"You're gonna need something to put your brains in!" My mother likes to remind me of this at a high level of decibels. Well, whatever it is, it might as well look cool, right? Right. This has been the decisive train of thought for centuries. Helmets have always done a little more than what they are supposed to do. Take a look at the ancient Greek and Roman warriors with their helmets adorned with giant Mohawks. What protective function did this have? None, but it sure looked tough. Even the Conquistadors' (no, not the GMC version of the El Camino) helmets were in vogue at the time they decimated the Aztec empire.
Following the natural course of history-and the introduction of metalflake to the general populous in 1960 by the Dobeckmun Corporation as the coolest thing ever-the metalflake helmet was born. Just about every helmet manufacturer began producing their own version, most with a gimmick or special feature to set them apart from the rest. These helmets (now vintage) have withstood the test of time, and despite interior deterioration, were readily available everywhere one looked. Readily available that is, until the advent of that dang interweb machine spoiled everything. Gone are the days of the swap meet helmet for a fistful of clams.
Do not fret, true believer, for the craftsmen at Biltwell Inc. saw this plague and decided to do something about it. Today is now the day of the Biltwell Open Faced Novelty Helmet. Resplendent in a plethora of metaflake hues (plus silver and black), these helmets are brand new, lighter, and much more comfortable than those overpriced antiquities. What's more is that these helmets just beg for a Kustom period paintjob. Yes, beg. Follow along as yours truly puts two of these helmets through the full treatment with very basic painting techniques for a far out finish.
Biltwell inc.
(951) 699-1500
www.biltwellinc.com
The Harpoon
harpoonkustompaint@hotmail.com
Your Local Crafts,Hobby or Paint Shop
Materials Needed For This Article
Helmet 1
-Masking Tape
-1 packet Varigated Gold Leaf
-Gold Leaf size
-2 Foam brushes
-Patch of velvet
-Pinstripe paint, brush,and reducer
-Outdoor Varnish
-A slow hand, easy touch
Helmet 2
-Masking tape
-Spray paint
-Lazy Susan
-Pinstripe paint, brush, and reducer
-Elephants
...
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