Lopaka's DIY Garage (2.0)

[Lopaka KaMars]

Such a classic model.....

And I would do one for you if it helps you to stick around Bro. Don't let A-ho's win Ronnie.


This is one I've been working on for some time now. Weather hasn't been kind here on Oahu the last couple of weeks. Our winter is more rain.

How's pearl white and purple sound? Just upgrading my Violet Valve.

 

[Lopaka KaMars]

So I've reached this point and want the paint to harden a little more before pushing the lenses in. Two weeks to reach this point.

 

[SpecialAdvisor]

So I've reached this point and want the paint to harden a little more before pushing the lenses in. Two weeks to reach this point.

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That’s looks outstanding Brother!

 

[Lopaka KaMars]

That’s looks outstanding Brother!

Here's me being super impatient and doing things I shouldn't. I went and messed up my eye sockets this morning trying to get lenses in. Once I f-ed up one side I tried the other side and messed that up too. I was already sick at that point. I think a lot was overspray. I think put down too much paint because I had a hard time getting lenses in. I just know I was mad this morning then took apart the purple hubs and put them on my Violet-black pair. No, I don't have photos of what I did with the white pair, because I don't want memories of what it looked like.

So I got home and immediately stripped down the white frame. Then got a couple coats of white on. Things look good so far. So hopefully I'll have no problems when I do my clear coat.

 

[Yo Flawch!]

I think some customizers use a little dish soap (maybe even diluted a touch) around the edges of the lenses, to reduce the friction, and help the lenses slip in. Have you tried coating the edges of the lens with Dawn, and gently try to slip them in?

Also, I know you prefer OEM lenses, but I wanted to mention that Doug from Ikon lenses will always cut a pair of lenses for you at a (very) slightly reduced size, to help with fit issues caused by the additional paint/clear. I will PM his info to you.

 

[Lopaka KaMars]

Side project. Fixing up the 49er glasses.

 

[SpecialAdvisor]

Now those are looking smooth and clean!

 

[Lopaka KaMars]

I have to mention that the finish you see on that pair above is not the one in these photos. Even the white frame above is no more. I stopped talking about what I was doing because I felt I was jinxing myself. I re-did the gold and white frames like 3 times each for various reasons. Basically things were ugly and all I could do was start over. This also has some visible flaws. But I like what I did overall. I changed up and now these are done in a whole different way. And I think I'm using less paint. So finally these parts feel dry and went together easily. Still waiting for brand new lenses to come in. I'm just icons and rubbers away from from face-time. TWSS.

 

[SpecialAdvisor]

Got a touch of Tony Stark going there…

Looks great to me! These Valve 1.0 are “almost” as hard to find as MARS!

 

[Yo Flawch!]

Got a touch of Tony Stark going there…

Looks great to me! These Valve 1.0 are “almost” as hard to find as MARS!

I just took a peek at the eBay offerings, and I have to say the OG Valve offerings are currently disappointing... lots of high prices and poor condition. Maybe start up a buying thread for that model? A nice pair will pop up at a reasonable price - it's just a matter of time.