Race Helmet Painting

Amaroo Park · 18 Dec 2004, 23:46 (Ref:1182874)

I was wondering if many or any of you have gone to the extent of getting your race helemts painted in your own colour scheme?

I have just got my Bell Full Face painted using the same colours that Larry Perkins uses on his, not the same scheme though. It is similar to the colour that was painted on the 60's Brabhams. Both Brabham and Perkins being hero's of mine. I would have got it done in a Colin Bond pattern but Bondy never really had his painted in a particular patter etc.

Anyway I have an open face that I am concidering getting done but not sure if I will bother. SO what about the rest of you?

MGDavid · 19 Dec 2004, 11:31 (Ref:1183099)

rather spend thre money on a rolling road session...

ActiveMS · 20 Dec 2004, 09:33 (Ref:1183725)

Got mine done by Gremlin designs (www.gremlindesigns.co.uk)
Very good. Was about 350 for a full face helmet.

haggispeed · 20 Dec 2004, 12:42 (Ref:1183880)

Nice to have but would rather spend the money on a better quality helmet, new shox, new tyres, new suit, gloves, boots, new spark plugs, towards an engine rebuild, new ratio's etc etc...

TCR-028 · 20 Dec 2004, 13:52 (Ref:1183939)

colinbond - Can i ask where you got it done and roughly what it would cost ?? I have a very plain and boring looking Bell that could use some colour...

Cheers,
Paul...

EvilPumpkin · 20 Dec 2004, 13:57 (Ref:1183946)

I don't want to put you off guys, but unless you have money to spare, you may want to listen to a cautionary tale.

One of our FF drivers paid roughtly GBP£700 for a custom helmet with a skull airbrushed on it. It looked fabulous, but (on what I think was its first race appearance) he was involved in a 6 car pile up.

A car went over his head, leaving a tire track and actually fracturing the helmet. Mercifully the helmet did its real job and although he required hospital treatment he made a full recovery.

However, that was the end of the helmet as there was no way it would ever get through scrutiny again.

Helmet painting is a nice personalised touch - but if budget is an issue, bear in mind that if the helmet is in any way damaged, it immediately becomes money down the drain!

**Tim Falce** · 20 Dec 2004, 14:07 (Ref:1183959)

I would prefer to spend the money on a present for my wife.

Kicking-back · 20 Dec 2004, 14:18 (Ref:1183966)

Dare I say that it's better to spend the money on a HANS than on helmet painting

haggispeed · 20 Dec 2004, 14:37 (Ref:1183978)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kicking-back

Dare I say that it's better to spend the money on a HANS than on helmet painting

Absolutely

- and about the same sort of money.
If you go for a simple design and research the correct paints to use then you can always do it yourself.

goforit500 · 20 Dec 2004, 16:56 (Ref:1184117)

That is probably a much wiser investment Falce !! Be handy to remind her of that when the bill arrives for the engine rebuild/new gearbox/tyres/.........

**Tim Falce** · 20 Dec 2004, 22:21 (Ref:1184434)

Quote:

Originally Posted by goforit500

That is probably a much wiser investment Falce !! Be handy to remind her of that when the bill arrives for the engine rebuild/new gearbox/tyres/.........

That's not a problem, when the bills roll in I just remind her that the Haflinger she bought last week would pay for a race engine for my car

TCR-028 · 20 Dec 2004, 23:12 (Ref:1184497)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kicking-back

Dare I say that it's better to spend the money on a HANS than on helmet painting

Yes, good point...

They are frightfully expensive in Australia though - I've actually considered buying one in the UK when i go there for a holiday, as it would still probably work out cheaper !!

Cheers,
Paul...

StephenRae · 21 Dec 2004, 09:36 (Ref:1184772)

Quote:

Originally Posted by falcemob

I would prefer to spend the money on a present for my wife.

I hope Mrs Mob appreciates you, my ex sited time spent motor racing in our divorce, even though and that was my job

DaveK · 21 Dec 2004, 13:53 (Ref:1184999)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kicking-back

Dare I say that it's better to spend the money on a HANS than on helmet painting

Just remember that before buying a Hans device that your existing helmet is compatable for use with them as only a range of fia approved helmets can have them fitted

Dave

**Tim Falce** · 21 Dec 2004, 14:39 (Ref:1185038)

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenRae

I hope Mrs Mob appreciates you, my ex sited time spent motor racing in our divorce, even though and that was my job

She spends more time with her horses so it's not a problem, in fact it works out well as we never argue about not seeing each other, we only argue when we do.

**dtype38** · 21 Dec 2004, 18:37 (Ref:1185215)

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveK

Just remember that before buying a Hans device that your existing helmet is compatable for use with them as only a range of fia approved helmets can have them fitted

Can you run that by one more time with a bit more detail. I am going to get a HANS this winter as my Chrissy pressie from the wife. I just bought a new helmet and was not aware that there were restrictions on what could be fitted with a HANS device

Amaroo Park · 22 Dec 2004, 01:37 (Ref:1185534)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCR-028

colinbond - Can i ask where you got it done and roughly what it would cost ?? I have a very plain and boring looking Bell that could use some colour...

Cheers,
Paul...

I got it done by a guy out at Penrith and it was around $450. It is a plain design but looks heaps better than just a white helmet. If you want his details send me a PM

marcus · 22 Dec 2004, 01:55 (Ref:1185543)

Geez , lets be rough on a guy for wanting a nice looking helmet then ??????

while I agree all the other safety issues and go faster bits are defiantely more needed , there is no harm in a flash helmet design.

EP's story about the accident to the F Ford fella reminds me of my team mates brand new helmet.

He paid a squillion for it and it looked great but sadly only wore it for 2 events and after a long day at the track he went home completely beat and left his kit in his car (mind you in his driveway as well ) but sadly someone broke into his car and stole his helmet and his suit which had his name embroided on it , so its useless to anyone else

I didnt design my helmet but its a little fancy , i think its a standard design from that company because i work with a bloke who rides a bike to work and he has the same helmet just different colours.

if you check this thread out you will find mine as well as some other members

Fiorentina 1 · 22 Dec 2004, 05:39 (Ref:1185611)

If you are in the states, I would highly recomend contacting Cleber at Cleber Designs. The guy is the man, he paints helmets for Tony Kanaan, Christian Fittipaldi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alex Barron, among others. The guy does all his work, unlike a lot of other big names and the quality is the best I've ever seen. And, i've seen a lot! It doesn't take a month either, 2-week turn around usually. As we speak, I have him painting a Schumacher replica with decals for a Christmas gift.

DaveK · 23 Dec 2004, 17:18 (Ref:1186876)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtype38

Can you run that by one more time with a bit more detail. I am going to get a HANS this winter as my Chrissy pressie from the wife. I just bought a new helmet and was not aware that there were restrictions on what could be fitted with a HANS device

There is a list on the FIA website which shows which helmets have been tested and passed by the fia for use with Hans. You cannot just drill any helmet and fit the posts as hans helmets are designed to have the posts fitted in a pre determined position.

IIRC helmets have to be of a FIA8858 standard to be used with hans.

If you let me know what helmet you have i can advise if it is on the fia list which is a pain to find.

Dave

**dtype38** · 23 Dec 2004, 19:13 (Ref:1186963)

Dave, my new lid is an Arai GP5K SA2000. I got it from Demon Tweeks and did mention that I was thinking of getting a HANS device shortly. If it isn't on the list, does that mean it won't work at all, or just that it doesn't have sufficient strength to meet FIA requirements. I only run at UK MSA national A and B events and don't do any international racing.

**Tim Falce** · 23 Dec 2004, 21:40 (Ref:1187072)

The HANS device has also got to be used with FIA harnesses approved for use with HANS.
Here is a list of approved helmets although they have the posts fitted

**dtype38** · 23 Dec 2004, 21:53 (Ref:1187086)

Quote:

Originally Posted by falcemob

The HANS device has also got to be used with FIA harnesses approved for use with HANS.
Here is a list of approved helmets although they have the posts fitted

But that's rediculous. That list only has six of the most expensive helmets available. I'm not

F1 driver!

haggispeed · 24 Dec 2004, 08:59 (Ref:1187297)

Speak to Demon Tweeks, they know which helmets can and can't be retrofitted. All within the regs. All the major manufacturers are OK, would think a GP5K shouldn't be a problem.

**dtype38** · 24 Dec 2004, 11:44 (Ref:1187370)

haggispeed... that's what I thought. It was only the post from DaveK that started me worrying, and when that starts I can get a bit paranoid, followed by a persecution complex and bouts of manic depression.... Just the usual off-season blues really

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