So much better!!I was never quite happy with the chunky buckles that came on my 5* Halfbelt, so I "updated" them . I was at the local arts and crafts store the other day (Hobby Lobby) looking at some sewing notions for another project I'm working on and saw some 1 inch nickel rectangles that were similar to the ones on my vintage jacket. I think they were $2, so I figured I'd see if could make them work. When I got home, I annealed them with a torch and opened them up a little with some pliers. Next, I snipped off the old buckles, fit the new rings on and reclosed them. The torch darkened them a bit and brought out some coppery tones, but I think they look quite a lot like vintage ones. Pic:
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I think these are the ones I purchased, if anybody is interested in trying it themselves: Nickel Rings.