viking73 Posted December 8, 2020 Share #1 Posted December 8, 2020 Hi Gents - Here is my latest helmet purchase. I wasn't really looking for one but saw this helmet and the price was right so I just had to buy it I really like the early reflective tape added these helmets, the original owner was possibly an ADC interceptor pilot. And since I didn't have one in my collection... You get the idea! She's in rough shape but I can replace the missing and damaged parts pretty easily. The gold visor is very interesting, I am pretty bummed that it is cracked in half. I don't think those were very common? Looks like the name "BONDS" was tape there at one point. Of course the interior is a mess... Here are some side views: The spec tag is long gone as well... Thanks for looking, I'll be sure to post some "after" photos when I have them. -Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted December 8, 2020 Share #2 Posted December 8, 2020 Really nice find, and as you said, pretty easy to restore for it doesn't lack many equipments (and not amongst the most expensive either). The patina is gorgeous, and the taping really characteristic of USAF fighters of this era. I've seen very similar decorative patterns on HGU-2s, here and here for example (the second was sold in France not long ago and resembles very much the one you own, so the picture might hopefully be of help). I like it ! Many clues point to an HGU-2A/P, you've got the spring-mounted H-154/AIC headset and all the strings / studs external retentions, a Gentex plastic-tracked visor housing, and the 3 ventilation holes in the shell. The gold visor is not common indeed, and it's a shame it was broken. If I'm not mistaken it was meant to protect the pilot from a nuclear flash (I've seen a couple of these on German HGU-2A/P(G) on the European used market). Hope you've got the MBU-5/P mask to go with it (straight "in-line" or T-bayonets would do). Looking forward to seeing the updates on this cool restoration project . -Gauthier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viking73 Posted December 26, 2020 Author Share #3 Posted December 26, 2020 Hello, Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Thanks tp fellow forum member 72psb (thanks Bob!), this helmet is ready for action again. I cleaned the grime and sticky gunk off the visor cover and shell using Formula 409 and soft scrub bathroom cleaner for the harder spots. I need to find a 1/2" wide Dymo tape gun to add the "Bonds" name back on the visor but other than that, she's looking good now: I was also fortunate to find an MBU-5/P mask with the "T" bayonets on eBay. It's got a little corrosion I need to clean off before I marry it up to the helmet. It's got a 62/63/64 date wheel on it which is perfect for this helmet. Thanks for looking and I'll be sure to post one more photo when I have the mask all cleaned up. -Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72psb Posted December 26, 2020 Share #4 Posted December 26, 2020 Derek, You are always welcome. Glad the parts all matched up for wear and patina. Looks really good. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted December 26, 2020 Share #5 Posted December 26, 2020 Awesome ! Chinstrap, smoked visor, cross knob and mask are perfectly matching. You also did a pretty good job cleaning it, congratulations, I'm looking forward to seeing more ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted December 26, 2020 Share #6 Posted December 26, 2020 On a side note, given what looks like a remain of narrow rectangular-shaped adhesive on the back next to the destroyed Mfg. label, and the similarities with my S.A.C. HGU-2A/P of the same period, I guess a second "BONDS" nametape would be appropriate. See what you think ! -Gauthier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohawkALSE Posted December 27, 2020 Share #7 Posted December 27, 2020 Cleaned up pretty nice, that mask is a good match for it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayward Son Posted December 27, 2020 Share #8 Posted December 27, 2020 Fantastic clean up and rescue! I hope you find a way of salvaging the gold visor. You don't see those everyday........ As for 72psb, Kudos for pitching in! 🍻 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viking73 Posted December 28, 2020 Author Share #9 Posted December 28, 2020 Thanks again for the comments. I am planning on adding the "BONDS" name tape in the future. I wish there was a way to salvage the gold visor Wayward Son but it's broken completely in half :( Those are rare birds and it makes it all the more sad... How cool would that have looked on this helmet!? I had some spare time this morning and I was able to gently clean and remove the bit of corrosion on the mask. It's looking much better now: And of course with the visor down: Happy New Year everyone! -Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hink441 Posted December 28, 2020 Share #10 Posted December 28, 2020 Awesome job on a really nice helmet. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vark_07 Posted December 29, 2020 Share #11 Posted December 29, 2020 Awesome set, great restoration job you've done here ! I'm envious 🙂. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viking73 Posted December 29, 2020 Author Share #12 Posted December 29, 2020 Thanks gents! I too am pleased at how the helmet turned out. A keeper for sure :) -Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now