TM 10-8400-203-23 I 3-5.  REPAIR  AND  MAINTENANCE  OF  BODY  ARMOR–Continued Do not stitch through the vinyl casing. If the vinyl casing is determined to be serviceable, place the casing with insert into a new outer shell of appropri- ate  size  insuring  that  the  ballistic  insert  is  smooth  within  the  casing  and outer  shell;  turn  the  edges  of  the  open  end  of  the  shell  to  the  inside,  and close opening at back by stitching 1/16- to1/8-inch (0.159 to 0.318 cm) from edge.  Care  is  required  in  this  operation  as  damage  by  needle  puncture  of the vinyI film will invalidate the repair. f.  Slide  Closure  Lace  Replacement.  If  any  side  closure  lace  is  visibly  damaged  (cut,  abraded,  or  has  lost elastic properties) or not proper length, replace all the laces (1) in the vest with new side closure laces. g.   Vinyl   Casing   Replacement. (1) The vinyl casing is critical to maintaining the integrity of protection afforded by the ballistic insert. If the vinyl casing appears stiff or discolored, contains any ruptured heat seals, contains any holes, or is in any way damaged, replace the vinyl casing with a new one. 3-10