NEW V2 SCREEN ACCURATE FETT HARNESS sign up list!

This past year, Mojo Fett (Gav) and BobbyFettUK (Rob) set out to make the most accurate Fett rocket pack harness, and they totally succeeded in doing just that.
It was by far, the most accurate harness endeavor that has ever been attempted. A small run was initiated and that harness was shared with members of TDH.
I even purchased one myself.
Just for ease of discussion, lets refer to this harness as the V1 harness.

However, very shortly after the V1 harness run was completed, some new fantastic harness reference was made available.
This was both fantastic news and gut wrenching news all at the same time.
It was fantastic because it provided in clear crisp detail exactly what the harness should look like, and make it possible to get an accurate scaling of the harness for the first time ever.
It was gut wrenching because it pointed out some flaws of the V1 that was just recently completed. Flaws like improper scale, proportions, and some incorrect construction details.

The V1 harness was made as well as it possibly could have been based on the limited reference available at the time. And for what Gav and Rob had to work with, they did beyond a fabulous job.
Although the V1 harness that they had just finished is still an amazing functional piece, it does meet the standards for those wanting an ultimate screen accurate harness.
And that really sucks for those people (including myself) who had just invested in the V1 harness so recently. And especially for Gav and Rob who had invested an incredible amount of time and effort to see that project come alive and brought to completion.
But it was unavoidable. And outside of Gav and Rob having a crystal ball to see the future, there was nothing they could have done differently.

So with new awesome reference in hand, I took it upon myself to bring my skill set to the table and re-scale the harness using some of the known measurements of objects seen in the photo, and created a brand new drawing.
One in which I have the utmost confidence in. Checked it once, twice, three, and four times. Maybe five. : )

I approached Gav and Rob and asked them if they would be interested in doing another run based on my dimensions and they agreed.
Although there were issues with the dimensions/proportions of the V1 harness, the actual construction of it was top shelf. Gav, Rob, and the fabrication shop they used had done one hell of a job in my opinion.
I knew that combining my new V2 harness drawing with what Gav and Rob had accomplished with the V1, would provide us accuracy fans with the best shot possible for an ultimate replica.
I spoke directly with Gav and Rob individually where we discussed this new drawing in-depth, discovered some new details together, and sorted out the particulars.

There is nothing worse than having to invest in upgrading replicas as I'm sure many of you will agree. It's always better (and cheaper) to get it right the first time whenever possible.
But when it comes to creating replicas, you can only do the best job possible with the reference you have available at the time. That's just the nature of the hobby and the burden that the accuracy conscious have to bear.
That being said, having this new reference, I believe that this V2 harness will be the last harness that will ever need to be made to completely satisfy the hardcore accuracy nuts like myself.

There are a couple of other options out there as far as harnesses are concerned (including the V1 that some of you already have).
One recent option I've seen out there sacrifices accuracy, but is totally functional and geared for the budget conscious.
And the V1 is still completely functional, and is the second most accurate harness out there next to the V2.
In my opinion, alternate options are always a good thing, and I want to stress that we do not view anyone else's harness projects as any type of negative competition.

This V2 harness run is specifically geared for those Fett builders where accuracy is the most important factor, and who will never have to worry about upgrading ever again.



Here is a small description of our roles regarding this project:

Gino
My role was to provide the drawing with accurate dimensions of the harness, strapping, and strapping hardware, and provide general assistance with any manufacturing decision making.
Some of you may or may not be familiar with my work. Those that do, know that I regard screen accuracy as the most important factor in creating a replica. And the projects I choose to work on are almost never available to the general public.
This will be one of those rare occasions where a project I'm involved in will be made available to ANYONE who is interested in Fett accuracy.
I also wanted to point out that outside of getting a harness for myself, I am not making any money off of this run.
Most of the leg work will be performed via Gav and Rob, and because of that, I believe they are the ones deserving to benefit from it.

Mojo Fett (Gav)
Gav's role was to take my drawing, and from that create the breakdown CAD drawings that would be used by the fabrication shop for various jigs and assembly.
He will also share with Rob the role of liaison to the fabrication shop to oversee production and quality control.
Gav will also be the one who will handle all the financial aspects of the project including managing the sign up list.

BobbyFettUK (Rob)
Rob's role is to assist in creating/sewing the harness hardware and strapping. Many of you have already seen Rob's work in this area and can attest to it's quality.
Rob will also share with Gav the role of liaison to the fabrication shop to oversee production and quality control.



The harness drawing has already been sent to the fabrication shop and is just getting underway.
I'll let Gav take over from here and make a post with a sign up list, and misc. details including cost and payment arrangements.
I'm sure BFUK will chime in as well.


And with that, I give the mic to Gav and Rob.



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I think Gino has it pretty covered...
With his new information I have redrawn the plans and manufacture is under way for a small handful of harnesses (Mine Included) so if anyone is wanting to purchase this new V2 harness I will not be increasing the costs for these and will still be available fully finished at $300 shipped! The only thing we do not include is the belt buckle.. as many of you either have the real thing or one of Geoff's (FullmetalFetts) replicas.

So if you are interested in a harness just let me know either by PM or on here?
PP addy is as always - gavdrew007@aol.com

I will post on here with updates and pictures of the progress...

1. Gino - ESB
2. kbrosseau - ESB
3. Jamesbond007 - ESB
4. Grifter - ESB
5. Ponte -
8. Lufo1138 - ESB
7. Art - ROTJ
8. Peregrinus - SuperTrooper
9. GBH - ESB
10. mbmcfarland -
11. Cr4nky -
12. Morten - ROTJ
13. FullMetalFett - ESB & SuperTrooper
14. Mojo - ESB
15. BFUK - ROTJ
16. Heatshock -
17. CaptainSolo - ESB Large 4-Bar
18. Slave1pilot -
19. FettFanatic - ESB
20. Madmartigan - ESB
21. SlabFett
22. Mando1904 - ESB
23. Subartic - ESB

"...some new fantastic harness reference was made available.
This was both fantastic news and gut wrenching news all at the same time.
It was fantastic because it provided in clear crisp detail exactly what the harness should look like, and make it possible to get an accurate scaling of the harness for the first time ever."

Wow! What is this new material? Photos, drawings, sources? Can we see it, too?

Cheers!!!

Originally Posted by BooBoo Fett

Wow! What is this new material? Photos, drawings, sources? Can we see it, too?

Cheers!!!

Agreed! Not only would it be nice to see the new reference material just for the educational and wow factor, but it would also be nice to eventually see exactly what the differences between V1 and V2 are in context with the new references so those of us who already got a V1 can make an informed decision about the additional costs. Seeing as it is a piece that is in large part not a visible part of the costume, being able to understand how the scale corrections and other bits affect the visible parts of the costume would be significant and very helpful. Many thanks.

Unfortunately, the reference material is not allowed to be posted on this site.

Here is what I can tell you. The main difference is the scale. The V1 is quite a bit under sized. And of course that also effects the strapping, and the strapping hardware all the way down the line.
Other differences have to do with proportions, placement, component details, and some other construction differences.
From a functionality standpoint, the V1 is just as functional as the V2 will be. And of course, it is all underneath the backplate.
However, the aspects that you will be able to visibly see on the outside of the armor will be the new correctly sized strapping and strapping hardware.

Like I said in the first post, this run is specifically for those who want a harness as close to the real thing as possible. Even if the functionality will not really be affected, some still want a more screen accurate version regardless.

I don't know if there will be an opportunity to post any side by side comparison pics of a V1 and V2 before the entire run is completed so I realize this is sort of a leap of faith. Although that still might be a possibility, I just don't know for sure.
I think at some point (even if it is after the run is completed) a comparison between the V1, V2, and the original would be a great idea, otherwise how else would you know just how accurate it is. The only downside to that is once the run is done, that's it.
And it will be very obvious at how much difference there is between the V1 and V2, even without us pointing anything out.

We are moving forward with this new project for ourselves and a few friends regardless of how many additional people want to sign up.
We just thought it would be cool to offer it up to you guys as well.

If you guys have any other questions, feel free to ask here in this thread, or pm me, Gav, or Rob (as long as they aren't questions asking about specific measurements of course).



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The measurements are quite different. But it shouldn't have any bearing on that. Except that the straps will now be different widths than what the V1 used.

PM sent. Interested.

Originally Posted by PEEL1965

PM sent. Interested.

PM replied bro...

PM sent Gav...

Originally Posted by james007bond

PM sent Gav...

Replied bruv...

PM sent Gav.

Originally Posted by Grifter

PM sent Gav.

Replied...

Originally Posted by Ponte

PM sent as well Gav

Replied bruv...

I have been on the list for awhile now but here is my official sign on anyway.
This harness is going to be great. I simply cant wait to see it and I will echo what others have said; this should be the last harness you will ever need as far as accuracy goes.

Hey Gino, Please add me... Anything with your stamp on it I want.

Great collaboration guys, should be top notch.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Please keep this thread on target and focused on the harness replica put together by Gav and Gino.

Update

OK, I have been into the shop today with the final drawings and the lead time is 4 weeks. I will then need a little time to finish and sew the webbing onto the rig. I have some samples of vintage webbing due anytime and will update as and when they come in. As soon as I can I will get a prototype harness photo up and a shot to compare to the original harness we made last year.

As I have not yet posted in the thread, I just wanted to say that this project really should not be happening. I was and still am totally satisfied that the first harness does the job excellently and is a very very faithful replica to the original screen used prop. However, as Gino has stated, a very short time after the harness was complete some new photos were made available. It is a shame that the situation prevents them being posted directly on this site or that a link can not be posted, but that has its own story, and too much water has flown under the bridge for this to change any time soon. That is not to say I am very happy and thankful that the photos are available at all, I am, and all credit to those responsible for making it happen This has allowed for the harness to be scrutinized in a way that had been previously out of the question. The new photos when studied by a member with a reputation for replicating the smallest detail (Gino ) and compared with what had been produced, brought about a proposal from Gino to produce an even more accurate harness.

I was unsure of the need for this, I still am, but what with the new information, the design tweeks and the positive interest, a run has now been started. This I am sure will be the last I will be involved with of these harness, due to the level of accurate detail, the work involved in making it happen and the time restraints due to my ever growing family (my second lad is due in 3 weeks today) So you see, it really should not be happening

That's exciting news Rob. Can't wait to see the progress!
Wow, both you and Gav will have your hands full with brand new little clones. Congratulations.
I'm not quite ready to take on a replica project of that magnitude just yet.

In doing some research for the harness strapping and pack strapping, I've put together these two photo comps.

Here is what I've come to determine.


HARNESS STRAPPING
It is clear that there are two distinctive types of black harness strapping.
Per my comparison photo, there is the style 1 which is the seatbelt webbing.
Then there is the type 2 which is the scuba type webbing.
Due to limited photo reference, it is difficult to tell which versions of Fett use which type. I've tried to illustrate the known versions and show them in the comp.

Also, there are two types of divers belt buckle used. In ESB and ROTJ, Fett uses the rounded style, but the Supertrooper and PP1 used the angled cornered style (there is a very good chance that these are actually be the same setup though).











PACK STRAPPING
I believe there is a good chance that the pack strapping (the strapping that is sewn to the black harness strapping) is the same exact webbing used on all the different versions of Fett.
It is common belief that the pack straps on the MoM and AoSW exhibit packs are white. In fact they are a shade of grey.
If you look at the ESB pack straps, as well as the Supertrooper pack straps, they appear to be a medium grey.
But I believe it is the photography that makes one appear lighter in color than the other. Especially in the exhibit shots where the flash might make the grey appear even lighter.
Hard to say definitively, but I'm a firm believer in that the simplest answer is usually the correct one, especially when it comes to OT SW props.
One thing is certain, they all have the same weave.
Some pack straps have rivets, some don't.








So here is the breakdown of which types of harness strapping and which type of pack strapping each version of Fett uses.
It is completely possible, that some of these versions are in fact the same strapping. For example, the Supertrooper harness could actually be the PP1 harness. We just don't know for sure.
If any of this info I've shown is incorrect, please post here and show how it is wrong, and I'll revise the comps.
Here is the list at-a-glance for reference. Some will be marked unknown as I could not find any definitive reference. If you can fill in any of the blanks, please post here and let me know.

Supertrooper
Harness strapping: scuba webbing
Belt buckle: angled corners
Pack strapping: may or may not have rivets (it is not definitive either way from the one and only photo we have that shows this area)
However it is believed that this setup is actually the same setup as the AoSW and if that is the case, then it does not have and rivets.

PP1
Harness strapping: scuba webbing
Belt buckle: angled corners
Pack strapping: no rivets
It is very possible that this setup is actually the Supertrooper or AoSW setup.

PP2
Harness strapping: seatbelt webbing
Belt buckle: rounded
Pack strapping: has rivets
It is very possible that this setup is actually the ESB or ROTJ setup.

ESB
Harness strapping: seatbelt webbing
Belt buckle: rounded
Pack strapping: has rivets
It is very possible that this setup is actually the PP2, ROTJ, or MoM setup.

ROTJ
Harness strapping: seatbelt webbing
Belt buckle: rounded
Pack strapping: does not have rivets in the scenes on the skiff, does have them in promo photo (but I would go with what is confirmed on screen)
It is very possible that this setup is actually the PP2, ESB, or MoM setup.

AoSW EXHIBIT
Harness strapping: scuba webbing
Belt buckle: angled corners
Pack strapping: no rivets
It is very possible that this is actually the Supertrooper or PP1 setup.

MoM EXHIBIT
Harness strapping: seatbelt webbing
Belt buckle: rounded
Pack strapping: has rivets
It is very possible that this setup is actually the PP2, ESB, or ROTJ setup.

So there you have it.
So when it comes to deciding which style you want for your ESB or ROTJ Fett, all you can do is take the above info and make your best educated guess.

Maybe in the future some more definitive info will come to light, until then I would use this a a guide.

PS, thanks to kbrosseau for pointing out some discrepancies!


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That is a great breakdown. Thanks, Gino. I totally agree about the pack strapping. It is a medium gray. I'm still looking for a better match on that weave.

Funny thing about the ESB fett, I have never seen a photo where the divers belt buckle is visible. All the other versions have multiple shots where it is visible. I am interested to see if a photo of this exists because I am curious to find out if it was painted like the ROTJ version or left unpainted. I guess if it was rounded and it came from the PP2 suit it would've been painted. Anybody see any pics that show the belt on ESB during production?

Thanks!
Here's a screen cap of ESB Fett on Bespin showing the rounded style buckle.
Thanks to kbrosseau for directing me to this shot.




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Rob is trying to get samples of the correct webbing for this harness but just in case they aren't what we are looking for, here are close up pics of the actual webbing with dimensions.

Whoever can find either of these would be THE MAN.

One thing that I've noticed is that sometimes manufactures can list webbing in general sizes.
For example their 2" webbing might really be 1 7/8" when you actually measure it with a ruler.
Other times 2" really is a true 2".
Sometimes you just have to ask for samples and see what you get.

If anyone finds some seat belt webbing with 4 ribs per the picture anywhere near the 1 3/4" - 2" range, please let me know.
I'll order or purchase a sample and take the risk.
Same with the grey webbing.

Basically, if you want to do an ESB or ROTJ Fett, these are the two types of webbing we need.
Here are the photo and dimensions:







.

It's good to see you guys are taking into account two of the more intimate details / differences of the harness set-ups...

1. The color of the two back jet pack straps I thought was always an interesting debate, are they the "BLACK" seat belt webbing like the rest of the straps on the harness and weathered to a gray-ish tone or are they the same "WHITE" weave strapping that you see on the PRE-PRO / ROTJ jet pack straps and weathered to a gray-ish tone???

2. The direction of the rounded portion of the belt buckle is flopped on the PP2 / ESB set-up as opposed to the MOM / ROTJ set-up.

Very Cool!

Thanks!
We'll take all the help we can get and I'm glad to see that people are still interested in these research oriented matters.


Q #1
The straps sewn to the black harness straps (which I am calling the pack straps since they connect to the pack) are actually a grey colored webbing.
I am confident that is their natural color without any weathering.

Q #2
Yep, you are right. The buckle is reversible so you can feed the webbing through either side. I'm sure the LFL costuming people didn't pay very close attention to the orientation of the buckle.
I don't think it was even really ever supposed to be seen as part of the costume. Just solely a functional piece that would occasionally slip out from underneath the vest.


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Peregrinus has just directed me to some pics that has even further fleshed out this quest to nail down the harness strapping.
Thanks Peregrinus!
I'll update the list accordingly.

Looks like rivets are confirmed on the PP2 and ESB pack straps.
And it looks like the shot of ROTJ Fett on the skiff does not have rivets, but what I think is a promo shot of the ROTJ Fett showing him having rivets.
If I were doing a ROTJ Fett, I would go with what is confirmed on screen, and that would be no rivets.

Here are the pics:









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Originally Posted by Galactic Bounty Hunter

It's good to see you guys are taking into account two of the more intimate details / differences of the harness set-ups...

Glad ya like the efforts bro...

- list updated.

Originally Posted by Gino

Peregrinus has just directed me to some pics that has even further fleshed out this quest to nail down the harness strapping.
Thanks Peregrinus!
I'll update the list accordingly.

Looks like rivets are confirmed on the PP2 and ESB pack straps.
And it looks like the shot of ROTJ Fett on the skiff does not have rivets, but what I think is a promo shot of the ROTJ Fett showing him having rivets.
If I were doing a ROTJ Fett, I would go with what is confirmed on screen, and that would be no rivets.

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Good Stuff, this is well worth the price.. thanks again guys for doing this.

Please add me to the list for an ESB version.

THX

Originally Posted by Gino

Rob is trying to get samples of the correct webbing for this harness but just in case they aren't what we are looking for, here are close up pics of the actual webbing with dimensions.

Whoever can find either of these would be THE MAN.

One thing that I've noticed is that sometimes manufactures can list webbing in general sizes.
For example their 2" webbing might really be 1 7/8" when you actually measure it with a ruler.
Other times 2" really is a true 2".
Sometimes you just have to ask for samples and see what you get.

If anyone finds some seat belt webbing with 4 ribs per the picture anywhere near the 1 3/4" - 2" range, please let me know.
I'll order or purchase a sample and take the risk.
Same with the grey webbing.

Basically, if you want to do an ESB or ROTJ Fett, these are the two types of webbing we need.
Here are the photo and dimensions:







.

May be a redundant question, but where was the harness made for the movie? That would help nail down what to look for.

I'm pretty confident that the actual harness was a found item, most likely used to carry some sort of oxygen tank. Myself and others have searched forever for one like it but never came very close.
These were created in the UK and then shipped to the US.

As for trying to track down the harness strap materials, I would not look specific to country. I would just look everywhere. Wherever it is found, is the place we would be willing to buy it from.


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While I was working on my harness, I tried everywhere to find that strap material and still havent found anything. I found a 2 inch wide cotton webbing, then I washed a million times to get the correct width.



Here's some more images. Just to be clear, I'm not selling these. I'm just posting it for picture purposes.

http://r2ro.300dc.com/harnessforsale.htm

Originally Posted by Gino

I'm pretty confident that the actual harness was a found item, most likely used to carry some sort of oxygen tank. Myself and others have searched forever for one like it but never came very close.
These were created in the UK and then shipped to the US.

As for trying to track down the harness strap materials, I would not look specific to country. I would just look everywhere. Wherever it is found, is the place we would be willing to buy it from.


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How can you not be 100% confident that the Harness was a divers harness...its exactly a divers harness.

We can't say that for certain. There are other types of harness for things other than scuba tanks.
Until we find (if we ever do) the correct model and verify it's intended purpose, it is wrong to state that as fact, regardless of how likely we personally feel it is.


.

good stuff!

It is possible that the webbing was taken from a scuba harness and sewn to a fire fighters breathing apparatus, the size of the frame may suggest this. Or the buckle and other hardware were used with other webbing.

That was my thought as well. Being a firefighter in the Navy...

I went to work today and looked at an OBA. Green, not right.. but not bad as far as material. I took a pic... It came out bad. Ill have to do it again, as it looks like the seat belt. Only this is 2 rows, not four. Not accurate, but I think a lead.

Well it's been a few days, and I'm surprised there have been no suggestions (links) for either of the two needed webbing types.
I'm still looking but the more eyes on this the better.

Both Ford and GM produced seat belt straps with four ribs in the 1960's and 70's. The 1969 Mustang had it. The mustang seat belt is 1 3/4" in width. Betting the the rest of the Ford belts were, too. As well as GM. Widely available in 1978.

I am guessing seat belts went to 5 ribs for better safety design sometime in the 70's and 4 rib type is probably no longer currently manufactured anywhere. I could easily be wrong about that. I don't know for sure but seems likely. There is plenty on ebay motors, though, in the form of vintage seat belts, or you can dig it out of a junk yard, which might be what the makers of the Fett costume did. Dunno that either.

Okay, already I have to eat my words... currently manufactured 4 rib nylon strap made in china in virtually any width you want:



by Taizhou Enege Industrial Textile Co., Ltd.

http://www.ecplaza.net/tradeleads/se...bing.html#none

I don't like how this looks though. Definitely better off with a vintage seat belt strap as far as an authentic look.

Awesome find Lufo.

I think that looks **** good.
However, how are we supposed to order from China?
In some cases, they will show a pic of something, but it won't be something they have on hand or in-stock. Instead it would be made to order per your specs (and a huge minimum quantity).
Don't know if that's the case with this particular situation, but I wouldn't know how to find out.
Anyone?


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guys, I need to dig up some info I have here, but I ordered over 100yds of the correct stuff a few years back. I"ll find the info and post it for you.

oh wait... REI has the same pic on their website... selling it as 2" wide at $2/ft:



order it here: http://www.rei.com/product/603008

they also have it in 1 1/2": http://www.rei.com/product/603009

Both of those look so close, but they are too big.

We need 4 rib seatbelt style webbing in 1 3/4" (1.75") (44.5mm).








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I see mostly 2" nylon webbing out there, even with the aircraft stuff. It might be as you say, though, Gino -- they are not giving exact measurements and are instead rounding up. We can only find out by calling or ordering. All this makes it even more suspicious that the vintage car seat belts with four stripes were exactly 1 3/4". Makes a strong circumstantial case this is what they originally used. Its a little more pricey, but there is plenty for sale on ebay. Interested to see phantomfett's source or pics of what he had. You have any left over from that original 100 yds, phantom?

I didn't realize that you were saying that vintage stuff was 1 3/4". That is encouraging.
I don't think we need to buy up old seatbelts, surely someone somewhere still makes a 1 3/4 size in a roll.
Hopefully.

It fits it, but if you look at the reference photos, the screen used stuff is quite a bit narrower than the buckle itself.
The 1 15/16" - 2" wide webbing fills the buckle width almost exactly which is not screen accurate.

Why does everything always have to be such a pain. Can't we just once just easily find the stuff we need without having to scour the earth?

I will Bryan. And thanks again.
I'll call them and ask if they have a 1 3/4" wide version. Fingers crossed.
However I think everyone should keep looking as well in case this doesn't pan out.


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You don't still mean the 1 15/16" - 2" wide stuff do you?
I can tell you right now that it is 100% not correct to what was screen used.

We need to focus on trying to find 1 3/4" wide stuff if we want it to be screen accurate.

I hear you.
I'll definitely contact them first thing Monday morning and report back here.

Please take me off the list. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Peregrinus

Do we have a precise measurement for the width of the pack-attaching straps? I am currently poking at the sub-path of canvas belts...

Sorry Jonah, I must have missed this post from earlier.
Yes, we have them. I posted them in post #25. It is 1 5/8" (1.625") (41mm).
I can't tell what material they are for certain, so instead of focusing on any specific material, I would focus on the weave, width, and color.

Originally Posted by Peregrinus

Also, those look like hammered rivets rather than pop rivets. Yes?

Definitely.



.

I think this type is more like the polypropylene type than the Seatbelt type, but I could be wrong.




order it here: http://www.rei.com/product/603008

they also have it in 1 1/2": http://www.rei.com/product/603009[/QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Bobby Fett UK

I think this type is more like the polypropylene type than the Seatbelt type, but I could be wrong.

I would agree. Its almost more the diver belt type material than seat belt. Strong but very stiff. I know European car manufacturers also made 4 ribbon seat belts in the 60's but I don't know anything about standard widths, if they were different than in the US. Have any idea?

It didn't look like anything on their site would work, but just because it's not pictured doesn't always mean they don't have it.

I'm thinking that we're not going to find any 1 5/8" webbing in the states.
Might have better luck looking for 40mm or 41m in the UK.

Well, I've contacted all the leads we had on either of the two types of webbing and have come up with nothing.
If we cannot find the correct stuff, the best we can do is use the closest alternative possible that we have at our disposal.

If anyone comes up with any other new leads, I'll be happy to contact them and see what we can find.

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Ok, so I got some samples in. THe good news is the weave for the alternative seat belt material is a really good - and I can get a thinner one to use as the belt loop. I have a scuba webbing also, which is very firm/stiff, looking at the properties of the webbing in the "supertrooper" photos I think the seatbelt material is much more likely, you just can't bend the scuba stuff back on it's self like that.



The bad news is the width is 48mm, so is a little off to the size stated. The other bad news is, they sent 5 bar and not 4 bar for the standard seat belt material.



Have ordered a 4 bar sample.

Thanks for the update Rob.
Well, 48mm is better than 51mm as long as they have it in a 4 bar.

If only we could find the 44-45mm stuff.
Those old seatbelts that Lufo posted were the correct width. I wish we could find a lot more of that and in the lengths we need.


Any other leads on the grey pack straps?


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Gents, I found a link to some 1.75inch webbing. The company is stateside, so if one of you kind gentlemen can ring em and ask....
No idea if it's the 4-stripe as the piccy is too small...

See the bottom of the screen..

http://www.dibboats.com/inflatable-b...-webbings.html

Shiv

Hey Shiv, great find!

I've called them and asked for a better photo, but the small one is all they have (and you can't see anything).
I've ordered a sample which will be here tomorrow or the day after so I'll report back once it arrives.

Now lets see if we can find that grey webbing.


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No probs Gino... i'm looking around here in the UK too... know a few places and will get back in a few days...
Thing is, a lot of 1.75 inch webbing you'll find in tactical belts... for example blackhawk gear... but suddenly you're talking about $75 for a belt...
Anyway, hope the sample is good...
cheers

I was just sent a close up pic of that webbing and unfortunately, it is not even in the seatbelt style. It is just regular webbing.

Back to square one.

Hey Jonah.
Every place I talk to I've sent them photos and we discussed them over the phone.
I've got a couple of new leads on the seatbelt material, but nothing definitive.
Also, Rob is waiting for a sample as well.

However, we've got absolutely nothing on the grey pack strap webbing yet.
That's where we need the most focus on. I'm thinking it's a UK measurement, because it is not a standard US one.
I don't know if 40mm is a standard width in the UK or not though.



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38 - but called 40, it is pretty much a half inch. Will have some grey webbing news this week, main issue is material, the weave looks like cotton, but the supertrooper photos look more nylon.

Originally Posted by Bobby Fett UK

38 - but called 40, it is pretty much a half inch. .

Do you mean an Inch and a half? 1.5" - 38.2mm

Called the guys art the fabrication shop today and things are on track for the hardware, a final drawing was also emailed.
I'm glad that They have had no issues with everything presented to them and have indicated that the lead time of 4 weeks is achievable.
I have also asked for some pics to be emailed as things are happening and will post them accordingly.

Oh and for those on the list? could you either post here or PM me with the preferred style (film) version?

Gav

ESB all the way for me Gav...

same here... ESB

Very nice Geoff

Gav, ESB for me.

I'm definitely down for a set of the "Style 1"

I've been looking at other reference photos of the belt buckle in the exhibits, and I have found several shots that show the belt width to be consistent with dimensions of 1-15/16". This pic in particular. I'm not trying to cause a stir, I'm just wondering out loud if there is more compelling evidence other than extrapolation from photographs that the harness belt width it is absolutely less than standard seat belt widths.

I don't think you're causing a stir at all. It's always good to question these things.
The scaling I did (from the best pic I could find) came out to 1 3/4".
And that is consistent with some of the vintage 4 bar seatbelt webbing that you posted earlier.
I've found other 4 bar vintage seatbelt webbing as well that is 1 3/4", but it is on actual seat belts. The challenge is finding it on a roll and not actual parts.

If there were better ref pics, I could try to scale them again to see if I still get 1 3/4" but I couldn't find any better than the one I used that show the entire buckle with strap.
The one you posted is just way too blurry for me to put much faith in, especially when you compare it to resolution of the one I posted before.


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Here check these out side by side.

Original Fett on exhibit.


Buckle with 1 15/16 webbing




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I totally agree the reference photo I chose is way too poor to base any conclusions on. I was going after the relative spacing of the gap present, not true scaling. The distortions of the lenses don;t match at all for that.

The only thing I would point out with the ref photo you are using in comparison with phantomfett's webbing is that pf's belt is strapped on tight whereas the exhibit belt is loose and there may be some undetectable dimpling or buckling of the webbing (kinda dark to see for sure) that is causing a possible distortion of the true width as it appears in the photo. Not saying it is, just that it is a possibility.

Bump for updates!

Hey Keegan, some coincidence hey

OK guys first off, thanks for the patience of those who have shown interest in this project. These harness are not something that come toghther by them selves overnight, or an item where you simply call up and order to collect a few days later. There are many, many variables, including getting what we see in reference photos converted into a format that an engineer can understand, then finding someone who has the skills and machinery to make the item. This process has be held up due to births, death and the bad eccomomy.......it's been a saga alright.

The good news is that the project got well and truly of the ground today. I am due to visit tomorow and will get some photos etc. It has been close to getting going properly a number of times recently, but I did not want top post an update, only to let members down. Thankfully this is now full steam ahead.

I have in my workshop the samples of the webbing, 48mm seatbelt weave, 48mm 4 bar seat belt and the belt loop 25mm weave. I also have the heavy the heavy cotton weave for the rear straps, this is in natural and can be dyed to the correct colour.

Look out for the full update tomorrow.

Best, Rob.

Thanks for 'this' update Rob....

cheers

Shiv

Originally Posted by james007bond

Thanks for 'this' update Rob....

cheers

Shiv

Hey Shiv,

more to come on this! have also updated the list..

Originally Posted by full metal fett

Go back and update it again Gav, can't see my name on the list....LOL

FMF


P.S. somewere near the top please.

Lol... Sorry bro, will add ya now.

Hey guys

Ok, I have spent the day in the fab shop working on the rig. We have pretty much been laying the foundations, making the jig to locate the harness in the CNC later in the process. The rig is also used at this point to make sure the correct bend is achieved. We also finished the former to bend the material without any deformation. These were all done on the same principals as the previous outing, but the former has been "beefed up" due to the increase in wall thickness.

Here is the first bent section (left) on the right is the previous rig. This is the first time I have been able to compare the difference.



And the jig in the CNC


From here we can make the brace sections to fit the rig and the distance between the two legs perfectly.

I will post up the webbing tomorrow. I am going to need to get a handle of who wants which type of weave to get the order in soon, but that can wait till tomorrow, it has been a long day.