Cutting the lining out of O'Neill j suit

[Seville]

I have an o'neill j suit that I got for a great price. It fits pretty well but with the sewn in internal vest it does not fit well at all, its way too tight. I really dont want to spend a lot on my first wetsuit because I want to see how much i use it. Would it be okay to cut the vest part out and use it as a reg 7mm wetsuit? What would be the best way to cut it?

 

[Bald Wookie]

If it is simply a vest inside a wetsuit, I don't see why you couldn't cut it out. If it makes up some structural part of the suit it may be more difficult.

I would simply use a seam ripper (check the dollar store, or a shop with some sewing materials, they're pretty common) to remove the stitching. If its sewn in AND glued, use some MEK (or lacquer/thinner with toluene) on a rag to thin out the glue and use the seam ripper to remove the stitching. Should be easy

 

[Seville]

Yes, it is glued and I am guessing stitched. It looks like if I unstitch that the lower chest will come undone too

 

[Bigbella]

One of my older O'Neill 7 mm suits has a similar lining, which covers the torso, to mid-thigh.

It strikes me as being structural; and would destroy the suit upon its removal . . .

 

[Seville]

Mine starts at the waist I am not sure if cutting it above the line would be uncomfortable.