Restoring a M42 helmet

**Datrus** · 12-26-2011, 08:18 AM

Hello Gents. I have bought a M42 for next to nothing, as a restoration project. It is ground dug but in really good shape. It of course has some pitting, but that's it. There is nothing special about it, so posting pics is not needed i think. I do have a few questions though before i start. What about the paint? Is it ok to use any brand as long as it it the correct RAL code? Also i think i remember that the structure material was made of aluminium oxide. Some say saw dust. Where is the best place to get repro/original liners and decals? Any golden advice about restoring helmets is welcome. I have experience in painting classic car(Triumph and Alfa's). I also have filler and primer for the filler.

Finally... Any suggestions to which kind of helmet variant i should try and make. Normandy maybe or other.

I hope to get some good guide lines on this. I want to do it right and look forward to start.

Thank you.

Lars

UPDATE. Pics of the lid is posted further down.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 12-26-2011 08:18 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Datrus** · 12-26-2011, 10:44 AM

Please guys

**Little Mermaid** · 12-26-2011, 10:52 AM

You could take a look at the one that WOODSNAKE has done a great job in restoring

Link: Heer M42 helmet project

**Datrus** · 12-26-2011, 11:13 AM

I will. Maybe WOODSNAKE can help me out with the RAL codes??

**Little Mermaid** · 12-26-2011, 11:17 AM

I don´t know. It may depend on what color and type of helmet you think of creating. But you can ask him, he is a nice guy and always helpful

**Datrus** · 12-26-2011, 11:31 AM

by Stinschen

I don´t know. It may depend on what color and type of helmet you think of creating. But you can ask him, he is a nice guy and always helpful

That is one of the problems Stinchen. I have not yet made up my mind on which variant of the M42 i will make. But i am trying to find out the criterias for my project in this thread.

**Little Mermaid** · 12-26-2011, 11:33 AM

I think maybe you should post a few photos of the helmet here, that way other members will be able to help you - I have absolutely no experience with refurbishing/restoration projects.

**Paul D** · 12-26-2011, 11:47 AM

Where you are at trhe moment mate i'd go for a nice Ostfront Camo !!

**Datrus** · 12-26-2011, 12:15 PM

Hey Paul. I am in Moscow. Sounds like a cool idea.

I still need to find out a few things though.

-Do i have to get the paint from a certain company or can i use paint from most manufacturers, as long i i get paint in the correct RAL (paint ID codes)??

-How do i get the RAL code for a Eastern Front camo job?

-Where to buy decals?

I think i will go for a original liner and not a repro. Is this the correct choise? I guess i will depend on whether the helmet is for display only or reenactment. I don't know. I just know i want to get started on this helmet.

Pics of the lid here