Topic: Customizing my 5-Snap Shield

[alby]

Thought I'd document the modifications I made to my new shield.

I originally ordered the Rockhard American Classic open face helmet. (Great helmet, by the way)


It's a 5-snap helmet so I decided to order a 5-snap flat shield along with it.


However, upon receiving my package I was disappointed to realize the shield's side snaps, although being slightly adjustable, didn't line up with the snaps on the helmet. This particular helmet must have a different location for their side snaps since most reviews of the shield (Vega) were positive. My first thought was to return the shield in exchange for one which would fit, but unfortunately Motorcycle Superstore's restocking fee was the exact same price of the shield itself. I wasn't about to essentially give it back to them so I decided to modify the shield myself.

First I used a pair of diagonal cutters to remove the existing snaps.


I left the protective film on as not to damage the shield and the snaps came off even easier than expected.


I marked the shield (on the protective film) where the new holes would be drilled and where I would reshape the edge.


A nice pair of scissors ended up being enough to cut through the plastic.


After drilling the holes I installed the new snaps, which I picked up a fabric store for a few bucks.


And presto! There you have it.


I think it came out pretty slick. I actually like the look of it much more than the original. Plus, I had no intention of attaching a visor over the shield so I'm very happy with the 5 flat silver snaps.

[72 yellow]

Pretty slick.  I still use the flat comp shield on my open face helmet.  My helmet dates back to about 1971.  I don't care for the full face models.  Only the last pic of the finished project came through.

[alby]

Thanks Yellow. Your helmet must be a true american classic.
I fixed the images so they'll all appear now.

[Alan F.]

Nice. Hey Alby, what part of western Mass are you in? I grew up out that way.  Join up with the eastern Mass locals at www.nehondaguys.net We're a great group with lots of know-how and tons of parts to trade around.
Alan F.

[alby]

Great! Thanks for the heads up. I grew up Northampton, currently living in Worthington.

[Alan F.]

Cool, I know it well.....er...I used to. Everywhere I used to shift into 4th gear there's now a stop sign or a red light.  The NEhondaGuys rides get out that way from time to time, hang out on that forum sometime maybe we can ride in the spring.
Alan

[CycleRanger]

Heh, those face shields didn't always fit back in the 70's either.

I've been looking at the Rockhard since they make a 3/4 in red metal flake.

I'd prefer a Bell Custom 500 but I gotta have red metal flake! 

[alby]

Yeah, the red looks really nice.
I was tempted by the Custom 500 in Gold Flake.
Next time.

[72 yellow]

Thanks Yellow. Your helmet must be a true american classic.
I fixed the images so they'll all appear now.

I checked on the helmet, it is a 1971 Buco International. Also have a 1971 Bell 3/4.  And a couple of Buco Traveler 1/2 helmets that are even older.  Used to carry one in case a lady needed or wanted a ride.  In my single days of course. 

[CycleRanger]

Yeah, the red looks really nice.
I was tempted by the Custom 500 in Gold Flake.
Next time.

Yeah, I'm not ready to repaint my bike to match the helmet yet.

I'm hoping if I procrastinate long enough Bell will do a 500 in red flake.