Helmet

[m3_lover]

Is there anyway you can buy a helmet that is functional and has the paint job of a F1 driver, instead of a Replica. Like you can use the helmet if you went on the track? I just see mostly replica for display purposes or the actual helmet of the driver (but that costs about $20,000).

[Tom]

Its quite easy to buy a decent helmet (if not cheap) and get it painted by a proffesional. Just make sure it is a proffesional though as some paints can damage the helmet.
I'm sure somewhere on the internet is a sight that sells real F1 coloured helmets.

[m3_lover]

That is what I was thinking with the helmet since it looked like the cheaper way to do it. What is a good company/brand for getting gloves, underwear, racing suit, and boots to do some track days for the next summer. I checked some websites and there is a big range in prices, but I really don't understand why there is such a big difference. Can anybody explain ?

[MrT]

Demon Tweeks (AKA Demon Theives) - http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk
Grand Prix Racewear - http://www.gprdirect.com/

Both arn't cheap but next day delivery and have are efficient.

Get a helmet and get it painted is the best way. I got mine painted by a pro friend in my own colours.... most people charge between £150 - £350 depending on complexity.
http://www.jlfdesigns.com/
http://www.gremlindesigns.co.uk/

[rkn]

log into http://www.stefans-helmpage.de and send him an email about your inquiry, he will paint your helmet for about 320€.

PS dont leave him a message in the guestbook, he won't answer!

[checkered]

Is there anyway you can buy a helmet that is functional and has the paint job of a F1 driver, instead of a Replica. Like you can use the helmet if you went on the track? I just see mostly replica for display purposes or the actual helmet of the driver (but that costs about $20,000).

As you said

actual F1 helmets used by drivers cost ridiculous amounts of money. There's also a potential copyright issue with existing designs (graphics the intellectual property of the artists, sponsors etc.), but I don't know how prone anyone would be to actually raising the issue (unless you intend to use the helmet in high profile events). If you're artistically inclined, though, or are looking for something really special try contacting Alex Wurz ... he paints (airbrushes) his own helmets. Being a cool guy and somewhat of a renaissance man, who knows what he'd be prepared to do if you ask the right questions.

http://www.wurz.com/

[Militia Est Vita]

That is what I was thinking with the helmet since it looked like the cheaper way to do it. What is a good company/brand for getting gloves, underwear, racing suit, and boots to do some track days for the next summer. I checked some websites and there is a big range in prices, but I really don't understand why there is such a big difference. Can anybody explain ?

It probably has something to do with hand-made graphics opposite to using Vinyls. I beleive that some graphic artists paint every single letter of the sponsor "decals" and they don't use any stencils at all, all is painted by hand so I think this is what can raise the price a lot.

[kurtiejjj]

I once tried it myself a number of years ago! I got a cheap helmet, then tried to paint it myself to M Schumacher's early helmet design and add the advertisements by designing them on me dad's computer and using his plotter! I like to think I did quite a good job, before I put the final coat of lacquer! I put on acrylic lacquer which made the underlying paint shrink! Gone two weeks of hard work!