Dyeing My Container

[recondaddy 0]

I bought a Vector II container, but I don't like the color pattern on the center panel. UUPT said that they would replace the center panel with whatever I want, but since Vector II's are discontinued, it would cost me $175 and about 6 weeks of turnaround time.

Does anyone know of some process or dye that I can use to simply color the center panel black, like the rest of my container?

Thanks.

[JohnMitchell 16]

Your rig is made of nylon. In the past, I've successfully used Rit dye to color miltary surplus gear. I've seen magic markers used to color rigs. If it's just one panel, I would try brushing on Rit dye.

Any riggers out there with any concerns on this?

[airgord 1]

Most manufacturers frown heavily on this, some forbid it and will ground your rig and because it voids the TSO your rigger would be in violation of the FAR's.
Do check with UPT before you do anything like this.

[aresye 0]

As stated above, some people have mistakenly downed their rigs for good because of trying to color their containers. Your best bet is to spend the money and get it done properly.

As we all know, and contrary to popular belief, we just want to look cool.

Skydiving: You either learn from other's mistakes, or they'll learn from yours.

[Sangi 0]

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As we all know, and contrary to popular belief, we just want to look cool.

So true

"Dream as you'll live forever, live as you'll die today." James Dean

[darkwing 5]

This question get asked occasionally in the gear and rigging forum. Search there. The bottom line is don't do it.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[BIGUN 1,297]

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At two grand, the last thing you need is pretty gear

-The Jump Shack

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=698160;search_string=dying%20rig;#698160

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[labrys 0]

At two grand, the last thing you need is pretty gear (Pic Attached)

Owned by Remi #?

[Sangi 0]

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At two grand, the last thing you need is pretty gear (Pic Attached)

lol

"Dream as you'll live forever, live as you'll die today." James Dean

[councilman24 37]

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Does anyone know of some process or dye that I can use to simply color the center panel black, like the rest of my container?

No. And anything YOU try will probably ground the rig.

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[JohnMitchell 16]

Well, I'm glad the riggers chimed in. Guess it's not a good idea. Yes, I did a mil surplus rig years ago. Probably not airworthy now, but I doubt if it is still in service.

Question. All these rigs with tie dye panels, how can they be legal, if the dyeing process is so damaging to the material? Wouldn't that violate the TSO?

[PhreeZone 20]

Essentially the manufacturers are saying that what ever process is used they sign off on for the tie dyeing. You could potentially get the directions for a master rigger to complete to dye the color of your rig but this is going in to master rigger area since it is an alteration of the container and the correct paper work is needed to complete it. Its just easier and cheaper to get replacement panels or just to leave it as it is.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[ryoder 1,590]

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At two grand, the last thing you need is pretty gear (Pic Attached)

I saw the video, (or it may have been film back then), from which that still was grabbed.
Trivia question: To what is that pud attached?

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[HurlinGirlie 0]

It was hooked directly to the nose of the square main parachute Nick was jumping at the time.

[ryoder 1,590]

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It was hooked directly to the nose of the square main parachute Nick was jumping at the time.

OK, I just need to know: How the heck does someone with one jump know trivia like that???

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[JohnMitchell 16]

Is that Nick Lucas? I used to jump Racers and I liked that picture.

I remember trash packing my racer for a while, still using the pilot chute and bridle, though. Sure got tired of those unpredictable openings.

[porpoishead 8]

its all good bro pink and fushia is your color now...just roll with it

if you want a friend feed any animal
Perry Farrell

[skybill 22]

Hi JM,
Using a "Magic Marker" to color a rig is a "bad idea!!" Magic markers have an "acid based ink" and guess what the acid will do to nylon!! Dig it, people get a "Magic Marker" and write their name and other info on the bridle of their free bag.. bad news. Just because you jerk the bridle a couple of times and say,"It's good" wait till you look up at your separated pilot chute and wonder why you are accelerating dirtward from it at 120 mph!!!! You just bought a new freebag if you don"t buy a new crater first!! Besides that, a friend of mine tried coloring the magenta cordura tootsie rolls on his frap hat with a black Magic Marker. It worked but the black rubbed off on everything it touched..."And Stink!... Man did it Stink!!!!"

SCR-2034, SCS-680

III%,
Deli-out

[JohnMitchell 16]

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Dig it, people get a "Magic Marker" and write their name and other info on the bridle of their free bag.. bad news. Just because you jerk the bridle a couple of times and say,"It's good" wait till you look up at your separated pilot chute and wonder why you are accelerating dirtward from it at 120 mph!!!! You just bought a new freebag if you don"t buy a new crater first!!

I respect that you are a rigger and I am not. However, if you want me to believe that writing on my freebag bridle tape with a magic marker is going to degrade its tensile strength enough to fail under normal use, well, I find that hard to believe. I'd like to put that one to the test, see what percentage of degradation you would get.

[skybill 22]

Hi JM,
What part of "Acid" do you not understand? The acid base in Magic markers will etch metal so it will eat nylon. The degradation won't be instantaneous but it will happen and it will be your luck that it's on your deployment!! There are several "water based" markers that are acceptable but if you want to get down to the nitty-gritty then consult MIL-I-6903 spec for parachute marking fluid. 6903 is for a "vegitable base" fluid, there's also a another spec for a synthetic but I 'd have to look it up. Call the Engineer at your rig mfgr's shop and tell him/her you want to write your name on your freebag bridle "with a Magic Marker" and hear what they say!! Bottom line is it's your "plan B" so give yourself every hedge that you'll walk away!! If you really want to put your info on the free bag, put the info on a separate piece of tape and loop or tack it to the attachment loop of your Reserve P/C.

SCR-2034, SCS-680

III%,
Deli-out