justjoseph63

Have you tried to get in touch with the maker of your armor? I would imagine that they would be happy to supply you with some extra ABS. Like Terry mentioned, the color can vary from one to another, so that would definitely be worthwhile if you ask them about it.

I used the spray, but I am sure the brush on will work just dandy.

I would recommend a couple of things for using the Plasti-Dip... The first one is to sand down the inside and then thoroughly clean it before applying it, so that it will adhere better. I did this, and I have a ton of electronics inside all held on with Velcro and have had no problems. I didn't go with the cheesecloth as I figured I might have some trouble getting Velcro to stick to an uneven surface. The second is be sure to mask off the eyes and teeth really well. Over spray will come off with a bit of effort, though. Lastly, whether you go with the spray or brush on method, go with several thin coats as opposed to one or two heavy ones, and let it dry overnight in between.

It's quite a shame how their customer service works. They have a great product, but simply do not like to communicate. After waiting for almost 2 months with no responses to my emails, I finally had to end up getting in touch with Paypal. That seemed to do the trick, as I mysteriously got an email the next day from Doopydoos, and my kit very shortly thereafter. All I can say is that you will get their product, but like many things in the world of a TK, it's a matter of "hurry up and wait".

If you are having trouble with the thigh strapping, I would highly suggest picking up a pair of these, http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/29991-thigh-garter-system/. I have had mine for quite a while, and I swear by them! You can attach your thighs in a matter of seconds, they are completely adjustable, and will never, ever slip down.

I am 5' 10, 158, and it fits perfectly!

Really nice job so far, Jeff, and loving the build thread! I agree with Jason that using binder clips is a fantastic idea.

If you haven't attached the Dritz snaps yet, please do't use them.... trust me on this. I made the mistake of using them on my first go round, and they come undone unbelievably easily. I ended up having to replace every single one, which was a paint in the butt-plate to say the least. Better to stick with Tandy.

Great troop, guys, thanks for posting!!!! (Love the photo-bomb in the last pic)!

Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to building,Michael. I'm sure you want to get it complete and "get trooping", but you cannot be in a rush! There will be a lot of cure time waiting for the E-6000 to dry, and lots to research before and after getting your kit. My advice is to be prepared, (have everything you will need on hand), and stay organized. Yes, there will probably be small amounts of blood shed, (battle scars), and you may find new curse words, but trust me... when you get out there on your first mission in your shiny white armor, it will all be worth it, I promise.

I would remove all of the return edges on the tops of the thighs before your final fitting. Otherwise, they will cut into your legs and fit too loosely if you remove them after gluing.

You can try Vern, Michael, http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/user/2173-tk-bondservnt-2392/. He certainly knows his way around armor, and has been on the boards for years.

Welcome, Frederick! Pretty much all the basic information you will need can be found here,http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/38-getting-started-read-this-first/. Lots of information to read, but we can help you out if you get stuck.

One week????? Good LORD that's fast!! What armorer did you end up going with?

You can also try this..http://www.501st.com/databank/Costuming:FISD_CRL

A third alternative are painting templates you can get here, Jefferson..http://trooperbay.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=templates. These are nice because you can go the painted route and still get nice clean lines.. If you do use this method, I can give you a little advice... after you have painted the background color, let it dry for at least 24 hours. Apply the decals on top of this, and then put a thin layer of the background color (gray for tears/traps, white for tube stripes). Let that dry for about 30 minutes, (no longer), then apply the black or blue in 2 thin coats, allowing 10 minutes in between. As soon as the second coat is fairly dry, remove the templates, otherwise they may lift the background as well. The reason for the thin coat of background color first is that if there happens to be any gaps around the template openings, the background color will fill them in, (no edge bleed). They send you some extras, so you can experiment to check your results. Hope this helps...

That is too funny, Bryan! Thanks for starting my weekend off with a smile!

I would probably go with the stainless, then, just to be safe. As for weather resistance I've never trooped in the rain, but one tends to sweat "just a bit" in full armor, especially here in FL.

Welcome, Rev! First, if you are interested in joining the 501st, (and we hope you are), I would definitely steer well clear of stormtroopershop. If you absolutely must have it pre-made, I would take a look here, http://www.rspropmasters.com/product/complete-stormtrooper-commission/. Is it more expensive? Yes, but it is basically approvable right out of the box. I would take Eric's advice and seriously think about doing it yourself, though... It takes some time, of course, but like he mentioned, there are multiple build threads available here for shorter Troopers, and literally hundreds of folks here more than willing to help you out. You can take a look here as well,http://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/11538-the-various-types-of-armor-and-where-to-find-them/if you haven't already, . All the best to you on your TK journey, Rev.

Oops, my mistake... (Heavy Weapons Trooper)

I think you should be just fine with the nickel finish, Chris, but don't forget you will be handling them extensively while attaching them to the nylon/Velcro initially, as well as every time you put your armor on. Perhaps the stainless may be the way to go, depending on the severity of your allergies, and overkill is not the first word that pops into mind when one comes loose during a troop, LOL.

I used the 2 inch, Jonathan, but only for the torso pieces. (see photo). I did use the double snap method for the shoulder bell where it attaches to the white elastic chest/back connection, but I used the 1 inch black elastic, putting them lengthwise instead of side by side like the others. I have enough 2 inch nylon left over for 1 full build if you would like it, (free, I'll even pay postage). Just PM me if you are interested. Hope this helps!

Congrats on starting your build thread, Jeff! Once you get that armor approved, you should come over to Makaze territory for a troop to show it off!

Definitely, Chris. Good call from Jay about the scuffing on the boots, especially since you are going for HWT.

I am sure it will be fine, Paul, no worries.