Wow, you're off to a running start!
I know what you mean about Ejgunth's v-hook, i went for the reinforcement plate as well! As far as i'm concerned the inside of the packs were a bit of a mixed bag, and it's not like people see the inside as much as the outside so it's fine going whichever way you feel is best.
I've also got one of MMM's pack mounting kits and can agree that he supplies everything you need! It's only fairly cheap and he sends
everything - L-brackets, large head rivets, socket head screws and washers.
I think i also got my replica straights either from MMM or the GBFans store. Best keep a request in the wanted section, everyone's always been really helpful whenever i've been missing something.
For the elbows i actually modified my own (SMC elbows from the GBFans store). First i removed the little plug from the front of the elbow. This just pulls right out with enough force.
Once i'd done that i painted the elbows with Plastikote grey primer (the kind with the twisty cap) and left to dry. When they were dry i cut 5mm brass tubing to length (4mm internal diameter, which is the same as the thinner yellow/red pack tubing) - i eyed this up and compared with reference photos to judge the correct length. I was able to cut the tubing with a hacksaw as the uncut end would be the one hanging out of the elbow. I just dropped a glob of 5 minute epoxy into the elbow and pushed the brass tubing into place and left to cure. Here's another shot:
This might not be
completely accurate but i was plenty happy with them!
As far as i know it should
technically be grey primer on all parts (except the motherboard) with a topcoat of satin black. The motherboard is just the satin topcoat, and pack texturing is down to preference. Most people pick a texture they like and and choose which areas to have it on - it's one of those things that isn't massively consistent so people just usually pick a style they like the look of.
For example, this is from KagaSakai's build:
http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtop ... re#p455227 This was a pchrisbosh1 shell so the texture was part of the mould, but you see the idea.
Also, here's a pack Nick-a-Tron built for elwoodlpool:
http://www.theukghostbusters.co.uk/foru ... &start=10& He used Plastikote Stone Touch here, which is what i'm going to use as i personally like this look a bit more than the hammered. Although, the texture on the actual packs was a bit closer to the hammered finish:
(This is the GB2 semi hero from this thread about what the best paint finish was:
http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtop ... 2&t=24891&)
There's also this tutorial by pchrishbosh1:
http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtop ... re&start=0.
As you can see there's plenty of variation on the issue, so it's just one of those things that you pick the look you like and go for it!
KagaSakai's pack seems to show the areas which are most commonly textured (and the style i'll be going for). One of the other main things is to try and use the same paint brand in all of your products. It's not a dead cert but some people have had problems with mixing brands so it's best to remove that possibility.
I'm already jealous though even with a painted motherboard
I've got literally everything collected, prepped and painted, but i'm just waiting for Nick-a-Tron's new GB1 shell.