Discussion on My Boba Upgrade Build within the Boba Fett Costume forum, part of the Star Wars Original Trilogy Bounty Hunters category; It all started with a Hasbro Fett helmet and the
It all started with a Hasbro Fett helmet and the desire for an awesome Halloween costume! And now it has evolved into a whole new beast. Ive posted some threads on various pieces of my Boba, so I figured it would only make sense to put it all in one thread and keep it simpler. So here we go, first a few pics of my hasbro mod/halloween costume and then the start of an upgrade in the journey to my SE ROTJ Boba Fett.
Last edited by Armydad; 04-04-2012 at 12:07 AM.
I began my upgrade with an ebay mystery helmet (later determined to actually be a MS1 recast). I lucked out with this (luck being that it could have been much worse, Ive seen others from the same seller who werent as fortunate as me) Next time Ill stick to the "real helmets" lol, but in all fairness it turned out well and Im very proud of it.
Next Ive upgraded from a dickies jump suit and altered winter jacket to a MOW flight suit and vest. Using blackcatbone's method for weathering the jumpsuit and dying.
Replacing the garbage can armor with fiberglass armor, mounting to the vest via the grommet and screw technique. Still a few tweeks on the actual armor plates but over all Im pleased. Ive also got my MOW jetpack and ROTJ gauntlets on their way- cant wait to get ahold of them!
Collar studs: keyboard keys with nut affixed inside. And shin tools found on amazon.
Currently working on the armor plates, Ive used Raff's and RichD's stencils for most of my painting by numbers- and plan on continuing to use their stencils seeing how they're the best!!! I do mean to give credit where credit is due always- and have no shame in saying "hey that guy had a good idea", so if I forget to mention someone its by no means me trying to steel your ideas lol, there are just so many good ideas going around I might forget to mention one, so please dont feel left out. Ill continue to update as I make progress and post plenty of pics along the way, and I am open to criticism and suggestions as well (although I prefer suggestions lol) so please feel free to post as I continue my journey to SE ROTJ Boba fett!!!
Oh yeah, if anyone knows where to find a cheap (decently priced) mannequin Id love to get my hands on one, thanks!
Wow i can now see where im going to end up with this crazy addiction. To think it all starts with a hasbro helmet and thinking "hmmm i could probably do something with this hunk o junk ....." i love it though even if my wife doesnt! Haha!
Reply With Quote Posted from iOS app went to local deparment stores and kmarts asking to buy damage mannequin,.. manager gave me one for free. Hope you get as lucky as I did.
looking good man did you painted your bucket?
Originally Posted by Armydad
To Joshsurf: yeah my wifes not to crazy about lol, I just have to let her get her own toys once in a while too lol!
To Kcr7pr: as for the mannequin- Im a Soldier stationed in Italy right now, Ive tried asking for damaged ones at department stores here, but the Italians dont quite understand what Im getting at. And yes I did assemble and paint my helmet myself- you can find my build thread here
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f23/a...met-wip-43653/
First paint of the armor. Weather went south on me so I couldnt go any further. Hope to finish the other pieces up and start weathering them soon. Enjoy!
Hay good job, can u give me the description of the shin tools to look for them on amazon or ebay?...Thanks...
Search for Paterson Print Squeegee and Paterson 245 Chemical Stirrer. Although I just checked and the chemical stirrer currently is not available.
If you go to the WIKI on this forum, all of the known found parts are listed with their description.
TDH Wiki Home - Boba Fett Costume Resource
Thanks, I'll check it out
looking good
Thanks Jake!! Had enough good weather to paint the collar too, slow and steady.
Initial paint of large armor items complete, at least until my new cod piece arrives. Shoulder pads shouldnt be too much trouble. I just want to clarrify- from what I can tell in the gallery, ROTJ shoulder bells are both the same color? I know ESB one is darker than the other. Just wanted to get a second opinion- thanks.
You did a great job so far!
Yes, the ROTJ shoulder bells and the knee pads share the same colors and weathering style and the armor don't have the missmatched armor and weathering as the Empire era costumes.
Awesome, thanks Raff!!! You are a walking Fett encyclopedia!!!!
Great job!
Looking good mate!
Reply With Quote Posted from iOS app Looking Boss...this will be helpful.
Cod and cape both pre-weathering. Cape is US Army shelter half (I remember carrying one of these when I was in Basic Training lol) and Cod was purchased off of a fellow fetter here on TDH, I belive it's a FP armor cod piece if I remember correctly. Jet pack and gauntlets should arrive any day now!!!
Last edited by Armydad; 04-23-2012 at 09:51 AM.
My MoW jetpack and gauntlets have arrived!!!!! Oh happy days, I wont bother with the review of the items, I think MoW's quality is know well enough by now- needless to say I am very happy!!! Although I plan on setting up the gauntlets, I dont think Ill have time to start the pack until after I return to the states this summer.
Oh yeah and some quick pillow mannequins to get a quick look at how things are looking together (still looking for full sized mannequin).
Can someone confirm that this is the proper way to assemble the thruster- my main question is the round hatched piece seen in the picks, I assume it is used the connect the cone to the ball, thanks.
For the mannequin, how about making a duct tape copy of yourself? Easy, and simple, just buy abouf four or five rolls and a cheap polo T-shirt, have someone tape you up evenly, and then fill the cavity with newspaper. Easy copy of yourself, with which to accurately see how the items look on your self. You can even do supports there, and make full body version. I have a torso version of myself to help me on my work.
That is correct! Nice setup so far!
Thanks chibi- Ill consider that, and Raff, always helpful!!!
First run through weathering the armor- still working on the cape and need to paint the decals on the chest and shoulder bell- how's it looking?
Why you did the extra weathering? I really liked the armor in your last images and the only 'extra' weathering should be a coat of black misted over the plates. I'm not saying that this is not looking good, but is not accurate.
So you're saying no weathering then? I just got the feeling that they looked too clean. And when ever I mist with spray paint I always end up getting giant globs and spots.
But I see what you're saying (via the gallery) I think Ill tome it down a bit.
Toned down the weathering big time, and misted, what do think Raff, better direction?
Man Raff Ive really got to thank you for that eye opener!!!!! I was on board for grossly over weathering all my armor- but thanks to your comment I pulled back on the reins a bit and started paying more attention to the source material in the gallery- you sir have probably saved me hours of repainting lol!!! Thanks again!
It looks much better!
Remember that even if you use the stencils, always use the corresponding images as reference from the Gallery. I didn't wanted to sound harsh, but the armor looked really good, and then you applied those burnt-like marks... As I said, it looks good but is not accurate for your suit version.
I thought it looked pretty good too lol, then when you said "not accurate" I hit the breaks and re-evaluated where I was going, even my shoulder bells had way too much scorching on them. Luckily I used a technique that was easy to fix with out too much trouble.
Skull stencil cut out and shoulders nearly complete
The cape
impressed
Made a torso mannequin out of a boogie board for now.
Last edited by Armydad; 05-01-2012 at 11:42 AM.
The gauntlets begin to come alive!!!
Got my gauntlets hinged!! Turned out very well, although the only magnets I could find around here arent strong enough to hold them closed. Does anyone have another method for securing the gauntlets (that isnt velcro)? Im open to suggestions, thanks.
Started painting the gaunts, very happy with the red I chose. And Ive ordered some heavy duty magnets to hold them shut, hopefully they get here soon.
It may just be your lighting, sweetie, but that red looks awfully orange. o.o
Thanks for the eye Tempest, but I have to confess to horrible lighting lately, I think all the lights in my living room are about to die at the same time lol- It happens to be more burgundy/ maroon in color in person.
Ok, still have some detailing to do on the right gauntlet- and I need to get a set of darts, but here's the progress so far- In better light for you Temp lol, enjoy.
Those gauntlets are looking very good! I don't know if you got this with your gauntlet set, but the tip of the left gauntlet's rocket is missing:
Gladly, this is an easy fix and you should quickly found a replacement for it.
Really good job!
Thanks guys, and Raff- no the very tip didnt come with the rocket, once I find the right steel rod to use Ill be adding that as well.
I used a rivet. I made a tiny holde in the rocket tip and then used some superglue to hold it in place. It fits in nicely.
Thanks CC, Im sure Ill find something, Ill drill a tiny hole in the tip and superglue what ever I end up using in place.
I see the colors better in the third set of pictures. awesome job.
Got my shirt!!!!
Ok Im a little hesitant in posting these, apparently my handheld camera decided to go a little wall-eye on me, making me appear a little more rotund and big/ bobble headed than actuality, but I suppose Ill just start taking my progress pics with the digital SLR from here on out.
Anyway: here's what I have so far: not including the jetpack, most remaining upgrades are from the waist down- I need...
1. New girth belt
2. New ammo belt and pouches
3. New knee pads (didnt bother securing these for the pic so they fell)
4. Finish painting/ building shin tools
5. New boots
6. Decide if Im sticking with hasbro EE-3 or getting new kit, I like the sound effects and lights, but if I keep it Ill have to extend the butt stock.
Over all Im very happy with my progress so far.
Oh yeah one more thing, how does every one attach their side pouches? Ive been hanging them from the ammo belt but it doesnt look that way in the reference pics.
I have to say I was very displeased with last nights test fit photos, so I took some more tonight with the D-SLR camera. Inspecting each one before I disrobed and I must say they turned out much better, but I now know what was causing the Fat-Guy Fett appearance. My fiberglass armor isnt curved enough to fit me correctly, and it has no bend to allow it to contour to my torso, causing it stick out around the edges. Making every shot that isnt a square frontal shot look like Fett has a beer belly So now I have a dilemma. Unless I can find a way to minimize the armor jutting out or some how get it to hug my torso better I may be forced to buy another set of armor all together, and I have to say the wife wont be pleased at all lol!! And Im not too happy about the idea either. Anyway, here are the latest test fit pics, tell me what you think, and if any one has any ideas to help me salvage this armor please feel free to share!!!! Im almost tempted to ask if anyone knows how to bend fiberglass lol.
No doubt you have to bend that armor, I don't know if a heat gun will do it, but you also need to lower down that ammo belt, it needs to overlap the girth belt a little bit, you don't want to be the Boba other Bobas pick on in school...
I hear ya Pete, gotta do something about these plates, from what I can tell in the pics its the bottom of the chest plates jutting out the most, and as for the ammo belt, I know it sits lower, I just threw it on for the quick pics, thanks for the eye.
About the soft pouches, I've seen people using Velcro on the back of the belt and in the front of the pouches loop, and the other way around, using Velcro on the back of the pouches loop and sticking it to the flight suit.. I'm thinking about using a thin clip that can be hidden between the leather pouches, what you want is the soft pouches falling right beneath each group of leather pouches
by clipping the excess fabric from the vest in the back Im able to pull the plates tighter against my torso helping alleviate some of the plate protrusions, lessening the Fat-Fett effect. I suppose this will do for a quick fix for now, at least until I can either bend these plates, or get a new set of armor. But for now this will have to do.
Going to attempt to heat armor in the oven at a moderate temp to acheive even heating through out the entire plate, which will hopefully allow me to reshape them slightly to better contour to my torso. But it will have to wait until i get back to Italy from Germany, Ive got some soldiering stuff to take care of first. hopefully Ill have some updates by next weekend.
Tonight I bake my fiberglass armor at 250 in an attempt to shape it better, fingers crossed it works!! If not I may be in the market for a new set of armor
Success!!! I have managed to defeat the "Fat Guy Fett"!!!! The fiberglass plates bent perfectly, at about 225 for ten minutes each, then a dip in cool water to hold the new shape, with only minor damage to the paint job and mounting screws of the ab plate (the first one I did). Ill post some pics tomorrow, its getting late, but man am I happy it worked!!! stay tuned for updates.
Alright!!! A much better fit, the plates fit much more snugly against my torso. No more jutting or pulling at the vest at the edges of the chest or ab plates. Now just a little damage control on the ab plate from the oven, but no big deal. Fat Fett averted!!!
Well progress has been slow lately, Ive been a little busy between training with the German Army and preparing to return to the states soon. But here's what Ive been able to get done: Added the tip to the rocket, got a few more details in on the right gauntlet and epoxied some earth magnets to keep them shut (I may put one more set of magnets in each gauntlet for the added security) Next on the agenda will be remounting the screws on the ab plate and touching up the paint job. Then I may finish up the shin tools.
I like your magnet method of keeping them shut
Same here! Very nicely done. Different than the way I did my magnets, I wouldn't have thought to do it that way..very cool
You've given me lots of desire to carry on with my build! Haha
Thanks guys, I figured this way would give the magnets the most holding power, I just put a sticky note in between them to keep from accidentally gluing them together when I epoxied them to the gauntlet. Id like to know how you did yours RKD.
Has anyone seen or used this ammo belt from ebay? It doesnt look bad per se, but the angles on the pouches dont look quite right, but then in some pics the pouches seem to resemble these more so. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated- my other option is having a buddy of mine make one from real leather, thanks!!
I've seen those too, they're nice 'cause they're leather and functional, but if you are going for screen accuracy I don't think they are the best way to go, I made mine with batninja tutorial with pleather and I think look great...
For accuracy's sake go with the batninja tutorial... there is a new one that a newer member made as well. I think Rafalfett was invoved too... they actually used vinyl on the screen used prop so it could be an inexpensive scratchbuild that will look very good.
Yeah I was originally planning on remaking them myself, I rushed the first ones I made too much, and they came out sloppy. And celebration 6 is coming quick and Im trying to save time if I can with a few bought items. I still have to assemble and paint my jetpack, and build/ buy a harness along with a list of other small things. Its getting to be crunch time, and Im in the middle of getting ready to move back to the US on top of everything else lol. But if time gets too tight I might just get this one and upgrade later. I guess we'll see how everything falls into place.
Wife's ordered some MOW boots for my upcoming Birthday!!! My wife is AWESOME!!!!!
Great idea AD!
Here's a section from my build thread on that:
I've tried velcro in the past and am not happy with it at all, not to mention that it wears out and it just doesn't hold. In fact, I don't think velcro would work very good for these gaunts at all because they are so stiff. Doing magnets is a bit more time consuming and more expensive but when you're done, that's it. No more fussing and the best part? ...you don't have to worry about them wearing out.
OK so for the first step after sizing and finish trimming I marked my spot where I wanted the magnets to connect. I figured in the corners since that is where the gaunts will want to pull apart the most and will need the most pressure applied.
So, mark your spot and cut out some holes for the magnets to fit through on the BOTTOM shells. In this case, square holes because I'll be using cube magnets. I'm not sure what the strength rating is on these but they're pretty strong. I would recommend around a 5 lb rating. Not too strong, but strong enough for these gaunts. If you have .060 gaunts you may not need magnets that strong because they'll flex easier than .090. Enough talk, take a look
Cut the hole a little larger to allow easy passage for the magnet (but not too big)
Next I matched up my shell halves and marked with a white color pencil on the inside of the upper clam
Next I attach my magnets inside the upper clams where I marked, with some Loctite Plastix Bonder
After that I added some plastic spacers to the inside of the lower clams in order to recess the second magnet in order to allow passage for the initial magnet to slide all the way up. That will allow your clam halves to clamp together more tightly. This method is what I like to refer to as my 'peg and slot' method. The second (lower clam) magnet holds the first (upper clam) magnet into the slot while at the same time the first magnet acts as a peg. Since the magnets are holding themselves together inside the hole, there is no way the pieces can slip or slide one way or another until you take them apart (and even then they still want to go back together). Once they're together that's it. They're easy to put on and take off too. Another great benefit is that you can still take the halves apart and work on them without having to tear anything apart.
This will work on just about anything. (I used this method on my RC for the elbows attaching to the forearms and it worked great as well.)...you just have to think about how to apply it and which side will be the slot and which the pegTake a look below and it might make more sense when you see the pics
Recessed magnet on the lower clam
Upper clam with cube magnet gripping tightly - peg and slot baby!!
This worked out so well and the magnets were strong enough that I only needed 4 peg and slots per gaunt (a total of 16 magnets). I was gonna add another one in the middle on each side but there was no need. These bad boys hold together on their own no problem
After that I decided to just go ahead and get them primed and let them sit over night
These'll be ready to sand tomorrow then I'll shoot them with some metallic silver and a coat of matte finish to seal it in and then it'll be masking nightmare for the next few days after that.
All in all, this whole process only took me about 2 or 3 hours (I broke it up here and there so it's hard to say exactly how long it took to this point). Not bad for the first day's work and it was fun to work on.
AHH ok, I remember seeing these before RKD, I do like how your magnets fit into the slots of the shell.
Production has been a bit slow lately, but I managed to put the shin tools together to keep busy, just waiting on gauntlet darts, and I think I might start piecing the jet pack together soon.
First run at weathering my boots, after a comparison with the gallery I am very pleased. Although they are still slightly damp, Ill wait until tomorrow before I decide if Im going to add a slightly darker layer just around the top of the sole. First pic is without flash. Tell me what you guys think, thanks!
Ok boots are dry, and Im happy, still waiting on any comments or suggestions, Thanks!
well they look good to me, this makes me impatient as mine just got posted, and RKD great on the gaunt magnets.
It looks very good for me too.
Sounds good, boots done! (minus spikes, I'll get those put on a little later) Next is new knee pads and Jet pack assembly!!!
Thanks buddy!well they look good to me, this makes me impatient as mine just got posted, and RKD great on the gaunt magnets.
recent progress: began making knee pads out of plastic piping, rigged cod piece and kidney armor attachment via key board keys, began making dart launchers from steel and aluminum tubing.
Rough assembly of the knee pads, still have some sanding before paint, any thoughts? Thanks
Boots done, just now finishing up the knee pads (paint job is being a pain, Ill have to do a little touch up) and jet pack is assembled, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Knee pads done, just need a little velcro to hold them in place when being worn, and a waist down test fit. next on the list- painting the jet pack!!! After that, if all goes well the only things Ill have left to upgrade/ make/ replace is the ammo belt (have one on the way), girth belt and wookie braids. Im also still waiting on my gauntlet darts in the mail, shouldnt be long now- I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Came across this girdle work out thing of my wifes while rummaging through a closet, and I said hey!!! a jet pack harness!!! so i sewed some straps to it and viola!!! Jet pack has been harnessed!!, and It works too, Ive been flying around the house on my computer chair all morning lol!! A few minor mods to ensure its hidden under the flack vest and maybe some comforts padding on the shoulders but it was an awesome home find surprise!
The Jet pack paint up has begun
I must say that I am growing increasingly frustrated, pist off even!!! Every time I mask of a section to paint, it ends up peeling off all over the place!!! GRRRRR!!!! But I have the majority of the color in place, Ill go and touch it up by hand with a brush, I have to add the finer details by hand anyways, Ill persevere as always, but man does it erk me that the **** paint wont stick to the pack, I sanded and primed, did everything right and it peeled right off. Ill be encasing the pack in a shell of clear coat for sure lol
Ok, fixed the ever peeling paint problem- minus decals, and a bit more weathering, tell me how its looking so far-
A few more scratch marks and a tad bit of weathering, Jet pack is 99.5% done, I can work on something else for a bit.
Looking good keep up the good work.
Thanks!! Just some minor details left before I can deem it wearable, or try a first attempt submission for acceptance. I just finished braiding my new wookie scalps and got my ammo belt. And I just realized last night that I still need to paint the chest emblem on. And a couple pieces of hidden velcro to hold a few pieces of armor in place and Ill be ready for a full dress rehearsal!
Some of the finishing touches on a few items: gauntlet darts finally came in, got the chest emblem painted on and wookie braids done up
Full dress rehearsal and test fit.
[COLOR="silver"]- - - Updated - - -[/COLOR]
Girth belt and Hasbro blaster are the two obvious upgrades still needed, but I think its looking pretty good, I still dont have a mannequin, so its hard to tell how its coming together with out putting it all on.
A couple of adjustments, what do you think guys?
Almost forgot about this thread, Ive moved to my new one "working on approval" in case any one was following this, here are some pics of where I stand now, some necessary improvements have been made
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