How do I fixAP stormtrooper shin problem??

[giric thren]

I have seen this problem in alot of threads and I havent come across a way to remedy it. Please keep in mid all pics are of the overlapping method of construction, and I will be using the seam method


Here is the front taped together

Here is the top part of the back

and here is the bottom part of the back

Thanks

Thomas

 

[hansicle]

Well, if I read this right, you can line up the front, but the pieces are a bit twisted, so the back doesn't line up when you test fit the 2 halves?

If you use the industrial velcro (not the crummy hook and loop stuff from the craft store, but the heavy duty stuff from the hardware store) On the back of the shin armor to hold it close on your leg, it should stay in line once you close it up on your leg. If it doesn't naturally align, the velcro will hold it in place.

If you can get the top to align, but the bottom doesn't, you can always trim the bottom to line up.

Hope this helps.

 

[TK9120]

Is this the case with all AP armor? I was thinking of getting one at some point. If it's not every one, does anyone know why some line up and some don't? Bad pulls?

 

[giric thren]

Is this the case with all AP armor? I was thinking of getting one at some point. If it's not every one, does anyone know why some line up and some don't? Bad pulls?

From what I have seen, and what others have told me is that all are like this. It is due to the fact that some pieces are duplicates and thats why some dont match up....... The way I was told yesturday how to fix this is, When you glue it all up then somehow force it even, with clamps or whatnot. Pour boiling water over (CAREFULLY!!!!) and let it cool, and repeat a few times, making sure not to warp the plastic and ruining it. When you remove the clamp it should be ok. I will post the results in a week or two when I get it done

 

[TK9120]

That doesn't sound like something I'd want to do. I'm sure you can get replacement parts, but for the price you pay I'd want something I won't have to mess up.

 

[TR-0773]

Could this be a possible warp issue, for linning the back up? Would the application of heat, and flexing the back sides so the edges line up, alleviate your problem?

Just a thought.

 

[oblagon]

All AP shins have this problem, as noted earlier it's due to one of the sides being repeated for both left and right.

I just installed industrial snaps on mine, so when closed it forces the back to line up nice.

 

[tk4918]

Industrial Velcro does it. If you want to heat it up, be VERY careful - I've seen/heard of many troopers who has ruined a perfectly good armour using heat guns, boling water etc... :confused

 

[giric thren]

I dont think I am going to use boiling water. More like water in a bathtub, that is filled with water from the hot water spicket. I did a test fitting Sat. and it held together fine with duct tape, so I think that if I chicken out, industrial velcro will work. I was also contimplating trimming more on the top of one side and the bottom of the other side, forcing it to shift and align better......... but that takes precise measurements, and alot of risks.

 

[Clutch]

Yes, be careful with heat. It warps quickly. Everthing will look fine and then BAM! Warped beyond repair.

 

[giric thren]

Yes, be careful with heat. It warps quickly. Everthing will look fine and then BAM! Warped beyond repair.

I dont think that I will have any warping problems. I am going to test the hot water on some scrap first. There is some scrap that I have, that has some of the indintions from the vaccumforming machine. I am going to put those in the tub and see if it does ok for extended stays. Is there something I can wrap it in and then put in water that will protect it from warping?

 

[stormtrooperguy]

on mine i just did glue in the front, velcro in the back. the industrial velcro was enough to keep them where they belong.

 

[hbrika]

on mine i just did glue in the front, velcro in the back. the industrial velcro was enough to keep them where they belong.

I did the same thing. Glue in the front and velcro to line up the backs of my shins. It worked

I clamped the glued pieces together and wrapped the shins in making tape to hold it tight while the glue dried

Glad to know I am not the only one with this problem.

I found the thighs to be even worse. What I had to cut was criminal.

Not to fit me but to even get the lengths of the pieces to match up.

Then one piece would be very curved and the edge to attach it to would be straight.
Never mind the pock marks on the thing.

For the price of the armor I was really really shocked

Once the strips are on the outside it should look okay though

 

[Mr. No Stripes]

I use a snap on the back of my shins, and cemented (with an ABS strip) the front (If you have high powered magnets and clamps, it would probably make things easier).

For the back overlap, I cemented a piece of ABS (with one side of the snap attached to it so it was not visible from the outside) and the other side I attached to the inside part. If you have thick calves this may not work... it is a bit snug, but it doesn't wobble around, nor do I have to worry about it comming apart.

 

[giric thren]

These are all really good ideas and is giving me alot to think about