Thread: Help me fix my stalkabout

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So I scored this stalkabout this weekend... a local costume shop had it in the back of their warehouse. We got to talking to the owner about our addiction to Halloween and she said "I've got something you might be interested in" She sold us this stalkabout for very little$$... we're talking a steal of a deal in my mind.

The kicker is that they've had it for 7 years and for 5 years they used it the 2 weeks prior to Halloween night to walk around the store to frighten the shoppers. So the costume has a bit of wear and tear to it. I've included some pictures below to show that.

So my questions are:
1. is there any way to touch up paint areas where it has rubbed off? and if so what do I use?
2. is there any way to repair the tears shown in the pictures?
3. they couldn't find the shoulder harness set up. does anyone know what they look like/are made of, or have suggestions on how to make my own? (I'm thinking some pvc and pipe insulation will work)

It appears this stalkabout was made by the exMortis guy. I've sent an email to him already, but still no reply. I figured I'd post about it here because there is likely to be someone who has one and/or might know how to fix it.

I'm super pumped about my purchase, but now I need to get it looking and working right.

Also, quick thought to those of you who might own something this big. My sister is heavily involved with non-profit organizations and she is going to call some of her contacts to see if they'd want me to make an appearance at their Halloween and fall festival parties. She's thinking of places like Ronald McDonald House and the local cancer center etc..etc.. I thought that was a great idea and yet another way to spread the Hallween cheer we all have! Just some food for thought!

Thanks -

Paint maybe can be touched up with a cheap airbrush.Wont last forever but will work year to year.The tears I wouls cover with hunks of black fabric draped over them,kinda like the outfit it is wearing.I did a pvc frame for mine,but mine was kinda bulky and uncomfortable.Hiking backpack frames seem to be the best way.

a hiking backpack frame? I am intrigued by your ideas and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.


how would you attach it though? the frame going across the shoulders at the top is tubular steel. it has a spot to put in the vertical support that I suspect would have to be pvc... what I'm not sure about is how to attach that to reasonable shoulder harness... I could do it all out of pvc and kind of make it look like an "A" around the shoulders and cover with pipe insulation, but I'm not sure how stable that will be and/or comfortable.

Not my idea,wish it was.Others have used them with great success.They have a metal frame that extends over users head.Perfect for a stalkaround.My puter or internet are too slow today .Do a search for "stalkaround" or "Stalkabout" you should find what you need.
You attatch with what ever works,zipties,hose clamps or screws.
I have no news letter,It would be a blank page.

I have that same stalkaround.
some paint rubbed off its chin one year while in transportation to a convention.
I e mailed ex-mortis. He was kind enough to send a little touch up paint.

my harnes looked to be made out of metal tubing.
does yours have the helmet rig that controlls the the head?
Mine is in storeage. dont remember details of the harnes and how it connects to the actual costume.
post pics of the inside

If it were me, I'd take some liquid latex, and spread some on a flat surface to dry. Take the now dry sheet of rubber and patch it over the tears using rubber cement and paint to match using acrylic paint with liquid latex mixed in. Best if you have an airbrush.

Originally Posted by icemanfred

I have that same stalkaround.
some paint rubbed off its chin one year while in transportation to a convention.
I e mailed ex-mortis. He was kind enough to send a little touch up paint.

excellent... I'm hoping the ex-mortis guy emails back... I've got some spots on the nose and chin where it has rubbed off... then if I can patch up the elbows with some latex and paint it I'll be in business...

let me know if you recall at all how the harness worked...

oh.. and one more question... where on the arms did the fabric attach to? did it just drape and attach at the elbow and the wristband?

Originally Posted by icemanfred

my harnes looked to be made out of metal tubing.
does yours have the helmet rig that controlls the the head?
Mine is in storeage. dont remember details of the harnes and how it connects to the actual costume.
post pics of the inside

didn't take a picture of the inside yesterday... but if you look at the diagram I posted you can get a feel for it... there is a bar that goes straight across making up the width of it... the helmet contraption is the same as you describe... off of that horizontal metal tube/bar are 2 spots with wing nuts where you would put vertical tubular supports in... slide it in and then tighten down to adjust for your own height...

do you recall if the harness was 2 seperate pieces or just one but that had two vertical supports?

I fear that the ex-mortis guy won't reply because his website hasn't been updated since 2005...

anyone else with ideas?

looks like I'll need some 1" diameter tubing/pipe to make this work.... is there steel/aluminum pipe available in this size that is workable? IE, can I work with it in my garage? I was thinking of PVC, but I don't know that it can handle the weight.