ukswrath

I do have a couple more updates but I'm debating on whether to post them. Their regarding the Velcro installation on the shins and the cod to posterior connection. Maybe people can let me know if they want to see them or not.

HAHA that's for sure. Thanks for the kudos Jason.

Looking good Johnny

I wanted to post some pictures to show how well the suspension system functions. Here it is hanging on a mannequin. Without chest, yoke, TD and belt

Some final assembly details. Chest to Yoke. Installed 1" industrial white velcro at the lower rear, lower front sides and upper chest areas. Chest plate

Good choice about taking your time and building it right.

Thanks Germain. Time to check this off my bucket list. Next item, one of yours and Dday's blasters

Does it give you the order #?

Very true

My head looks so small hahaha

Submission pics

hahaha sorry for the delayed submission pics, I was waiting for 501st approval first but i guess it doesn't matter at this point right? Oh, these are ANOVOS gaskets.

Suspension cont.... The following pictures are with the ab and/ or the ab and shoulders installed Just the ab / suspension and TD. Install the arms. Connection from the plates to the biceps. Very comfortable I might add, seriously. Shoulder gaskets connected To be cont.....

Accuracy up cont..... Shoulder (yoke) to bell connection I'm going to address the yoke to shoulder bell really quick at the request of a couple troopers. In a previous post I left off cutting the holes for the shoulder bell connecting straps. 13. Measure and cut four strips of 6" x 1-1/4" black elastic. 14. In my case the slits in the yoke would not accommodate the elastic and velcro together, neither-less a snap so I elected to sew in 1-1/2" section of velcro (hook side) at one end then feed it through then install the snap. Velcro sewed in place and fed through the slits. 15. At the other end fold the elastic over 1". Using a 1/8" hole punch, punch a hole for the female snap you'll be installing. 16. Install snap. Note: Elastic fold and female snap will be facing the armor side. 17. Install industrial velcro (loop side) on shoulder bells and install bells. 18. Something I forgot to mention earlier. If you use the aluminum plate or other metal support technique don't forget to glue a piece of ABS plastic or similar between the support and the yoke, like so.

Suspension cont... 40. Shoulder gaskets to biceps. As mention in several other tutorials, you'll need to cut 2-3" along the upper ridge line so that the gaskets will fit into the biceps. Since my shoulder bells has a suspension connection it's best to completely cut out a section 3" x 1" section to accommodate the nylon webbing. Note: You may need to cut more or less depending on your body side and where exactly you placed the nylon strap 41. Insert your gaskets into the biceps, mark location then install industrial strength velcro (loop side) 42. Installing elbow gaskets. Align biceps and fore arms as such. 43. Install gaskets Should look like this when finished to be cont...

Suspension (strapping) cont... 31. Shoulder Gaskets The gaskets will have three shoulder to shoulder connections. Starting from what would be the back side I'm going to be creating two anchor points using 5/8 (15mm) black elastic, 12mm cap rivets and 5/8" buckles. Back side From the ribs at the top of the shoulder, measure from the rib closest to you (the front) 1" down and 1" from the gasket edge. Mark the location. Note: this will be performed on both left and right gaskets so you may see pictures of either / or. Next hole down will be 6-1/2" from the top rib and again 1" from the edge. At the newly marked locations punch a 1/8" hole for the cap rivets. 32. Cut four 12" strips of 5/8" elastic. Fold over 1" at one end then punch a hole using the same hole punch describe above. Cap rivet to be used. 12mm Gun metal. 33. Install rivets and elastic. 34. Flip gasket over to the front. Being there's only one connection from gasket to gasket in the front the mount will be a bit different. Instead of one anchor point there will be two, two anchor cap rivets with 5/8" nylon ribbon between the two. First hole, measure and mark 6" down from the top ribs, rib closest to front. Also measure and mark 1" from the side. 34b. The second hole will be 1" below that hole. 35. Cut a 4-1/2" section of 5/8" nylon ribbon. 36. Fold over each end approximately 1" and using the hole punch, punch a hole through both sections. 37. Feed ribbon through 5/8" female buckle. 38. Install ribbon anchor using the same 12mm cap screws. Should look like this when finished. 39. Install buckles on the rear gasket elastic straps. Note; It would be wise to install the buckles in the opposite direction to avoid connection issues while putting on the armor. View from the back View from the front. to be cont...

Oh yea! oh yea!

Very Nice Aaron . Note: Make sure that chest piece stays down over the ab, especially during approvals.

Very nice job Jeff

Awesome job Michael. Sorry to see you go through so much grief at the end, but it looks like you made it out ok.

YESSSS!!!!

Very cool hard hat insert setup Michael.

Suspension cont... 27. Connecting suspension system to ab. Note: As mentioned before, the lower seam will need to be connected to the lower section of the armor just behind the 3 center most ab boxes. Place suspension into ab. Starting with the upper mounting. Measure and drill two 1/8" holes approximately 5-1/2" from the left and right center ab rib. NOTE: You'll be drilling through the boning material so be certain your suspension system is centered. 27b. After drilling install 12mm cap rivet. I used a nickle post on the outside of the armor and a gun metal cap on the inside (just preference, you don't have to use two different color rivets) 28. Measure, drill hole and install rear rivets. Note: Later you may need to trim your TD upper bracket to accommodate the rivet mount. 29. Lower suspension mounting. Remove center three ab boxes. Measure drill holes through armor and boning material as outlined. 30. Install pop rivet. Use rivet washer on armor and seam side for added strength. 30b. Install ab boxes. Check suspension system EDIT: Almost forgot, I added E6000 between the upper seam and armor outside of the riveted areas like so. For added strength of course. to be cont....

Suspension cont... 26. Test fit assembly. Connect thighs and biceps to suspension. Check alignment. To be cont.....