HGU-26 Project Started

[SoCalvin]

I've been collecting Aviation/Flight gear for quite awhile,  mainly WW2 items, but always wanted a earlier US fast jet helmet as well. I kinda filled in that want somewhat the last couple years with a RAF (Mk IIIC) and a Ruskie  (ShZ/ZSh Combo) 80's era rigs, but I recently scored a HGU-26 with a nice MBU-5 mask both dated 73/74. The helmet definitely needs some work but nothing  I can't handle (broken clear visor, scratched dark visor, cracked visor cover, missing and deteriorated pads, nicks and scratches and grime, etc.) I initially thought I may need to paint the shell but it actually cleaned and polished up very nicely. Since I have to repair the visor cover I'm going to finish it with a design to look Cool and Pop! Already ordered the pads and disassembled everything for refurb. Just thought I'd show some 'before' pics and will post 'after' ones later when completed.

[Mikeym_us]

On 10/6/2025 at 4:56 PM, SoCalvin said:

I've been collecting Aviation/Flight gear for quite awhile,  mainly WW2 items, but always wanted a earlier US fast jet helmet as well. I kinda filled in that want somewhat the last couple years with a RAF (Mk IIIC) and a Ruskie  (ShZ/ZSh Combo) 80's era rigs, but I recently scored a HGU-26 with a nice MBU-5 mask both dated 73/74. The helmet definitely needs some work but nothing  I can't handle (broken clear visor, scratched dark visor, cracked visor cover, missing and deteriorated pads, nicks and scratches and grime, etc.) I initially thought I may need to paint the shell but it actually cleaned and polished up very nicely. Since I have to repair the visor cover I'm going to finish it with a design to look Cool and Pop! Already ordered the pads and disassembled everything for refurb. Just thought I'd show some 'before' pics and will post 'after' ones later when completed.

Mine was like that too. 

 

[Alamo]

Cool

[Mikeym_us]

All that needed to be done was get a visor cover and screws and replace the liner on that helmet.