Less than a year ago, I stumbled across this forum. I read, I played, I envied.
Early on, in my browsing, I came across the Forum Topic that I am NOW posting in!
Luke Skywalker's Thread as well as Anceem Llevik's Graflex thread were outstanding resources!
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=6463.0 - Luke's
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=13738.0 - Anceem's
Thanks Guys, ....your threads were AWESOME!
Eventually, I came across some of Master Yoda's Hilts and the chassis threads. I have always liked the look of the graflex sabers. I just couldn't afford one. I looked at the replicas, but kept thinking, "I really, REALLY want an ACTUAL graflex flash tube, even if I could not find one in pristine condition. The worn and used look was good for me.
Then, Jasher Kain posted this: It was EXACTLY what I was looking for!
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=16159.0A Vintage Graflex Flash Tube for sale, with an etching of someone's name "Herb Levoine" on it. Not tooooo bad and excellent price! I bought it, it arrived, and I was thrilled. The Flash Tube was in great condition, even it Herb felt the need to carve his name in the hilt, at least he did it rather tastefully and kept it pretty small.
Jasher shipped this tube out pretty fast, Thanks Man!
Then the wait was on for Master Yoda's Chassis.
Luck was on my side again, when late one night, (February 16th, 2009), Master Yoda does THIS:
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=14966.msg254105#msg254105I had to read it a few times, ....then sorta sneak a question in there, but making it known I wanted one. XsaberX got the second one!
The Chassis and instructions and some extra guidance arrived really fast! I read the manual, read it, read it and then read it. Pretty easy kit.
There was never any doubt in my mind what version I wanted.
The Empire Strikes Back grips and the chip instead of the bubble strip! No Doubt!
The US2.1 was gonna power a LUX V Cyan Bin I that I purchased from
Outer Rim Armory and I had ordered the blade holder from The Graflex shop. The remaining items all came from Tim over at TCSS, ..thanks!
Here is the original Graflex Tube That Jasher Shipped:
Gorgeous, isn't it!
So with everything lined up, I went ahead and installed the Chassis in the top part of the hilt, easy to do, no problems and no shim required. Then it hit me, ......"I gotta drill HOLES in the lower half AND yank out that spring!!! Mr Herb is NOT gonna be happy with me! Im about to permanently change up a 60-70 year old antique that has somehow managed to remain virtually blemish free!
The horror!! The Humanity!!
So, 15 minutes later, after taping the grip template to the lower half, I crank up the drill press.
Ok, ...that wasn't so bad, .....Let's go ahead and tap them:
The hilt was a little dirty, so I thought I would clean the whole thing up and polish it up a bit:
I quickly went about installing the
Textured Mylar Strip,
The rubber grips and the
Glass Eye retention screw.
I know, I know, ..I SHOULD be using the red button instead, but I just like the look of the glass eye.
I'll buy one later on from TCSS, so I can change the out as I want.
So, ..what is left?
I still have to drill the holes for the D-Ring, ..I bought this one :
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Custom-D-ring-P332.aspxBut if anyone knows of a more "screen acurate" D ring, ....feel free to drop me a link.
And Im still waiting on the US2.1 to ship back to me. Im taking the one I used in
my Heritage to be used in this one.
I'll update this as more work gets done. I'm looking forward to wiring up the Chassis, and still need to do that D-Ring!
Thanks Master Yoda for this great Chassis, the easy-to-follow instructions and the extra help!
Thanks Jasher For this AWESOME Tube, awesome price and quick shipping!
There is something about these hilts, ...they "feel" different than other sabers, they are nostalgic. I like this!
Any suggestions?
Pictures and Video added 05/12/09
Here are some new pictures and FINALLY a video! Updated the first post as well.
And 2 Videos!!