Take the 4 pieces of 2” x 1 ½” aluminum plate, and drill a ¼” hole in the direct center of each.
Next, grab the 2” nylon belts---I used the shotgun shell carriers. You will need to cut each so that you have the ‘open’ or ‘female’ end (not the part that goes into it, the ‘male’ end) of the quick-release buckle and about 3” of strap , and the remainder of the strap attached to the ‘male’ end—the adjustment buckle. Punch a ¼” hole centered on the strap ends, about ¾” from the cut ends. Use a lighter or match to singe both the ends and the punched holes so that they don’t unravel. Next, place a 1” bolt and washer in to the Chest Plate from behind. The threaded end should protrude from the front. Place the strap ends on the bolts using the punched holes (make sure on the male end to get it right-side up!), then place the drilled 1 ½” plate on top. Follow this with a washer and finally a locknut….Tighten the assembly together.
Repeat the basic assembly with the ends of the Pad Belt/Waistplate---using a bolt with washer, pushing it through the punched hole, through the corresponding holes in the Waist plate ends. Repeat the procedure for preparing and mounting the Chest Strap for the Waist Strap---Using the bolts you just pushed through---So, it should be a bolt pushed in through the back, passing through the Pad, Waistplate, Waist strap, 2 x 1 ½” plate, then finally another Washer and locknut. (See the photos, front and back)
Finally, use the holes at the top of the Riser plate as a guide to punch two ¼” holes in the chest of the Baby Carrier---Then bolt the Chest plate, vest, and Riser together using the ¼” hardware as before.
