Hey Everyone, I've been getting asked a lot lately how i converted a plate carrier into a vest, i have done this twice and im currently working on the 3rd, its pretty easy.
1. Remove all the pockets and velcro (front and Back)
2. Make sure you do not remove the straps at the shoulders your will need them for sizing up the height.
3. Add straps to the sides to make back and front meet, i use 1" leather, make sure the buckle is attached to the back panel that way the excess strap (if any ) hangs on the back not the front of the vest, you can 2 or 3 straps.
4. Add leather to shoulders to replace the nylon straps, before you do use the nylon straps to size the height of the vest. once sized, cut and attach the leather, i used a speedy stitcher and wax thread.
5. Once the leather is attached to the shoulders now you can cut the nylon straps.
6. When attaching the armor, if you iron on velcro the inner padding of the vest will flatten that is normal and will not affect the vest, or you can sew on the velcro up to you, i use velrco and the i attach with screws.
7. If you notice that the vest in the front is poofing out near the armpits or just slightly below just sew in a dart.
8. DONE!
Tools: Speedy Stitcher, Wax Thread, Leather and scissors
added pics for visual reference.
P.S. i have heard people say just turn it inside out, that doesn't work, you still need to add closures and most important, the way the vest is sewn, if you turn it inside out it bunches up and feels uncomfortable.