WWII Airsoft Association - Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question

« Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question »

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.
May 20, 2013, 9:35pm

WWII Airsoft Association :: General :: Period Impressions and Unit Recruiting :: Allied Impression Information :: Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question

Author

Topic: Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question (Read 505 times)

stretch
Private
member is offline

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29

Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question
« Thread Started on Jan 12, 2007, 8:59am »

I've just aquired what a believe is a WWII vintage M1 helmet. It has a front seam with swivel bales with what appears to original paint or a minimal repaint. Am I correct in that a front seam helmet with swivel bales dates from 1943-1944?

I have decided to clean it up a bit and make a good WWII looking helmet with new liner and hardware. Also, I wanted to repaint it as it has alot of scuff marks and I was curious about paint color. I have read Krylon Camo OD paints are a good match. Also, atthefront.com sells a can of paint that is suppose to be a perfect match. Anyone have any ideas/thoughts on this?

Finally, I've read a few posts and how-to's on replacing the "cork" texture on the helmet. I read about the saw dust method but it doesn't look quite right. Does anybody know if this texture is really cork or some form of sand/gravel. It appears to be a from of coarse sand. Also, how is this applied or how was it applied when the helmet was manufactured? Was it mixed into the paint or sprinkled on while the base coat was wet and then painted OD once it was dry?

Thanks for any help on the subject. This has probably already been covered but I just wanted to confirm. Thanks again.

Stretch

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

Nimlas
Ordnungspolizei

member is offline

[avatar]

grumpy

Joined: Dec 2005
Gender: Male

Posts: 1,593

Re: Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question
« Reply #1 on Jan 12, 2007, 2:07pm »

The cork was mixed in with the paint, and sprayed on throught the same gun.

If I were you, I'd grind up some cork, spray some paint onto the helmet, sprinkle the cord on, spray more paint, and repeat all over the helmet. I'd test it on something else, because it does take some practice.
Take it slow and do little bits at a time.
I'd just got for the ATF paint, but I must say, Rollin's cork texturing really sucks.

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

ivymp4
Private
member is offline

[avatar]

Joined: May 2006
Gender: Male

Posts: 143

Re: Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question
« Reply #2 on Jan 12, 2007, 11:36pm »

If its got original paint I would leave it as it is its worth more. As you just cant find originals any more. If you want a good airsoft helmet just look on e-bay for one with bad pant. It helps to look in the Korea war section thats were I picked up two of my fixed bales for next to nothing

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

4th MP Plt. 2nd LT., 5th Rangers C Company SGT. 2nd NBB, 30th ID PVT.

stretch
Private
member is offline

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29

Re: Another M1 Helmet Cork/Color Question
« Reply #3 on Jan 13, 2007, 4:41pm »

Thanks for the replies. I just washed the helmet to get the dust and dirt off it and it doesn't look any better. The paint appears to be fairly original but its not in too good of a shape. It still has really good coverage but its not great. It has tons of scuff marks and several permanent marker tags on it (maybe to identify it as surplus?). Also, the cork texture is really thin in most places except around the lower rim. I figured I'd just re-texture/paint it and put on a painted unit marking to look good. I've already ordered the liner and hardware as well as a helmet net so I'll go with the ATF OD paint to finish it off. Thanks again for the help.

Greg

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

Click Here To Make This Board Ad-Free