ByYourCommand.net

Mr Fett wrote:How would vac-metallizing compare to chroming? I've seen many guys vac-metallize full C-3P0 costumes for $1,000 and there's more parts to those than there is to a Cylon set of armor.

Vac Met is chroming. Maybe I am wrong about the price, but I thought the quote was $2500 stand alone.

Hummm... Mr Fett could you use any 501st / Rebel Legion connections you have to see what C3P-O builders do for chroming?

I know some do electro-plating for C-3P0's (have heard between $900-$1,500 depending on where they sent their suits to) and I read on a 501st board that they know of one place that will do vac-metallizing for as many parts you can fit into the machine for $500, and they said it takes two loads to do a full C-3P0, hence the $1,000 total.

If that's the case and the C-3P0's have larger sized components than the Cylons, we might be able to get one set of Cylon armor into one load, so $500 (plus shipping to them and back). I'm thinking of looking into that, myself.

Sound great Mr Fett! Keep us posted on your findings - awesome lead to help all of us Cylon builders save some money --- THANK YOU!

Maybe with the extra savings, everyone can afford to have a silver and a gold armor set

My final pieces arrived from CORA so I have complete suit now. I need to assemble the backpack and then all the hard pieces will be finished. I can then start on the body suit.

I found a new chrome paint that I have been testing the last few days. Its from VHT and is advertised as an "Epoxy chrome paint." Product number is SP 525-1.

I repainted my belt boxes and the chest straps with it and I have to say that it appears to work better than the previous paint. It doesnt rub off as much and seems to be more reflective.

Regards,
Chris

Sounds great! I have been working on my CORA back pack a few hours each night this week so far... photos to come in my Cylon-Knight thread later tonight

Very interested in how your work progresses on the back pack - keep us posted please.

Cylon-Knight wrote:Sounds great! I have been working on my CORA back pack a few hours each night this week so far... photos to come in my Cylon-Knight thread later tonight

Very interested in how your work progresses on the back pack - keep us posted please.

I admit, Im taking my time assembling the backpack. Since I have never done one before, I cant just slap it together like a set of Stormtrooper armor.

Im pretty sure I have the collar the way I want it, I just have to figure out the best way to attach it to the backpack.

By the way, I looked at the pieces I painted with the VHT paint that I left out to cure overnight and all I can say is WOW!

My personal opinion is that, next to metallizing and Alma chrome, this is the best chrome paint out there. After just two layers of paint and an overnight cure, I can see myself in the reflection. At around $10 a can, I can do my entire suit for about $20.

I have discovered the trick to this paint is to move slowly over the surface while sparying. Its okay to lay it on thick because it gives you a more even surface when dry. Since this paint dries pretty quickly, you can do several coats in a matter of hours.

I will post some pictures up soon as I finish some larger pieces.

Regards,
Chris

Sounds promising. I've never heard of VHT brand paint before.

Mr Fett wrote:Sounds promising. I've never heard of VHT brand paint before.

Here is the website of the company and the product page of the paint I found:

http://www.vhtpaint.com/platefinish.html

VHT is carried by most major auto parts stores, although the chrome paint will probably need special ordered. I had to special order it through O'Reilly's Auto.

Regards,
Chris

Do you have to do a gloss black undercoat with this paint like other chrome paints?

Pics of your armor parts !!!!!

Mr Fett wrote:Do you have to do a gloss black undercoat with this paint like other chrome paints?

Pics of your armor parts !!!!!

Ive been using a dark gray primer, I havent tried using a gloss black. Most of my pieces are now painte and dried so I will post some pictures soon. The results are looking pretty good.

Regards,
Chris

Okay, here are the latest pictures. Im disappointed in the pictures themselves because they simply do not do the chrome paint justice. You can literally see your reflection in the paint.

Here are the pieces that are finished.








Here are the pieces Im finishing up the bodywork on.

What are you using for filler?

Cylon-Knight wrote:What are you using for filler?

It looks like Bondo to me.

My Vortex 2 Voice Changing module with the Cylon feature arrived today in the mail from Hyperdyne Labs. I need to do some customizing of the settings, but I think it will work out nicely.

I have the eye warble on an MP3 player that will feed into the Vortex and complete the sound effects.

Everything is starting to come together.

Regards,
Chris