[shadytom]

Hi folks,

My last girlfriend got me a custom painted helmet. Very nice of her
but I never cared for it. Now that we are untogether (new word!) I
would like to get it repainted to a solid color. Can anyone reccomend
a helmet painter who would do this?

I don't need any fancy graphics - just a solid green.

Many thanks in advance.

John.

 

[Synergy]

AirTrix can do it, they do all the pro riders lids. Most of their designs end up on Suomy's. Might be pricey, but give them a call.

http://www.airtrix.com/start.php

 

[shadytom]

AirTrix can do it, they do all the pro riders lids. Most of their designs end up on Suomy's. Might be pricey, but give them a call.

http://www.airtrix.com/start.php

Thank you for the tip but you were right - they are way too expensive - $1300 for a helmet!!!!

Anybody got any other suggestions?

John.

 

[PookaDog]

Would it be cheaper to buy a spray-gun and the appropriate paint, if you can't find a reasonable paint-shop?
Just a thought.

 

[Guest]

I wouldn't send out for it, someone local certainly can do it.
Maybe ask a motorcycle shop, usually there's guys in town that do jet skis, bikes, etc.

Helmets are easy to paint because of the small size and even curvature. You could easily do a good job yourself if you feel so inclined. If so, take off the trim, mask off with painter's tape and sand with 400 grit. You can rattle can an even coat, don't worry about any shine, just get it even. Sand again with 400 and spray even coats of clear or take it at that stage to a painter and have them clear coat it professionally. If you do it that way ask about paint compatability.

 

[RagazzaDGatta]

Thank you for the tip but you were right - they are way too expensive - $1300 for a helmet!!!!

Anybody got any other suggestions?

John.

I'd say $1300 is cheap for AirTrix.... mine was not quite that cheap, but mine looks excellent

... But if all you want is a solid color you can almost go anywhere... call some local car or bike painters and see if they can point you in the right direction.

 

[shadytom]

Thanks for the tips. I think I'll ask at the local bike stores.

Thanks again.

 

[Dutch900]

How old is the helmet? If it is 5 yrs or older get a new one...(cheap insurance)

 

[shadytom]

How old is the helmet? If it is 5 yrs or older get a new one...(cheap insurance)

It's a couple of years old but esentially unworn (never really liked the design).

Do helmets degrade "on the shelf" or is it the result of being worn?

John.

 

[Dutch900]

I was told that they degrade on the shelf. The material starts to break down and loose its ability to absorb impact like it once did. (That is what I was told, but maybe they were just trying to sell me a helmet.) Anyone have information on this?

 

[JDuc]

I have heard this as well, and not just from sales people. It's been in the rags as well.

And it makes sense. Foam will degrade over time, even if it's kept in optimal conditions.

besides that, 5 years is the general recomended time frame because of the advancements made in helmet technology in the past 5 years (in a rotating cycle). A 5 year old helmet when compared to a new helmet doesn't have the same protective features, thus, it's cheap insurance.

 

[kozik]

the foam degrades over time as it outgasses. it eventually becomes 'brittle' and therefore non operational as an impact absorbing material.

 

[rcrob]

Maybe this is silly, but solid color helmes are reasonably priced compared to the racer reps. probably cheaper to buy a new lid than to get it repainted.

 

[shadytom]

Maybe this is silly, but solid color helmes are reasonably priced compared to the racer reps. probably cheaper to buy a new lid than to get it repainted.

No - not silly at all. Getting it repainted would be about $200 - I'm going to put
that towards a new helmet.

Thanks guys.

John.

 

[trid741]

After 3-5 years a fiberglass-based helmet should be replaced. The impact qauklity of the fiberglass degrades. That's why most race organizations usually specify the latest Snell sticker. I consulted for a helmet company some years ago - it's not just them trying to sell more helmets.
Rgds
Richard

 

[Chuckracer]

Back on topic...what kind of helmet is it and what is the paint job? Perhaps it would be cool to someone else and a trade could be arranged?

 

[rob]

It's a couple of years old but esentially unworn (never really liked the design).

Do helmets degrade "on the shelf" or is it the result of being worn?

John.

Helmets do have a shelf-life. I wouldn't personally buy one more than a couple of years old -- but short of asking it's pretty hard to tell from looking at it how old a helmet is.

 

[pokey]

Give Mike a call at Savage Designs. www.savagedesigns.com The detail is fantastic plus he's got a ton of enthusiam. Really if you've got to get it repainted, why not custom paint it?

Alan