TM 10-8400-203-23
7-6. ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE–Continued
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Install a replacement neckband by snapping it to the liner.
Install a webbing chin strap on the parachutist’s liner by buckling it to the chin strap suspension band.
Install a replacement leather chin strap by securing the holders to the liner garter studs.
Replace the liner if a stud is damaged. If the stud is damaged, the hole in the liner will be damaged,
making the liner uneconomically repairable. The clip can be straightened if it is bent, or the complete
suspension assembly can be replaced.
7-7. DIRECT SUPPORT MAINTENANCE
a. Steel Helmets. Remove small dents in the helmet by cold working, using a mallet, post dies, dollies, or
hydraulic equipment. Restore the helmet to its original contour only if working the metal will not lessen the
strength at any point. Reroll slightly loose rims; apply sufficient pressure in the forming machine to tightly
clinch the rim to the helmet without stretching or cracking the metal. Spotweld completely loose rims as
required to hold them securely. Remove defective hinge loop assemblies or loops of the nonhinged type
by use of power driven shears or a cutting torch. Exercise care not to damage the helmet body or rim.
Spotweld new hinge loop assemblies to helmet. Refinish the painted surfaces as follows:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
When complete paint stripping is required, remove the chin straps and submerge the helmet for 3 to 5
minutes in an open tank of stripping compound mixed with 12 ounces (340.2g) of paint remover (NSN
8010-00-227-1693) to 1 gallon (3.79L) of water. Keep the solution at a boiling point, adding water and
compound as necessary to maintain the solution at a constant level.
Rinse the helmet thoroughly in hot water (180°to 200°F (82.2°to 93.3° C) ), or use a spray of sufficient
force to flush off any remaining paint.
After rinsing, treat the helmets with a metal conditioner and corrosion remover (NSN
6850-00-174-9670); prepare a solution of one part concentrated compound to three parts of water by
volume in an acid resisting mixing tank. Dip the helmets only long enough to wet the surface for
etching and to remove light rust, Remove heavy rust with a wire brush. Rinse the helmets in clear hot
water and allow them to dry thoroughly.
Apply a coat of primer (NSN 8010-00-161-7425) to the inside and outside surfaces of the helmet and
allow it to dry.
Coat the outside surfaces with one coat of enamel (NSN 8010-00-753-4960) thick enough to cover
the primer. Allow the surfaces to dry only until the enamel becomes tacky.
Apply a second coat of enamel containing silica sand (mix 6 pounds (2.72 kg) of sand to 1 gallon (3.79
L) of enamel reduced to spraying consistency. Bake the finish until it is hard (15 minutes at 250°F
(121.1 °C)).
Spray the interior of the helmet with unsanded enamel and allow it to dry.
Install replacement chin straps (Fig. 7-4).
7-7
