Adam Ant, Then and now

[greenmachines]

I was too impatient for my own advice and I clearcoated the ring before the metallic silver had cured completely. I came back to it about 4 hours later to find the clear had dissolved the reflective and made putty gray. After much cleaning, it is now metallic again and baking under a heat lamp.

 

[JamesM242]

I like your tenacity!

 

[greenmachines]

In comparison pics today I found there is a height difference between my ebay lenses and Adam's. This search led to another version number for these frames. I will modify the ones I have to match if I cannot find an existing pair available. I will also update the previous post so no one attempts to buy the wrong pair. The narrow lenses are version PL0001 Starck 21 Black.

Here is the comparison pic showing the difference:

Here is a listing for the correct version:

 

[greenmachines]

Having the frames in hand gives me a width (this can change if the frame is offered in multiple widths) I can use for my measurement app. It shows the height of adams lenses is 26mm where mine are 33mm. Because my lenses are the original display plastic and not prescription it causes no damage to remove them and shape them correctly. I will remove the clear strap as well. Again, this is only if I cannot find the correct frame.

 

[greenmachines]

The frames are available at about 350 to 550 so I am busy modifying my recent purchase. I took some more measurements from the app and cut my lenses. I also clipped the center bridge nose pads and will need to solder them back on at a point higher on the stem. I clipped the stem to size and curved it to match the new lenses.

After the massacre but before the solder, super glue and repainting, we have this (lenses are completed):

 

[greenmachines]

So, word on the street is that laquer is best for clear coating metallic reflective paint so as to not corrupt the surface... the dull gray pudding. So I dug in the shop and found some in spray version and will start on mounting the nickel and starting the gold and turquoise paint with laquer over all as a finish coat.

 

[greenmachines]

I went to the store looking for something I could bend into the spades ring. Tried several things then found this metal ruler sitting in the shop. It was exactly 26mm wide and very shapable. It is another Dollar store purchase. I bent it in a vice and then used shears to cut the side and did a lot of filing.

Outlined in sharpy...

Then spraypainted in the same silver reflective that I used on the others. It is baking under the heat lamp now. Tomorrow, I will adhere the overlay and post final spades ring pictures.

 

[greenmachines]

Quick post before I do anything to damage the paint job:

At least this new bigger size has some presence like the original. I may add some thickness later but for now it will be overlay and set aside for pose day.

 

[greenmachines]

Opinions? I keep waffling on finishing the "Then" highwayman hat. Please comment on the following pattern of ribbons:

The gold and silver on left look bright yellow and white in direct sunlight so I am not too worried about color matching but for pattern and proportions I keep changing my mind. Shall I proceed with the above (left)?

 

[JamesM242]

My vote is, "yes, proceed" - I like the pattern details on the left example and I think it will look dandy on your highwayman hat.

 

[Moviefreak]

Opinions? I keep waffling on finishing the "Then" highwayman hat. Please comment on the following pattern of ribbons:

View attachment 1734828


The gold and silver on left look bright yellow and white in direct sunlight so I am not too worried about color matching but for pattern and proportions I keep changing my mind. Shall I proceed with the above (left)?

Looks great.

 

[joberg]

Opinions? I keep waffling on finishing the "Then" highwayman hat. Please comment on the following pattern of ribbons:

View attachment 1734828


The gold and silver on left look bright yellow and white in direct sunlight so I am not too worried about color matching but for pattern and proportions I keep changing my mind. Shall I proceed with the above (left)?

It's very close

 

[Moviefreak]

Lol… I’m sitting at The House of Blues, having a beer at the bar, and Adam Ant just came on the sound system. Had to chuckle after following this thread for a while.

 

[greenmachines]

A fresh overlay on the larger spades version. Calling this one done for now.

 

[greenmachines]

Still need to add the two silver coin tabs, the little v points that hold the nickel in and some clean up after the turquoise dries. I got a little on the face. But the scrolling turned out nice, partly gray shadow and partly turquoise fill. After that I have a little gold touchup to do on the nickel and the buffalo sides. Then the final shellac sealer. But here is today's progress waiting for the paint to dry.

oh and the original to match:

 

[joberg]

Looking good

 

[greenmachines]

Started on the eight ball ring today:

I masked the ring base and painted the first layer white. Then masked the circle for the 8 and painted it black. I pulled the circle mask before it got too cured to separate and am now waiting for full cure to do touch ups and paint on the 8. Will post again when done.

And Adam's for comparison:

 

[greenmachines]

Because I know myself well enough that good enough is not good enough, I won't promise that any of my custom rings won't undergo some improvements. Here is my first 3 accompanied by a skull (because the 8 ball isn't finished yet).

 

[JamesM242]

Nice collection of rings!

 

[joberg]

That looks very good