Changing over SS backplate to aluminum

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MMM

MMM

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When I bought my Halycon SS BP&W system a couple of years ago, the guys at the LDS set it all up for me. I have found that when I dive in the summer (steel tanks) I am overweighted. So this year I bought an aluminum BP and, since my equipment had moved to my Cozumel home, I got to to the job myself. It took me the better part of one day to disassemble the one, rethread the webbing (did it several times), and reassemble the new one. I took photos on my iPad as I disassembled in the hopes that I would be able to refer to them and replicate the work. I also watched several YouTube videos and I think that I have everything pretty much back where it belongs. The only problem is that one of the two screws (the bottom one) that connects the wing to the BP won't tighten all the way so there is a bit of a gap. I think a washer is the solution and there may even have been one when I disassembled but it wasn't there at assembly time...only the top one had a washer. I tried WD40 but it made no difference...the screw simply wasn't going to get any tighter.

Does anyone know...are these just stainless steel washers? I imagine anything else will rust. If so, I can set out tomorrow to try and find one.
 
MMM:
When I bought my Halycon SS BP&W system a couple of years ago, the guys at the LDS set it all up for me. I have found that when I dive in the summer (steel tanks) I am overweighted. So this year I bought an aluminum BP and, since my equipment had moved to my Cozumel home, I got to to the job myself. It took me the better part of one day to disassemble the one, rethread the webbing (did it several times), and reassemble the new one. I took photos on my iPad as I disassembled in the hopes that I would be able to refer to them and replicate the work. I also watched several YouTube videos and I think that I have everything pretty much back where it belongs. The only problem is that one of the two screws (the bottom one) that connects the wing to the BP won't tighten all the way so there is a bit of a gap. I think a washer is the solution and there may even have been one when I disassembled but it wasn't there at assembly time...only the top one had a washer. I tried WD40 but it made no difference...the screw simply wasn't going to get any tighter.

Does anyone know...are these just stainless steel washers? I imagine anything else will rust. If so, I can set out tomorrow to try and find one.
Click to expand...

Nylon should work and not cause any different metal problems.

Next time go for new webbing and hardware. A lot less trouble.
 
You can find SS washers in marine supply store. A normal galvanized washer would probably last many weeks before too much rust, if rinsed well.
 
If I may, use a garden hose rubber washer (or 2), cheap and won't rust.
 
I too switched from steel to aluminum for the warmer temps in the summer time. I bought this:

Storm Aluminum Backplate w/ Harness and Crotch Strap | Dolphin Scuba Center

I removed the d-ring from the right hip. (?!?) I also put an o-ring on the left chest d-ring to served as an LP inflator. I do switch the STA and wing back and forth but that's easy. Also since I switch somewhat frequently the bolts never have a chance to get locked on too tight.
 
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