Airsoft Arizona

Airsoft Hardware => Accessories & Gear => Topic started by: TimW on April 11, 2005, 09:26:37 AM

Title: Multicam South African vest project
Post by: TimW on April 11, 2005, 09:26:37 AM

I've always loved the South African assault vest. It's the basis for the MESA vest design.  Well, I was able to pick up a second SA vest which looks like it'd never been issued. So, I decided that my first one, which was well-used (but no 'dead guy' smell), would make a great project to convert to Multicam.

Here's what it looked like before:

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274224.jpg)

Since I would never use the back pockets for their original purpose (linked ammo and a first aid kit), I decided that a hydration pocket would be more useful. Well, that and the fact I don't know how to do zippers, made the hydration pockets an easier choice, as well.  I also decided to add a drag-handle and replace the four .75"  side-adjustment buckles with three 1" straps.  Here is the result.  As you can see on the right side, I slightly messed up matching the "X" on one spot.

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274225.jpg)

I wanted to add some PALS webbing, but not cover the whole thing, so I put 3 rows at the top and three at the bottom.  I realized this morning, that it is the same number as if I'd merely alternated rows as is customary, but oh well.  The center buckle helps support the back panel if I put anything on it, which is doubtful, but one never knows.

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274227.jpg)

View with a filled 72oz Camelbak Omega reservoir.  Also, a close up of the reservoir loop I put in to help support the reservoir:

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274228.jpg)  

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274249.jpg)  

Overall, I think I did a swell job (if I do say so myself).  I am most impressed with the success I had with the binding. I did the inside stitching using the attachment, then the outside line was freehand.

Here are some other pictures.  Two notable "oops".  First, I cut the lid flap a little too wide, and it touches and folds up where it hits the sides of the hydration pocket.  Second, you'll see the pleat I needed to make to accommodage the too-wide material at the bottom. Should have put the pleat in the middle, but by the time I really realized it would look better there, I would have had to open the seam up, and I was too lazy to do that.  Since this is for me, no big deal.

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274230.jpg)

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274239.jpg)

 (http://www.hunt101.com/img/274236.jpg)

My next steps are to replicate the pockets on the front panels.

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Post by: Lightning_Man on April 11, 2005, 06:58:02 PM

I am very impressed. May I ask where you got the SA from? I too have been a big fan of this setup for a long time. Wouldn't mind picking one up again, if it was in good shape not too expensive and lacked the aforementioned small, LOL.

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Post by: TimW on April 11, 2005, 07:09:24 PM

The first one (the one I am modifying) I got at Omahas.com about 3-4 years ago.  The second one, that looks like it's never been issued, from a guy on another board who was selling it.  They run about $60-$80

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Post by: Farslayer on April 11, 2005, 09:58:54 PM

It will be nice to see someone "model" it when it's done Tim....

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Post by: studdermonkey on April 11, 2005, 10:04:32 PM

Damn, is that nice, Tim! I'm super impressed as well.