Cololab Posted May 1, 2017 Share #1 Posted May 1, 2017 Any forum members have experience with replacing the bladder on an A-8 mask? I have a '44 dated mask with a bladder that has literally disintegrated. I'm not a huge proponent of messing with original items, but this mask is otherwise in really nice shape with all the correct attachment straps, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted May 1, 2017 Share #2 Posted May 1, 2017 Common problem. I have not replaced one yet. You may want to make sure that the remaining bladder material is not fused to the rubber face piece stem on the bottom as it may tear. I had this happen to a different mask in the past. May have to soak the mask before removing the remaining bladder material? Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cololab Posted May 1, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted May 1, 2017 I can think of all kinds of things that could go wrong, so I'm hands off until I hear of some success stories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarecrow Posted May 1, 2017 Share #4 Posted May 1, 2017 I did replace the bladder on an A-8b mask that I had. Sounds like mine was in nearly the same condition. Solid body and parts but the bladder was shredded. It was a fairly simple process to replace. A little trepidation to start but the process went smoothly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cololab Posted May 1, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted May 1, 2017 If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the replacement bladder? I understand there are repops out there, but I have no idea how well they fit to an original mask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZPhil Posted May 1, 2017 Share #6 Posted May 1, 2017 I have never replace a bladder but I have seen one at this place and hear they are good to go!! Bellsaviation.com Click on the "Oxygen Masks" on the left and a drop down will have oxygen mask parts. They have a repro for $75 I hope that helps. Semper Fi Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cololab Posted May 1, 2017 Author Share #7 Posted May 1, 2017 Thanks Phil! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted May 2, 2017 Share #8 Posted May 2, 2017 whatpriceglory.com garciaaviation.com flyboyplus.com and ebay.com may have the reproduction bladders also. Might have originals too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cololab Posted May 2, 2017 Author Share #9 Posted May 2, 2017 Thanks for the tips. I have seen bladders advertised, but I had no feedback as to the quality of any of these. If I decide to do this restoration, I want to do it right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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