husky68

My ab and chest was the same shape but I am big enough to fill it out. I reduces the ridges fir space and comfort. The chest piece doesn’t need to lay flat over the ab so only you will know the difference. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, that’s my belt!! If you have any questions just let me know. My build thread is a bit messy but might have some info there for you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The AP screws might get past basic but you will need different ones to make higher levels. Same for trim as you need s-trim for helmet if going for centurion. I also trimmed the TD clips at both ends and added a new hole to rotate for panel to face outward. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Congratulations fellow AP trooper. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Always wanted the inside of my bucket to be black but cautious about spraying myself. So @FarEast was kind enough to share his skills and expertise and got the job done nicely. Then second to-do item was shorten the side screws to avoid the occasional scratch when removing the helmet. Now I need to redesign the padding and audio wiring. Previously the position of amp would press into the back of my head. The s-trim would rub my shoulder bridges so need to raise the helmet just a touch.

Looking good. You might want to rotate the TD so the panel is facing out. You can see my threads how I just moved the holes and trimmed off excess. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did something similar, even put abs strips between to fill the gap. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

One day you will get there, keep dreaming! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Robert BlatherwickTK-77712 CenturionA4JustJoseph63 http://www.whitearmor.net/eib/certificates/77712-centurion.png

Robert BlatherwickTK-77712EIBA4JustJoseph63 http://www.whitearmor.net/eib/certificates/77712-eib.png 292

Some suggest giving a few seconds pause between hot and cold water to avoid making the plastic brittle. Always test with some trimmings or scraps before going in with the full pieces. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Those marks seem a bit strange, are you sure it is from clips? I glued soft side of Velcro on slips and back of holster screws which did the trick for me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It follows the idea that once you take away it is harder to put it back. Wearing the armor and moving around will give you a better idea of how much to trim rather than guessing. After my first troop I had armor bites and rubbing rashes which told me areas that needed to be change. Slowly trimmed small amounts away until I could wear it worry free for hours.

I’d suggest build it, wear it and then make additional cuts. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you have the space and size to spare then you could consider leaving some return edge. However, I would suggest against it because it might only increase armor bite and rash while also risking stress fractures. Bending your arms with blaster or waving to fans will be a regular part of trooping life. Fellow troopers will also not look as closely at your armor as you do, and even less from members of the public so I doubt anyone else will perceive that extra thickness. In my case, I built for look but continued to modify for comfort ( it never ends ).

You’ll need to pull that bell in a bit to make the connection at the top close. My forearms were a really challenge both for size and shape. I put in a gap and had to hot bath to change the shape to match my forearms. Now when I put them on they feel tight but after a few minutes wear I forget all about them and they even shift around. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is the most important build thread of the year. The touching story and effort involved is inspiring. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking good Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can join the Japanese Garrison forum before you are approved. We also have a build section to get help from our Local members you might find helpful. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Practice with scraps to get comfortable with hot bath timing. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Some put tape over the cover strips to cover the glue. I just dip in boiling water a few second and pull out. Should let the glue cure for 48 or 72 hours before hot bath. Rushing glue will mean having to do it all over again. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You will need to clamp them down hard to get them to line up. Then hot bath them to adjust the shape and reduce the stress in abs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mobile tool boxes are popular, Husky and the likes you will find many posts for them. I use a hockey bag which is usually big enough. I've seen suitcase of all kinds being used as well.

Credits sent

Welcome future trooper. The AP kit is very nice and builds into a great set of armor. Certainly taking your time is always a good idea and starting with lots of research before cutting or gluing saves a lot of time in the long run. If I may suggest, best place to start is the biceps. They are relatively easy and depending on dimensions will be under the shoulder bells which covers up any mistakes with your first time cuts. Once you finish a few cuts you will feel more comfortable and the nerves will settle. Usual words of wisdom, "It is a marathon, not a sprint" and "measure twice cut once." Many here will answer questions so post lots of pictures and don't be afraid to ask for advice.