done.

[wannabetrooper]

Planning on painting the inside black today and priming the outside tomorrow. I will post pictures when I do.

[riveting]

Looking forward to pic's of the finished Lid