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aulb89

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Posts posted by aulb89

  1. Problems fitting forearms and biceps

    in Hard Armor (General Discussion)

    Posted

    Sounds great guys. Thank you very much for the input and for the measurements. If the forearms are 13.5, I should not have to shim too much.

    The problem with my current forearm pieces is that they are shimmed and still will not fit correctly. I know that heating with a heat gun and reshaping may help, but I am not sure how to do that. More research needed!

    Eric, the shimming method you mentioned sounds like a good idea. Hopefully, I will hear back from Rob soon.

     

    Cheers!

  3. Problems fitting forearms and biceps

    in Hard Armor (General Discussion)

    Posted

    I tried on some pieces of my armor (heavily modified second-hand FX) for the first time in about a year last night and it looks like I have a lot of work to do. :icon_eek: It turns out that even with shims, the forearms and biceps no longer fit me (started a new program at the gym about a year ago). I can barely get them on and can no longer bend my arms without severe pinching. I suffered from armor bites before, but now it would be brutal if I were to squeeze these on for a troop.

     

    I have read several threads that recommend RT armor since it is made with larger/taller frames in mind, so I sent Rob an email this morning. I was curious if you guys had any other recommendations so that I can explore all options while I wait for his reply. My thigh and calf pieces will be OK with the current shims (I hope!) so I am only interested in forearm and bicep pieces.

     

    I would be curious to hear what has worked for those that have similar sized forearms (14") and are in the same boat with their armor.

     

    BTW, thanks to everyone that contributes to these boards. I could have never become a TD without your great advice!

     

    Thanks!

  4. Personal Photo

    in Forum Help & Support

    Posted

    Well we're setting it up so Supporters can now put their profile photos up.

     

    I think Daetrin was working on that one, as I am already busy with upgrading this forum from version 2.1.7 to 2.2.1 and believe me, it's a MAJOR UPDATE, you'll see what I mean when I'm done.

     

    Also, there will be a slight change in skin (but I'll make sure to restore the background and header when done).

     

    P.S. You might want to fix your signature, it looks broken.

     

     

    Cool! Thanks for the quick reply.

  8. Shimming material options

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    Did you glue the vinyl on or was it velcroed. I think I'd like to switch out the ABS strips I'm using for this (as it'll form with the calf better). Thanks for the tip.

     

    I used industrial velcro. I used two 1" strips on the inside of the calf shell (soft side facing in). I then used two strips on each vinyl strip to secure. I decided to go with the velcro route since it makes the shim adjustable.

  11. Shimming material options

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    Thanks for the photos guys. I found the baseboard molding and it turned out great. I was able to put on the entire set of armor for the first time this past weekend! The molding makes great belt material too.

    I may also have to experiment with the vinyl sheet. From the photos, it seems to match the armor perfectly.

    Thanks for the help!

     

    Here's some more photos (hard to get this photo posting thing for me).

     

    :blink: For some reason I can't post due to files are too large even though I reduced them for web posting size. Send me a PM and I'll send them to you directly.

     

    Don G.

  12. Shimming material options

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    I used the flexible bath molding for my shins/calves in the back. ABS glued in the front and then put industrial strength loop velcro on BOTH sides of the armor (facing in) and put industrial strength hook velcro on the white molding (cut the length of the armor and about 1-1/2 to 2" in width). I cut both velcros about 1" wide and ran the length of the armor.

     

    Depending on if I'm running a lot or not, when I put the shin armor on there is either a gap or sometimes not (when my calves are smaller) and at those times, both sides of the armor almost touch and you hardly see the molding behind it.

     

    However, the molding is normally not the same color as the bright white ABS armor so there is a color difference, but then then most people see you from the front. Nobody's ever said how it looks from the back (or they're too polite). The molding is inexpensive and if you don't like how it works, it's not permanent and you can remove all the velcro and try something else.

     

    I can send/post some photos this weekend if you'd like.

     

    Don G.

    TK-5372

     

    Great. Thanks for the advice.

    I went to Home Depot last night and asked about bath molding. They had no idea what I was talking about! LOL. Where did you purchase yours from?

    Some photos of your work would be great. Feel free to email me if you don't want to post them.

  13. Shimming material options

    in Assembly, Mods, and Painting

    Posted

    OK, the first of what may be many questions.....

     

    I am in the process of shimming various parts so that they will fit my limbs. I used extra ABS for the forearms with no problems. When it comes to shimming the calves, however, the ABS is not flexible enough. I read on another forum that a type of flexible floor or bathtub molding can be used. It supposedly is available in bright white and is cheap. Is anyone familiar with this material? Has anyone given it a try with favorable results? Thanks!

    Yet another newbie

    in New Member Introductions Archive

    Posted

    Thanks for the advice and support!

    I am definitely going to have to mod the armor. The problem areas are the forearms, biceps, calves and thighs. I used to play linebacker in college and even though I don't work out as much as I used to, those areas of the armor still need much work. I have already shimmed and trimmed the forearms to the max, but they still pinch pretty bad at the top of my forearms just below the elbows.

    The former owner had glued the parts together, so the scary part of all this is cutting them open. It has gone without a hitch so far. I am taking my time so I don't screw anything up.

    If you guys have any tips for cutting and shimming armor for larger limbs, I am all ears!

    Yet another newbie

    in New Member Introductions Archive

    Posted

    Hello guys and gals.

    I have wanted to join the 501st for years and just recently came upon the deal of a lifetime. A current member was selling new armor that he needed to part with and I could not resist. It only cost me $600! It is already built and weathered for the sandtrooper effect and includes everything. I just needed to buy a bodysuit, neckseal and ammo pouch. He even included a dewback prod.

    Now comes the hard part. The seller is my height, but I am 50 lbs heavier...so, a good bit of modification is necessary to get the armor to fit me. LOL.

    Sorry to be so long winded, but I wanted to say hello and let you guys know that I will probably be asking tons of questions on this board. You have been warned! B)

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