Commando Load Bearing Vest - WIP

[Riceball]

Looks good so far. You're definitely not too far off on the material, real tac vests are made of nylon, Kevlar would be a waste, you'd need a lot more Kevlar than one layer to stop anything more than a BB.

 

[cavx]

Thanks. This is coming together way better than the last attempt.

Given how open the vest is, I would have to suggest it was not really meant as a flack jacket, hence why I called it a "load bearing vest" in my title.

If it was supposed to be soft body armour, the neck and top of the chest would be closed in. Most balistic vests I have seen only open at the sides with the front and back panels sitting high on the neck.

 

[cavx]

So the D-Rings arrived and whilst they are a really good shape, just too thin.

 

[Mechanized]

Looking good

Commando was definitely one of my favorite Arnold movies growing up.

 

[nick daring]

Happy to see this project moving forward!

 

[nick daring]

Nice pics of a Screen used vest from Auction-

Lot Detail - 1985 Arnold Schwarzenegger (John Matrix) "Commando" Screen-Worn Iconic Tactical Vest (Photomatch)

 

[cavx]

Nice pics of a Screen used vest from Auction-

Lot Detail - 1985 Arnold Schwarzenegger (John Matrix) "Commando" Screen-Worn Iconic Tactical Vest (Photomatch)

Thanks for that. Best images of the vest I have seen.

 

[cavx]

Is it me or is that stitching on the leather parts white?

 

[cavx]

Not 100 percent, but I found better D-Rings. These are off scuba diving gear and are 62mm wide and just 40mm deep. So they are closer to the right size than anything else I have seen so far.

 

[cavx]

#10 chunky zip arrived today.
My custom Stomper uppers are done, so now I can get back into this vest.

 

[cavx]

Removed the seat belt and #5 zip and fitted in the #10 chunky.

The back of this vegan leather I am using is grey regardless of the front colour. So I decided to experiment and painted it black, then sewed it on with the natural colour thread.

I really wanted to attach the harness today, but I can't until those new D-Rings arrive.

 

[cavx]

Not completely happy with the result, I bought a new can of fabric paint and re-did the panels slightly wider (previous was 2.5", new parts are 3" wide).

 

[cavx]

Decided to add some of the details. I can't sew the other side due to not having the D-Rings yet.

The D-Rings I have ordered are 6mm but should be the same profile as these 3mm D-Rings.

This is just a tester. This pouch sits on the upper left chest. It should be Camo.
I have bought woodland Camo material, so I guess I should make a start on the bandoliers.

 

[cavx]

OK the D-Rings arrived but I can't seem to attach images since the site update.

 

[cavx]

New D-Rings are slightly undersized but short of getting them custom made, I don't have any other option.

 

[cavx]

Made a much better pouch tonight. Just need to plan assembly better so I don't have dual stitching on the top side flap. Double layer allows me to hide the velcro.
Again, can't seem to post an image.

 

[cavx]

It It seems that I need to post images to some other sites like IG and then the image file gets a. jpeg extension.

 

[moviebuff5]

If you are still looking for a D ring that isn't custom, this Wide Mouth D ring is pretty close in appearance, though there are no dimensions listed.

Adjustable Buckles - Parachute Buckles, Safety Belt Bucklesd, Parachute Seat Belt Buckles

www.bkreng.com

PART NO. 11-1-485

Rings (O-Rings, D-Rings &amp V-Rings) - Cirrus Parachute Hardware Equipment

Cirrus parachute hardware equipment the name in forged parachute hardware

www.parachutehardware.co.uk

edit: Found some sites with dimensions for an 11-1-485.

Burhan Industrial Supply Co. Forged Alloy Steel ‘D’ Ring Wide Mouth (11-1-485)

Burhan Industrial Supply Co

www.burhaninc.com

Order PS11-1-485 D-Rings, O-Rings, Links | Lowy Enterprises, Inc.

Bulk orders and custom pricing of PS11-1-485 D-Rings, O-Rings, Links from Lowy Enterprises, Inc.

www.lowyusa.com

 

[cavx]

Oh wow, yep that part 11-1-485 is it.

 

[cavx]

I ordered those proper D-Rings. Parts are cheap, shipping is not.

Because this vest is not "screen accurate" I decided to not put Camo on it.
Notice how you can't see Camo on this promo shot, so decided (as this is a big learning curve) that I'll make black and grey.
Left side is pretty much complete.