I can checker pattern stuff all i want but if there's some stretching I don't know how to fix it. I can move the uv's around and see the checker pattern moving but it never looks right. I'm still pretty clueless on that part.

I will PM you mate ok?

yeah sure

if you imagine cutting a seam down your model and opening up so it lays flat on the ground kinder like a sewing pattern for clothes, thats what your UV map should look like ..all the UV quads should look relatively the same as your vertices on your mesh..i.e same size and shape as close as possible.

How did you go mate?? sorry I didnt forget you...just busy at work for now. I tried to skin one last night...it is fine until it gets to the sloped part..then it goes funky. Im workin on it

cheers bullet