Instructions > WW2 American Paratrooper M1C chinstrap Fitting Instructions
US M1C Paratrooper Chinstrap Fitting Instructions:
Warning: We have used this technique hundreds of times to fit pre-sewn M1C chinstraps to swivel bales. Only once did the whole bale come away from the helmet, which meant having to spot weld it back into place. We take no responsibility if you damage your bales, cannot refit the bales, damage the paintwork or cause any other damage to your helmet. We strongly advise against using this technique on any historically relevant helmet unless you have practised on an old or foreign (Belgian, Danish etc. ), swivel bale helmet.
Why use pre-sewn M1C paratrooper chinstraps: Our chin straps have been box stitched using the correct material, colour and pattern. If you try and sewn your chinstraps on it will be instantly recognised as a non factory fitted chinstrap. So it makes your helmet much more authentic. In addition we would rather use tools to fit a chinstrap than a needle and thread - have you tried this on chinstrap material - its a nightmare!
Points to note: Make sure you attach the strap with the hooks to the left side of the helmet when wearing it. Attached the strap with the buckle to the right side of the helmet. Make sure you attach each strap the correct way round on the loop, the DOT popper fasteners should end up facing the inside of the helmet. Make sure you put the loops back into the swivels the same way you took them out.
The final result is a standard M1 swivel bale helmet, converted to a late war M1C swivel bale with correctly stitched chinstraps. The below technique can be completed in about 12 minutes!
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