New guy to the GBprops page..gonna build a proton pack.

Equipment Proton Packs
1

Hey everyone. I’ve been lurking for quite some time now on this page reading every bit of information I could on the fourms and looking at pictures like crazy. This is my first post on this site and as a first time poster, I want to say hello to all the GB fans out there. Glad to know that there is a huge fan base that is just as crazy as I am!

So here is the plan that was floating around in my head for a while…I was just going to buy a already built proton pack. BUT…after some internet reaserch and lots of reading, I’ve decided it would actually be easier to just build one. The price of a movie accurate pack with lights is through the roof. Understandable since none of them are pumped out on a assembly line. On top of that, trying to find one for sale is a challange. Seems like no one wants to put one up on the market. I can understand that as well…because after I build mine, I’m not going to want to sell it either.

So I’ve decided to start my proton pack soon so I can have it by halloween. I feel that my craftman skills are good enough to tackle a project like this no problem. I used to be a carpenter and now I’m a full time automotive tech. (or mechanic in laymans terms!) I’ve been studing the proton pack for a long time now.

The pack I want to build does not have to be 100% movie accurate, but I do want it as close as possible without breaking the bank. So I have a few questions since lots of you on this site have built really awesome looking packs.

I was thinking about buying a pre-molded shell, but I dont know. I can make almoast the entire pack out of wood. The thing with wood though is this:

(A) Its a lot heavier,

(B) I’ll have to somehow hide the “wood” look,

(C) have any of you had success gluing the wood together? I dont want to see screw heads all over the pack.

Should I just buy a preformed shell? I’m really debating this.

Also, what unexpected problems have you guys ran into while building your packs? Is there any tips on any part of the pack’s build that would help my build process go smoother?

Thanks a bunch in advance guys! Its really nice to see a community of so many die hard GB fans. Now a few things about myself…

I’m from Michigan, My grammer sucks. I cant spell worth a lick, I think Ray Stanz is the coolest Ghost Buster and LS1 Trans Am’s are the baddest cars on the street!

:smiley:

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I havent built many parts on my packs (building #2 right now) but the parts i did glue together i didnt have any problems with afterwards… One thing ive heard about adhesive strength

As for hiding the wood look, ive found some that some wood hides better then others… i find mdf is the easiest to hide and plywood ive covered with a bit of spacking paste and sanded it smooth and couldnt tell it was wood really… ive never tried anything other then those 2 though… im not sure where you can buy preformed shells(if you know im definately interested), but if you could get one, it would definately save you some trouble. In the end, whether the cost is worth it would be up to you. I myself havent found making what youd get in a preformed shell all that hard but i have access to the proper tools (bandsaw, table saw etc). If you have the proper tools its not that hard really and I’d recommend you try it out.

The way i am doing the 2nd pack right now (1st i rushed for halloween) is to take my time and slowly gathering up everything i need to buy (cant build), building all the main parts seperately and i dont plan to put it all together until i have everything complete and painted. When i was making my first pack, being rushed i didnt have everything all together at once and i found id get somewhere and realize i was missing something and have to wait to keep going. Patience and taking your time is key i think. I dont have any other tips or tricks really off the top of my head but if you had any questions im sure i and others could help.

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I’ve been gluing my pack’s upper boxes and I’ve have no complaints about it. I use Elmer’s woodglue. It holds well. I dropped my PPD from a height of about five feet (not on purpose) and it survived with nary a blemish.

As far as using a pre-molded pack, I am personally against it and won’t use one. I really like looking at what I’ve done and known that I did it. Using a prefab pack takes away that extra touch of love and personality. This is nothing against those of you who have one. If I would have had the money to buy one when I first started, I would have. But looking back, I’m really glad I didn’t. I wouldn’t feel as accomplished as I do–and proud.

I’m using a MFD called hardboard and the smooth side is easily hidden by paint. It’s also very light and easily cut by hand.

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ive built my pack out of 1/2 inch plywood, MDF hard hobby board, and yeah…it does come out a bit heavy (almost 20 lbs.) screws hold well to the alice frame, without a budge. (ive even tried jogging with the pack to see if it will hold) I got rid of wood grain (and even attachment sites) with spackle - i have never used bondo, or wood putt - besides a lot of the wood putty doesn’t dry to a sandable surface, so thats why i went with spackle. Its not the easiest nor friendliest thing to use, but it definitely gets the job done. TAKE YOUR TIME WITH THE PROJECT!!! I can’t stress that any more! I have minor things that irk me about the pack because i didnt take my time in the beginning - size issues, proportions, etc. ive done and re-done MANY things , and all because i didn’t plan things out right :slight_smile:

ps. have fun…even when it isnt (like during sanding…grrrr…sanding)

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welcome, good luck to ya, and have fun.

it is possible to get the wood grain out but it will take some work. also, use the SEARCH function and see what other people have done to hide their wood grain.

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About hiding woodgrain… Go to an auto parts store and buy a can of “High Build Primer” or “Filler Primer”. It’s designed to hide small scratches and imperfections and works great to get rid of woodgrain! I used some on my trap doors and it worked beautifully! I didn’t even have to sand it down.