New TK Anovos Build - 1st time build

[Rat[TK]]

It seems imperial boots is shut down due to the typhoon in asia, but here is their link.
https://www.imperialboots.com/#
TKBoots have some stock but email them if they appear to have your size to make sure as they are closing up.
http://tkboots.com

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[shootstraight]

Thanks, my only choice will be the ImperialBoots which as mentioned is closed due to weather and wave release. I will continue to watch for when they will take orders, in the meantime, should I start on torso or thighs, etc, or wait for boots. I was filling ukswrath’s build thread. Thanks


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[Rat[TK]]

I would say which ever your comfortable with, but the core would be good.

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[shootstraight]

Thanks Rat, do you know of any post on how to build out the kidney to cover my side gaps. I bought some ABS from Trooperbay. Do I add to the kidney section and shim the back to lengthen the kidney section around my body?






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[Rat[TK]]

I cant think of any off the top of my head, but I'm sure some others may know of some. I didn't need to use shims, but if I did I would probably divide the difference in the middle. Though I think most go from the kidney forward to meet the ab.

Like I said I'm not familiar with it and I'm sure others will have some links to builds or advice about it.

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[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

1 hour ago, shootstraight said:

Thanks Rat, do you know of any post on how to build out the kidney to cover my side gaps. I bought some ABS from Trooperbay. Do I add to the kidney section and shim the back to lengthen the kidney section around my body?

Personally I cut off the return edge from the kidney, then glue a piece of ABS behind, usually about 3 to 4 inches in width, I/1 is glued to the kidney plate, then glue a spacer shim to the other 1/2 of the plate attached to the kidney. I like to use JB weld to glue them as it does take a while to dry so you can move around and it is a lot stronger than E6000.

 

Once dry you can remove any glue down the join line, mix up some ABS paste and fill the gap, once dry you can use several different grades of sandpaper to remove any excess then use a cutting compound polish to bring back the shin.

 

Here's a couple of threads that should help:

https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/37319-how-to-anovos-kidney-plate-shims/

https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/32266-side-shims-and-rivets/

https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30226-side-shims-on-abkidney-help/

https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/29077-adding-the-kidney-shim-not-bad-but/

 

ABS paste how too:

https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/42866-how-to-make-abs-paste/

 

[Rat[TK]]

Thanks Glen, I knew they were out there and I've seen submitted photos with them, but never seen a build that used them.

Personally I cut off the return edge from the kidney, then glue a piece of ABS behind, usually about 3 to 4 inches in width, I/1 is glued to the kidney plate, then glue a spacer shim to the other 1/2 of the plate attached to the kidney. I like to use JB weld to glue them as it does take a while to dry so you can move around and it is a lot stronger than E6000.
 
Once dry you can remove any glue down the join line, mix up some ABS paste and fill the gap, once dry you can use several different grades of sandpaper to remove any excess then use a cutting compound polish to bring back the shin.
 
Here's a couple of threads that should help:
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/37319-how-to-anovos-kidney-plate-shims/
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/32266-side-shims-and-rivets/
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/30226-side-shims-on-abkidney-help/
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/29077-adding-the-kidney-shim-not-bad-but/
 
ABS paste how too:
https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/topic/42866-how-to-make-abs-paste/
 

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[shootstraight]

Thanks, per your preference to clarify, do you cut a notch into the added on piece? And what do you do for the return edge?


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[Rat[TK]]

Thanks, per your preference to clarify, do you cut a notch into the added on piece? And what do you do for the return edge?


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Firstly the return edge isn't required anywhere. Though tapering the existing return edge down woul be good to prevent scratching, stabbing and tearing up I or your undersuit. The notch I can't recall if it is required, I want to say it is but need to double check the CRL's on it.

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[shootstraight]

Ok, before I cut, can I get a thumbs up on the lines shown for the kidney? I was planning on cutting, them shim with an extension to the end with no notch and but it against the front. As for return edge, wasn’t planning that either unless required for centurion...






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[ukswrath[Staff]]

And you're cutting this because ???????

[Rat[TK]]

Adding shims Tony.

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[ukswrath[Staff]]

For a shim extension just remove the return edge and adhere it to the existing armor. 

[ukswrath[Staff]]

Let me elaborate, remove the desired amount of return edge needed. Add new shim using the butt and strip method (most common). Fill the outer seam created with ABS paste, sand, paint and you're good to go. Note: The Anovos armor is very thin, especially in this area. Any reinforcement in and around the shim seam will greatly add to the area strength.   

[shootstraight]

Thanks everyone, do I need a new return edge on end where it joins up with the ab section?


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[Rat[TK]]

Not as far as I understand it.

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[ukswrath[Staff]]

1 hour ago, shootstraight said:

Thanks everyone, do I need a new return edge on end where it joins up with the ab section?


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Rat is correct the return edge is not required, only in specific areas and this isn't one of them 

[shootstraight]

Ok, I am about to use weld to epoxy the shim into place tomorrow, question though is the thickness of the ABS I got from Trooperbay will result in the edge being higher thanks the kidney piece, once I have it welded into place on top of the shim, should I gently sand to feather it down to the level of the kidney, if this makes any sense.


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[ukswrath[Staff]]

1 hour ago, shootstraight said:

Ok, I am about to use weld to epoxy the shim into place tomorrow, question though is the thickness of the ABS I got from Trooperbay will result in the edge being higher thanks the kidney piece, once I have it welded into place on top of the shim, should I gently sand to feather it down to the level of the kidney, if this makes any sense.


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Optimum would be to have the shim at the same level. If you have any flat scrap left over possible step up the inner cover strip. If this is not an option than yes you'll have to feather the shim. I recommend testing the epoxy on a piece of scrap to see if there any adverse effects.  

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

1 hour ago, shootstraight said:

Ok, I am about to use weld to epoxy the shim into place tomorrow, question though is the thickness of the ABS I got from Trooperbay will result in the edge being higher thanks the kidney piece, once I have it welded into place on top of the shim, should I gently sand to feather it down to the level of the kidney, if this makes any sense.

As Tony suggested always test glue before you apply, some can cause distortion with heat and for more quick setting glues they can crack when being flexed.

 

Definitely feather/sand if there is a difference in thickness, do this wet with wet and dry sandpaper, you can add a little dishwashing liquid as it helps stop clogging the sandpaper and glides easier. Star with a courser grits then finer until you reach 1200 or ultrafine, you can then use an automotive cutting compound to bring back the shine.

[shootstraight]

Thanks, I can test the job weld, but was going off what gmrhodes13 mentioned earlier in the post. Is there a specific type I should burly at Lowe’s? I don’t have an option on the shins as I don’t have any flat pieces left over that will work, leaving me to feather sand.


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[ukswrath[Staff]]

1 hour ago, shootstraight said:

Thanks, I can test the job weld, but was going off what gmrhodes13 mentioned earlier in the post. Is there a specific type I should burly at Lowe’s? I don’t have an option on the shins as I don’t have any flat pieces left over that will work, leaving me to feather sand.


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Not really. As mentioned earlier if you dont have any decent scrap then blending is the answer. Glen gave some really good "how to" advice.

[shootstraight]

Ok, please provide thoughts and or feedback. I have added some shins to the kidney and paste to the seams. Sanding and feathered and I think it is ready to paint. I will need to trim the end once I and ready for final fit with abs. Question is that Anovos and Trooperbay white don’t match and recommendations to paint Trooperbay with some type of white to match better or any other suggestions. Otherwise I am SOL, and need to live with it










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[shootstraight]

I didn’t have any feedback since I shimmed my kidney plate, so I continued on... can I please get feedback and/or approval if body armor looks good. Should I paint the screw heads? I used the bracket system.

Please advise to ensure I am on track or if anything needs tweaked. I feel like I need to trim back a little on the kidney section as I added a little extra for final fit.
















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[shootstraight]

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