LC-1 strap project

Equipment Proton Packs
1

Is there anyone who owns a set of LC-1 straps and kidney pad that can provide general dimensions for me or maybe point me somewhere where they might be posted. I ask because im contemplating either making a set from scratch or if its feasible altering a set of LC-2 straps to conform to the look of the LC-1.

Strangely enough I’m fairly handy with a sewing machine due to past experience with leatherworking… Would be an interesting tutorial to post if i could get the info i need.

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2

I just got an LC-1 right shoulder strap off ebay once i get it and double check to see if its a real LC-1, I will send you the mesurements. And if you were able to make an LC-1 strap kit I might would be up for buy it.

3

I was thinking more along the lines of a tutorial on altering lc2 straps to more closely resemble lc1s. I just want to know if its a feasible option should someone decide to try…knowing the basic dimension differences between the 2 styles of straps are just a step. This is an aesthetic issue moreso then anything else…making a kit wouldnt be practical as it would likely end up costing more then just dishing out what gouging sellers are trying to get for actual lc1 straps.

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4

They are considerably different. It’s easier to make them from scratch.

5

LC-1 shoulders are like 1 large pad that is sewn into two different sections.

They also have a “patch” on the surface facing out.

LC-2 is a smaller pad with a nylon flap on the bottom.

Modifying them may be more trouble than its worth.

Now, custom GB2 hero LC-1’s with extra padding.. that would be a nice tutorial to have.

Check out Ramis’s pack in the reference section to see what I mean.

Also if you want some pics of various LC-1s I can provided those.

6

Sure pass em along…reference photos for general appearance will also be needed. I get that most folks will find this sort of thing pointless…but there are people who refuse to pay ridiculous prices for vietnam era surplus simply because it was used once for a film in 1984. What im curious about is whether an LC1 look can be produced with nothing more then LC2 straps and maybe some minor material additions. Things like padding thickness, shape, the v shaped strapping at the top of the strap, patching etc can be easily changed with a little needle work. Ive never actually had a true mil spec lc1 frame and straps in my presence though so im just guessing here. If altering lc2 straps is something that isnt too difficult a task and wouldnt require too much additional material then most folks would take the cheaper path id think. Working joes anyway. That extra money could be put back into their build for other more important and accurate parts. When only the hardcore and talentless are hellbent on genuine lc1 you will fast see the price gouging disappear.

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7

I was selling straps for $20 a pair not to long ago.

I know what you mean about the price gouging though… Its a bit crazy.

He’s some pics for ya:

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You can see some of the subtle differences from one company to the next there.

Also, the “lower” pad portion is what I’m talking about.. You would need material for that.

Really, The overall shape and length of the two types is quite different.

8

Cool thanks gekx. If you got a set of lc1 straps and kidney pad or full lc1 rig you wanna sell for a reasonable price id still be interested…would possibly make altering a set of lc2s easier with a side by side view. In the end i need 2 alice rigs anyway, since i intend To build two packs.

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9

Score. Picked this up for a very reasonable price and its in near mint condition.

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Actually having one in front of me makes the potential for replicating these a lot better. I had to do some digging to find this BUT it wasnt overly difficult to come by. I could easily replicate these straps and kidney belt though as there is a local textile company that sells similar nylon and canvas in OD green by the yard and canvas strapping by the foot…the hard part would probably be finding similar hardware…buckles, quick release etc. Might have to do a interest thread to see if this is something folks would want at this point or if I should wait a couple of years and let them get closer to extinction.

10

I had considered this route a while back and did some research into getting the materials.

Here are the technical drawings for the military specification:

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(Sorry for the low resolution; this is the best I could find.)

The hardest part is finding 2.25" milspec OD webbing. The closest I’ve found is this:

http://www.lowyusa.com/wb8c-r-resin

It has that same herringbone pattern with a seam down the middle, but it’s wholesale and special order, meaning you’d need to buy a LOT of it.

The same company sells some of the hardware:

http://www.lowyusa.com/tb4042

http://www.lowyusa.com/bk205

But again, same caveat with the special order/wholesale deal, and the spring quick releases on LC-1 hardware had little metal stop tabs on them.

I’ve not been able to find the metal loops and plastic tooth part for the quick release on the left strap anywhere.

1" OD nylon webbing (for the top and bottom attachments to the strap) is much easier to come by and available all over the place.

One thing I had considered was buying some of the cheap LC-1 style mil-spec straps (the kind that blend LC-2 pads and strap styling with LC-1 quick releases). I have a pair and the metal hardware is nearly identical to real LC-1’s:

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(Original LC-1 on the left, Repro on the right)

There’s also more than enough of the 2.25" webbing once you rip the seams and unfold it, as it’s doubled up LC-2 style in places, whereas LC-1 only requires a single layer of it over the pads.

The color of these repro straps is more brown than green, but nylon takes dye fairly well (use lots of vinegar), so it shouldn’t be too hard to green them up a bit.

You’d just need to reshape it, sew new 1" webbing on (what’s on these straps is far too short) in the right configuration, reuse the old hardware, and sew on new nylon pads.

I think I paid $10 for these straps, so that might be an avenue of some interest to you.

This will be a really cool project if you get it off the ground!

11

I appreciate the input there Jarius… There is actually a company I have had some dealings with in the past that claims they stock strapping very similar to what was used on the original LC-1 gear. Surprisingly when I posed the question the gentlemen I spoke with seemed to have very intimate knowledge of the materials I was inquiring about and the straps in general as he was a Vietnam veteran who claims that he humped thru 50+ miles of…and I quote “some of the most god awful…shit filled… hate infested stretches of jungle you could possibly imagine with 50-60lbs of field gear in an ALICE pack of the exact same configuration of the one I was holding in my hand”. Now im just as much of a patriot as the next american…but I have to say the man had a hint of lunacy in his eyes so im not sure how much of what he said is credible…however Ill be having a look at what he claimed they had available in the next few days. I actually have the schematics you threw up there printed out on 30 x 42 bond…they are a little pixelated but you get that when your printing larger then the original document..which itself was a copy of a copy of a scan of a old school set plans.

I cant help but wonder if this is a little pre mature though, I was having a difficult time locating a set for my own pack build so this thread was born of my desire to have the GB1 look for my pack build. LC-1 loot isnt as extinct as most people think it is. I found one… and didnt get gouged on the price…

12

it would be really awesome if you looked into making the lc-1 waist strap. when i bought mine, it was six for 13 bucks for a repro, now you’re lucky if you can find one for that much.