Commander Code

Bucket day 2 through 4 I'm super pleased with how this part of the project is turning out. Will be completing the wiring for the fans and switches this weekend.

Bucket Day 2 Lens mounting screws installed

Very nice! I will keep this in mind. This should make it easier as I don't have to worry too much on the precise suction fit I have seen. Thanks.

Today's progress so far...

Thank you! Will be finishing the lenses today and tomorrow. Tomorrow my voice amps and iComm unit comes in. Just gotta line the bucket with neoprene and install Velcro for the padding. Then I will knock out the 12v fan rail and switches for amp and fans. And finally installing it all! Stay tuned

Good day Empire fam! Hope all are having a great day. Today is bucket day! I am feeling confident with my armor and all the work put into it. This brings me to the part I was looking forward to the most through this whole project. I have taken advice and inspiration from many on this forum. I am hoping to be able to accomplish what Kamikaze and others have been able to achieve. Here is the start..

Based on yesterday's fitment test (as seen in previous photos) there were a couple areas that needed additional attention. 1) The right shoulder strap that snaps to the right "bell" was loose, allowing the shoulder bell to slip to the front/back. 2) The elastic that goes around the biceps in both shoulder bells needed tightening. 3) The ab plate needed an additional 1.5" trimmed. Originally I thought it was perfect after I trimmed just the kidney plate, but noticed that the ab plate was being pushed forward/down by the kidney plate. 4) The Velcro inside the thighs that attach to the belt loops were too high. This was letting the thighs rest too low. I have just finished making all these modifications. Just waiting a bit longer for the 6000 to dry and we will run another test.

Not too sure yet. I am budgeting ~ $200 for the blaster. This project has already set me back $2k and I'm not done. :/

Ha. Lol. These DC shoes are the way!

I died laughing when I read your comment. When you troop in the house you have to be comfortable. Waiting to be able to place my order with imperial boots. Plus the blaster.

Here I present to you...the first time I have been able to wear the whole suit! I am proud of the progress made. A total of about a week of work (including dry time for e6000).

Thanks Mark It was a bit daunting in the beginning, but overall fulfilling.

Much appreciated for this. I was kinda overthinking it. I will use minimal padding as I'm in hot @$$ FL. Will also take your advice as far as placement.

Ok! I have all pieces trimmed, fitted, glued, velcro'd, and ready for final touches. (I think). I am looking for foam to fill the gaps in the pieces and my body parts. What do most use? It is not looking like there are many options for 1" thick neoprene as this is about the size needed to fill the gaps. I can see the finish line!

Like a charm. Here it is after a quick boil bath.

Ok. From my brief fitment test last night it definitely is a prob. I have not been having any luck with "hot" water baths. Not sure how I fit this sucker in a boiling pot and my bath water does not appear to be hot enough.

Ok Team, I am wondering how I can get the "butt crack" piece to align (not sit below) the front cod piece. This is one of the last major alignments needed to be corrected before I can call the torso "done" (minus adding foam for filler).

Today's fun.

Here are the shins re-sized and glued. I am about to apply Velcro for fastening. Two questions.... How long and how hot of a bath should I leave them (a little tough to hold close) and, is it the fuzzy side on the strip or on the calf?

Great info! I was afraid if it was not 100% perfect I would be disqualified. Letting everything sit over night. Will be back at it tomorrow.

I just got done cutting the 4" from the left thigh. I taped for alignment but noticed the right bottom adge protrudes out from the thigh about .5" even though the thigh is perfectly straight. Is this a problem? Or is normal?

Your appreciation is appreciated. I spent months on this forum prior to purchasing armor. Unfortunately I am very slender and not to many folks on here have this narrow of a frame. Not much to go off of. This thread was intended to recieve as well as provide any insight as to how armor building/modding can be achieved. Especially for us slender troops. Thank you!

And yes I will be sanding the bottom of the strip to lign up with the curve of the ankle line. As well as to protect the back of my ankle from that bite.

Right shin/calf after 1.5" trim. This puppy is taped up and sitting in a hot water bath right now. On to the left leg!

Alright guys! Just trimmed 4" total. Looking much better. Nice and vertical just as specified. And yeah, that's a new bag of clamps and a tube of e6000. I should be pro by the end of this.