Hedjii72

SNAP SYSTEM Not much to report here. It's a time consuming step, limited by how many clamps and magnets I have, and cure time. Also got my iComm and Aker Amp! Yeaaahh! My TK Boots are shipping, as is my neckseal. Coming up next: Thermal Detonator, Shoulder snaps, and elastic straps! Gettin' there!

SNIPER PLATE: No sweat! A little E-6000 and it held firm. SHIN ENCLOSURES / COVER STRIPS I'll probably go with velcro for now, as I'm not too confident in the Screen Accurate bra-strap enclosure thingy. My plan is to put hook velcro on the underside of the coverstrip, and loop velcro on the other part of the shin, within the tape line you see in the pic. BELT This took some time. Tough part was installing the male snaps on the AB plate and getting it all to confidently line up, but I think I got it.

S-trim is not my friend. It didn't want to go on. It didn't want to stay on. It split a bit and will have to be glued somehow. THIGHS: I was able to hide the tapered gap as planned. I'm pretty happy with their fit. Here's the big huge shim inside: KNEE AMMO: I'm not crazy about how this turned out. It doesn't want to sit level or tightly. I may eventually replace it. For some reason, I can't help but see obi-wan's beard when I look at it:

A HUGE thank you to all the help, suggestions, and encouragement from everyone! It's coming along pretty well. The "end" is in sight! Haven't updated in a while, so here's some pics... HELMET:

Brass Fasteners, and I got mine at Staples. http://www.staples.com/OIC-1-Brass-Fastener-3-8-Head/product_378814

Same here! Yipeeee!

I think yellow detailing - tube stripes, traps, and especially the brow trim would compliment the yellow on the belt nicely. How will you do the emblem logo on the jagged surfaces of the chestpiece?

I love it! The red helmet might be too much red, though. I know it sounds boring, but maybe leave the helmet white. Or do yellow. Or somehow combine the red blue and yellow?

My AP lid is very tight to get over my head. I can corkscrew it on with effort, but man it is a tight pinch. The opening is about 6.5 inches on the width. Is it recommended that I shave some more meat off of this? How much is too much? I don't want to ruin the look or be able to see in. Thoughts?

Here are some of my favorite resources: http://www.tonybarnett.plus.com/snaps.html

I use the very small "craft sticks" to spread the glue. Got 'em at Wal Mart. Or you could use those wooden stir sticks you get at coffee shops. I am a follow the directions kinda guy, so I let the glue sit for 2-3 minutes before squeezing both surfaces together. And yes, buy more rare earth magnets than you think you need. Problem is, they're dang expensive, and they are prone to breaking when they snap together.

I'd consider getting a dremel and practicing on some scrap materials a little. You'd be surprised how quickly you get the hang of it. I used mine for quite a few things during the course of my build.

Now that's a trusting relationship!

Did it!! Thanks guys, it came out perfect. I did exactly what Paul suggested. As it turns out, the snaps did not end up centered on the belt. but it is nice and snug. I'll post some pics in my build thread when I get a chance.

Ah, so going higher and covering up part of the ab button detail is OK? I still might go a little lower, because if I shift it that high, it doesn't cover the joint between the butt and kidney plates. EDIT: Oh wait, maybe it doesn't need to cover that joint. OK, so I will go a bit higher with it.

to quote Threepio, "At last! Where've you been?"

Oh, wait, is that what Jesse is suggesting in his post above?

I'm having trouble with that. If I place the dot in the exact center of the canvas, it is 1 9/16 inches. Then, measuring from the bottom of the tape down that much puts the dot on the cod, not the abdomen. I don't think I want to affix the snap there. How important is it that the snap be centered on the canvas? Below the tape line, there's only 1 1/8 inches on the ab before it drops off on the cod. That would be the area I have to put the snap onto, right?

I'm trying to attach my canvas belt to my ab plate, using snaps. I'm a bit hesitant on this step. I've searched the forum a bit, but haven't found the definitive guide on how to do this. Here's where I'm at. First, connect the plastic ammo belt to the canvas belt by drilling holes and using temporary split rivets. Next, I've test fitted the belt assembly on the ab plate, drawing a line in tape to represent where the canvas part of the belt will reach. Next, I make a pencil mark on the tape, in alignment with the center of the last box on the ammo belt, behind which I plan to put the snap through the canvas. I remove the belt and extend the line onto the plastic. The male end of the snap will go somewhere on this line. Next, I slip the belt back up and make another extension of that pencil line on the canvas itself. Again, somewhere on this line, the female part of the snap will go through the canvas. So at this point, I'm a bit scared to drill through the belt and the ab plate to install the snaps. Do I clamp it up and drill through both? Do I measure twice and drill the canvas belt and the ab plate separately? The belt is one of TKittel's, so it's got a plastic center also. How do I ensure everything will line up properly? Also, what is the best way to attach the male snap to the ab piece? Being a curved surface, it's not the same as making a flat snap plate with a hammer and anvil. Any suggestions?

I haven't fixed the crack yet, but after another test fitting, I'm not stressing over it too much. I will try a little cotton fabric and superglue to hold it though. On to better, more fun stuff. From tragedy to triumph: I painted my tube stripes! I used the masking templates from Trooperbay. Worked like a CHARM! I have minimal clean up on one or two spots. I was very, very pleased with how these turned out. The satisfaction I felt after accomplishing perhaps the most dreaded paint app was positively intoxicating! I try to do a little bit every night, with whatever time I can muster. Day by day, I'm getting there. My deadline is Halloween. Coming up: the belt, the strapping, and the shin closures! Stay tuned!

Wow, I usually don't go for Deathtroopers, but this one has won me over! Can you post some more pics, maybe bigger? Looks tremendous!

Do you have to sand it before painting?

Sounds like a plan. As for securing the mesh, will a small ring of superglue do the trick?

My AP helmet has small little divots where it looks like suggested holes be drilled to install the mic tips. How religiously do I follow that suggested drill spot? Are there any rules of thumb when drilling to install mic tips? The divots aren't exactly centered in the depression where the mic tips will rest. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Vern. I tried it and it came out pretty good.