Questions about restoring a M1 Helmet liner

[022797]

Hi, i am restoring my world war 2 m1 helmet liner and i have a few questions. First, Do i really have to buy a $30 dollar tool to put the rivets in place? if i do is there any place that sells them cheeper than jmurray1944.com? Second, when i drilled out the rivets i overdrilled an A washer and it broke, is there any place i can just get one A washer I dont want to spent $10 on a set and only use one. And last question, is there anywhwere i can buy a drawstring for under $5, ive seen some sell on ebay but i dont want to spend $35 dollars on a 70 year old shoelace. Ill post some pictures of what it looked like before, and what it looks like right now. Any responses would be helpful.

[thenamesjackson]

i was in the same situation as you were. what i did is i found a rivet setting tool on ebay for 15 dollars. i dont know if anymore are up there right now but if there isnt i would just go ahead and buy the tool. It is a one time thing and will last a long time. second, the a washers, J muray has some a washers on ebay that he sells about 100 for like a dollar but they say restorable so they probably arent in the best condition. i think the first restoration is always the most expensive but after that it get a bit cheaper. good luck and i hope this helps

[022797]

Attachment 369513Thanks, I was able to find the tool on ebay and I emailed jmurray and got 3 a washers for 4 dollars. For the drawstring i just cut up a shoelace. The paint and tool were half the money by itself. It turned out pritty good. All I need now is the chinstrap and the sweatband leather. Thanks for the info.