Guidance Needed - Customizing Project

[warlock664]

I want to take my first stab at 1/6 scale customizing - previously, I've done about 40 Marvel Famous Covers customs. The subject is Will Eisner's THE SPIRIT, and I have most of the materials needed, with the exception of the classic detective's slouch brim hat. Does anyone know of a source for a suitable hat I could use, either manufactured for an existing line ( GI Joe, Barbie, Dragon, etc) or available through a 1/6 scale specialist ( Elite Brigade, maybe) ? The body/head I'll be using as a base is the 13" DCD SUPERMAN figure, so that will give you an idea of the size of the noggin.

Also, I want to use the "Clark Kent" suit that came with the set, but the color is wrong. I've never attempted a dye job, is it possible to dye the Kent suit a brighter blue? Any suggestions on a source of dye, where to get it, how to use it? Thanks in advance for any help!

[Darklord Dave]

Hey warlock, I'm sure I know you by another name as I used to be deep into FC customizing. Before you said you're using the colossus Superman I was going to suggest heroheads indy fedora for The Spirit, but it and just about anything will be tiny for that Supes figure. Although SSC's Larry Talbot (http://www.sideshowtoy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=archive&item=4407) might be what you're looking for in both the suit and hat.

As for dye - you'll probably want to use a dye remover on the Kent suit and then the blue you want for Spirit. I did that with Blackbeard's to do my Sparrow coat (still unfinished).

[warlock664]

Thanks, Dave, I'd COMPLETELY forgotten about the SS Talbot figure - the hat looks good, though the suit jacket is wrong, unfortunately ( DARN! It would be so much easier dying that light tan suit!). I even have an extra Talbot I picked up a while back for a song! I may re-think the DCD Superman as a base - I bought a 2nd one for this purpose, but it's so pricey I hate to bash it. I've wanted a Spirit figure so long, I even considered trying a FC version utilizing the head from Grafitti's horrible 8" Spirit action figure from a couple years ago with a FC body.

I got inspired to start FC customizing after stumbling onto Miskatonic Nick's site several years ago, and all told I've done about 40. They used to be posted on the old "ZAP!BANG!POW!" (not sure if that's exactly right) site; the first ones I did were Human Torch & Thing to complete the FF, then Sub-Mariner, Silver Surfer, Swordsman, Warlock, Thanos, Nighthawk, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, etc, etc. I haven't been able to find time to work on any for about 2 years, sadly, as work and 2 young kids take most of my time, but I hope to do some work this winter. Thanks again for the advice!
Jay

[warlock664]

Hey Dave, thanks for the tip about the Larry Talbot hat - I just dug out my extra, and the hat fits ol' Supe's head PERFECT (well, once you remove the "spit-curl" from his forehead) ! It looks great too. Now, I've got to see about "bleaching" the Clark Kent suit so that I can re-dye it a brighter shade of blue.