nICE
Could you elaborate on any deviations from you method doing a stright back entry. Your method reminds me of putting on window plastic to winterize windows (plastic strips) great idea if they don't ruin the glue stickiness.
Let me be the first to say great job.
Could you tell me were to get a zipper and glue etc for $100
Thanks!
I've only done this one installation, so I can't say how installing a back-entry shoulder zipper might be different. I've heard they're easier because they can be installed pretty much flat without any significant bends.
I believe the zippers themselves are essentially the same, except for length, and/or possibly TPI (teeth per inch), since a heavy-duty 6 TPI could be used on the back entry, since it doesn't have to bend as much.
I purchased the new zipper a year ago on eBay for $82, delivered. That seller had listed about a dozen zippers of different lengths and I lucked out and got what I needed. They are very rare on eBay, though, and that seller hasn't listed any more.
I've just sent an email to the seller to see if they can get some more. I'll post if I find a source.
One possible source is B&M Distributing, in East Providence, RI. I talked with their representative about a year ago and got a ball-park price of around $110, if I remember correctly.
WHOLESALE DIVING EQUIPMENT
I know of another source in MA that may be willing to sell them for $125, but I'd have to confirm before posting details.
So, zippers can be found. I'm still looking for a connection in England to get them more directly. (Gad, I am sooo cheap!)
As far as the glue I used, S-18 glue was recommended by a shop that does drysuit work. It's an industrial neoprene contact cement used for such applications as applying marine carpet to boat hulls, etc. It's a little hard to find.
It's made by R-H Products of Acton, MA. (978) 897-8000
They were happy to provide the names of nearby distributors when I inquired.
There happened to be a distributor about a hundred miles from me, but on the way to the dive site, so I picked up a quart can last year.
That distributor was Atlantic Rubber, Co, 37 Ayer Rd, Littleton, MA (800) 882-3666. I don't know if they routinely retail the product, or if they just did me favor, but they sold me a quart for about $11.
I just Googled up another distributor:
S-18 Neoprene Adhesive, Aerosol, Adhesives & Sprays, 3M Fastbond Foam Adhesive 100, 3M Top and Trim Adhesive (8046) from Rochford Supply - Your Online Textile and Upholstery Superstore!
However, there's a significant hazardous material shipping surcharge of $20 on top of the $18.99 per gallon price, so you might want to find a local distributor.
By the way, reportedly, the S-18 will have a shelf-life, after opening, of about 5-7 years.
I probably used less than 4 ounces putting three coats on the suit and zipper.
Another glue with an excellent reputation is PB-300. I might try it sometime because they say it allows some positioning of the glued surfaces after initial contact.
You mentioned a concern about the plastic strips affecting the glue, but that doesn't happen. Using ZipLoc-type bag plastic was good because it's strong and very smooth and slippery.
Also, the glue is allowed to dry 10-15 minutes to the point of being just barely tacky, so the plastic barely sticks to the glue.
I first started using a plastic strip with latex seals because it would peel out of the way without pulling the latex with it.
Wow Awesome,
My suit is out of commission in need of a zipper (or other suit) where did you get the zipper to do that for $100?
Pete
Sorry to hear that, Pete. That was a new zipper, if I remember your post. Hope you get it fixed soon.
Thanks for taking the time to take pics and post. I was wondering about doing this my self for a 350. I also want to know your zipper source.
Hunter
See above for the zipper source.
I've got a TLS350 as a back-up suit and its replacement zipper was glued in also and had many dives on the replacement zipper, so I felt pretty confident in using glue rather than sewing the zipper in.
With the right machine, sewing is quicker and more secure, so I'm still looking for local machines that might work. I don't think it's critical, though.
Nevertheless, I think I'd rather sew on my CF-200 socks when I replace them. Maybe by then I'll find someone local with a suitable sewing machine to trade scallops for sewing.
Dave C