Reblocking my FED III Regular

[Adventure Dog]

Back in 2007 I got into this Hobby. I started off by reading all the posts on here about the FED III, and how everyone loved it and I thought "I've worked by rear off at the deli, I can get a hat and see if I like it". So I did, I bought a hat, wore it around. And then I began to lose weight. The hat got big, so I put the tape in it. The hat got tapered, so I stopped wearing it. I could never really get the look I wanted out of it. My passion moved on to the general gear, and I stopped worrying about my hat. I'd wear to costume parties, by my luster for the fedora had diminished.

Now, 3 years later, it's alive again. My final plan is to buy a Penman or a Garrison, but funds are tight right now, and I feel like I should wait a little bit before I plunge in even furthur into the hobby. There are a lot of updates that I want to make to my collection, but something I want to work on now is my FED.
Now, I'll admit, I've done things to this hat that probobably shouldn't have been done. I've showered in it, steamed it, reblocked it with, I kid you not, a paint can and a towel (OK results) though I didn't leave it on for long (my fear got the better part of me). The liner has fallen out (glue came apart), I've removed the wire inside. I've cleaned it with my Todd's brush (Thanks to my friend Daniel who bought it for me for Christmas '07) but left it usually sitting in my room on my bank Idol.

I've perused... No... I've DUG, sloshed, cried, and drug myself through the Fedora archives searching for anything, EVERYTHING about reblocking my hat. Suggestions arose, but ancient and broken links to old photobucket accounts brought me nothing. I finally found a small thread and discovered a link to this shape.
http://hatshapers.com/Product%20Pages/S ... d_Dome.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Behold! There were pictures that were still active in this thread! They looked pretty good! Has anyone had a problem with this company or this shape? Should I go with something else?

My plan is this:
1. Buy the block shape, and block it (Steam the hat with hot water and pull it carefully over the block... Right?)
2.Replace the ribbon with... Anything. Todd's ribbon probably, unless someone can point me out to something more Raiders Screen Accurate for a good price. (Using Dalex's {?} guide. Forgot the link)
3. Trim the brim. I've read a few threads on how to do it, but I'm wondering if there are any new developments in this area?
4. This step is reserved for anything else that people can suggest (Stiffiner? Water proof? How to put in a liner?)

Cheap is my goal. Accuracy? My second goal. Awesomeness... Third or fourth goal, haven't decided yet.

So, I'll be documenting how things go, but I was hoping anyone and everyone could pitch in their expert advice on the best plan of action. Anything would be helpful and any new developments would be wonderful!

I'll try and post pictures later of my hat through the ages. I know it's not the best hat in terms of quality, but I'm gonna do what I can to keep her alive! Or, if someone can persuade me to just save up for a Garrison, I could probably be pushed easily in that direction.

[jnicktem]

Since you're looking to replace the ribbon, I recommend this:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=46988" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[albert jones]

May be ask to Hold, he hat the best answer.....

[WalkingEye]

That pic of the hat shaper seems like the profile view, which isn't bad. Before buying I'd ask them to show you a pic of it from the front to see what kind of taper it may have on the sides.

For a good reblock. Take apart the hat first! All sewn elements should be removed: ribbon, liner and importantly the sweatband.
Since the hat has been put through it's paces, avoid pulling the felt onto the block by the brim as much as possible. If you have to then you have to; but the brim break/ perforation from the sweatband are a weak spot in any hat. Try sliding the felt on, then pushing down from the crown as much as you can.

[kwad]

Hmmmm...

I'm kinda interested in that "hat shaper" thingy as well.
Always wanted to try turning an old cowboy hat into a fedora.

Since you're looking to replace the ribbon, I recommend this:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=46988" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'll second that! Just replaced the ribbon on my Fed4. Made a huge difference.

[Indiana Bugs]

For a good reblock. Take apart the hat first! All sewn elements should be removed: ribbon, liner and importantly the sweatband.
Since the hat has been put through it's paces, avoid pulling the felt onto the block by the brim as much as possible. If you have to then you have to; but the brim break/ perforation from the sweatband are a weak spot in any hat. Try sliding the felt on, then pushing down from the crown as much as you can.

I have removed the liner but left the sweat in while re-blocking a hat. I folded the sweat down and pulled the felt down over the block, also pushing from the top as much as possible, as per the above advice. Worked fine. Just try not to get the leather too wet.