Side shim advice - working towards EIB/Cent.

[PhoenixTrooper[TK]]

I'm working on upgrading from Basic to Centurion (with EIB along the way), which means it's now time to add the side shims so I can close up the front and back. The shims are about 3 inches wide, so I have heated the plastic as best I could to put some curve in it, and I have attached them to the kidney plate with a piece of For Rent sign as an inner cover strip for the butt join. I have also drilled holes for the eventual split rivets. Before I go and ABS paste it into one piece, I'd like some input as to if it looks ok thus far while I can still change it if absolutely needed.

 

[The5thHorseman[501st]]

I would remove those two portions of ABS before as it appears to be flash, and thus it should increase the width of the shim needed.

 

Also, i can see that your side rivets will be mis-located if you set them this way. See this thread for a proper placement:

http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/26886-split-rivet-placement/

[PhoenixTrooper[TK]]

Looking at that link with the split rivet placement, I notice there's a squared off notch in the armor that doesn't exist in my armor, instead of the smooth curve like I cut in my shim. Is this a preferred style, or is that a suit to suit thing, or does it matter at all since the belt'd be over it anyway?

[The5thHorseman[501st]]

This is a feature that accurate armors have but some kits don't. It's better to have it, so yes, don't hesitate to re-create it with your shims

Edited May 20, 2014 by The5thHorseman

[PhoenixTrooper[TK]]

One last prep question: On the other side, with the snap, I've seen some people stop their shim to be flush with the ab so the snap isn't actually doing anything (or if it is, there's an extra strap inside to close it). Is that better, or should I instead make the shim a bit longer on that side so the whole thing tucks in and snaps closed? Is there a secret, hidden, second snap under the belt to stabilize it all?

[The5thHorseman[501st]]

Usually this snap connects to a strap glued on the kidney plate, and then the belt finishes to close the side. You can of course add extra straps along this right side as long as they're not visible from the outside.

 

 

 

 

[gazmosis[501st]]

Although your lower rivet won't be seen, it will affect the other locations if evenly spaced. Your lowest rivet placement should be located where the piece of Velcro is on your ab. Keep the top location and split the difference for the middle.

[PhoenixTrooper[TK]]

This more like it? Future holes are drawn on with dry erase marker.

 

[The5thHorseman[501st]]

Looks much better!

[PhoenixTrooper[TK]]

Here it is so far:

 

 

Does the single snap on the other side get painted?

[The5thHorseman[501st]]

The crotch rivet is left unpainted. On the butt plate tab, there are usually two male snaps also left unpainted.