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FAQ

Paul Conway Shields - Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the differences between an insert and a passport?

 

How do I know what style Gold Leaf shield I want, do you have examples?

 

Why am I getting an error message when I submit my card number?

 

Is something wrong with your 800 number?

 

Do I need a brass backer on the back of my shield?

 

I did not order a brass backer, but would still like one. What should I do?

 

How long will it take to get my shield order?

 

Why so long to make a shield?

 

How long will it take to get a Gold Leaf or Custom Shield order?

 

Can I paint my Heritage leather fire helmet?

 

Will you drill my shield to fit my helmet?

 

I want to order with a Purchase Order (PO) for my department. How do I do that?

 

I just placed an order and I found an error. What should I do?

 

I received my order, and there is an error. What should I do?

 

Can I get reflective material in the panels of my shield?

 

I want the shiny patent leather front. Can I get that?

 

How do I check the status of my order?

 

How do I get literature on your products?

 

Do you still offer the banks I saw at one of the shows?

 

I am a distributor for Paul Conway Shields and have a question, or I would like to become a distributor for Paul Conway Shields. Who can I contact?

 

Will you sell and ship outside the United Sates?

 

If I select “Second Day Shipping” or “Next Day Shipping” will I get my shield right away?

 

I need my shield right away; can I speed up the process?

 

Does Paul Conway still make the helmets?

 

 

 

What are the differences between and insert and a passport.

A passport is used on any of our “*-PP” shields.  This piece is approximately 4” x 2” and is generally held in place with Velcro.  It is used as a quick removal and replacement center option for accountability purposes.  It is not a FDNY style shield insert.  An insert is used with any of our NYFI style shields.  This is a center piece that is generally held in place with pins, and is approximately 4 ½ “x 3”.  This is a “standard” New York style shield.

 

How do I know what style Gold Leaf shield I want, do you have examples?

You can download a pdf showing the styles available at http://www.paulconwayshields.com/store/GL_Style_sheet.pdf.   This sheet corresponds to the Gold Leaf styles available in our Gold Leaf Builder online.  If you want to further customize your shield we can do that, please contact our customer service department at 800-955-8489.

 

Why am I getting an error message when I submit my card number?

When you submit a credit card with an order, that card is being charged at that time. If you have insufficient funds it may be returned, if you are outside the USA and it is a card that does not participate in our authorizing company’s fraud detection program, it may be declined, or if it is a non-US bank that issued the card it may also be declined. Contact our customer service department and we’ll try to find the root of the error and assist you with placing your order.

 

Is something wrong with your 800 number?

We are working with our provider to get the 800 number corrected, but occasionally callers from outside the US  may need to dial the local telephone number, 1-262-782-1886

 

Do I need a brass backer on the back of my shield?

No, you do not need the brass back for Paul Conway Helmet shields. We use 3 pieces of 100% leather in our standard shields. This gives the shield the strength needed to handle the heat, and moisture that you encounter in a fire situation. If you would like a brass back, it can be added at the time of ordering. Just click the "brass backer" box in the shield builder when ordering on line.

 

I did not order a brass backer, but would still like one. What should I do?

Please send it back to us with a note containing your name, address, and that you would like a brass backer added. We'll get it done and right back to you. If you are going to order your shield online, look for the checkbox in the shield builder and we’ll put one on for you.

 

How long will it take to get my shield order?

Any standard shield, mini shield, etc. should not take longer than 3 weeks to produce and get in the mail to you. Ideally we like to keep it less than that. Normal production time is 7 to 12 business days. Gold Leaf, Custom shields, and banks generally take longer.

 

Why so long to make a shield?

We produce shields for individuals and departments all over the world. On any given day we may have 300 + orders in house that we are working to complete and ship. Our staff works very hard to give you the very best, and that quality my take an extra day or two.

 

How long will it take to get a Gold Leaf or Custom Shield order?

All our Gold Leaf Shields are designed on an individual basis by our artist. Generally it may be between 3-4 weeks, but we try to keep it less than that.

 

Can I paint my Heritage leather fire helmet?

The American Heritage fire helmet is a traditional style leather fire fighter helmet that combines time-honored styling and craftsmanship, with the state-of-the art advancements in design, leather, tanning process, and composites. The result is a low-profile leather helmet that is comfortable, attractive, and durable.

The performance of the American Heritage leather has been outstanding in the field. Firefighters continue to send Lion Apparel, Inc. testimonials about the helmet's comfort and durability during routine fire fighting operations and training exercises. They also praise the durability of the helmet - particularly the long lasting color of the exterior. As some firefighters get promoted, they subsequently require a helmet of a different color; they ask us how they can paint their helmets to match that of their new rank.

We do not recommend painting the helmet shell for several reasons:

The leather shell incorporates a state-of-the-art chromium tanning process that seals the shell's protective qualities and reflects heat. Painting the shell requires sanding to make the surface more porous so that primer and paint will stick to the surface.  Sanding will drastically change the appearance of the helmet shell, making it rough looking, even after paint is applied.

Sanding will also compromise other protective qualities of the chromium tanned finish, such as the helmet’s water resistance. The application of primer and paint will not guarantee that the shell's water resistance will be restored.

Painting the helmet without sanding will not render the quality or durability you would expect from a Paul Conway Helmet. A painted surface is highly susceptible to scratches, chips, and blisters which will affect the helmet's long term appearance.

Lion Apparel will not warrantee the helmet shell, or any other component that has been affected after a coating of paint and/or primer has been applied to the shell or any other component of the helmet.

Comfort, appearance, safety, and durability are the most important features of the helmet to the firefighter. To paint an already beautiful helmet may ruin the very features that encouraged the firefighter to buy the American Heritage leather helmet in the first place.

 

Will you drill my shield to fit my helmet?

Not unless it is a Paul Conway style helmet. It is impossible for us to know exactly where and what mounting hardware your helmet manufacturer uses. Even it you tell us, occasionally manufactures have used 2 and 3 different mounting styles on helmets after they have been in production. On top of that customer preference also is a factor. Some people like a flat mounted shield, others like a good bend in it right away, for those reasons we’ve found it easier not to drill holes.

 

I want to order with a Purchase Order (PO) for my department. How do I do that?

Please contact our Customer Service Department with your PO and we will be happy to process your order. Please fax your PO to 1-262-782-4437, e-mail it to service@paulconwayshields.com or call our toll free number at 1-800-955-8489.

 

I just placed an order and I found an error. What should I do?

If you recently ordered your shield, e-mail service@paulconwayshields.comor call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-955-8489. Please have your web order number available and we will be happy to assist you with any changes.

 

I received my order, and there is an error. What should I do?

Contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-955-8489. We will get your name and order number so we can arrange to get correct the error.

 

Can I get reflective material in the panels of my shield?

Yes, we do offer reflective panels and numbers, if the number is recessed. You can select reflective as a panel option if you so choose.

 

I want the shiny patent leather front. Can I get that?

Paul Conway Shields does not use patent leather as a standard in our fronts. We have found that patent leather does not hold up to the challenges of firefighting as well as the leather we use in our shields. If you would like patent leather, you can select it as a front material, however patent leather is only available in black, red, or white.

 

How do I check the status of my order?

Knowing that a shield takes approximately 3 weeks, if you still need to check the status, please have your web order number available and e-mail us at service@paulconwayshields.  We will check and get back to you. If there is an apparent backorder or a delay in your order, we will try to inform you immediately and keep you updated on the status.

 

How do I get literature on your products?

E-mail us at service@paulconwayshields.comand in the body please include the information you are looking for. Most of the products we carry are offered online, however if you need additional information we'll be happy to provide you with anything we can.

 

Do you still offer the banks I saw at one of the shows?

Yes, but we have a limited supply.  Our supplier stopped making the banks so please contact us at service@paulconwayshields.com and we'll get you some information and an order form.

 

I am a distributor for Paul Conway Shields and have a question, or I would like to become a distributor for Paul Conway Shields. Who can I contact?

Please contact Carlos Albelo at carlos@paulconwayshields.com. Carlos is our Sales Manager and will be happy to provide you with any information you might need.

 

Will you sell and ship outside the United Sates?

Yes, we’ll be happy to however there may be additional shipping charges involved. If that is the case, we will contact you and make you aware of the charges before we proceed.

 

If I select Second Day shipping or Next Day shipping will I get my shield right away?

No. Your shield production is still limited to the standard production times, but when it is complete and ready to ship we will ship according to you shipping selection.

 

I need my shield right away; can I speed up the process?

Yes. After ordering your shield, contact our customer service department and they can add a rush charge to rush you shield thru.  Please have your order number available.

 

Does Paul Conway still make the helmets?

No, Paul Conway Shields no longer makes the Paul Conway line of fire helmets. Paul Conway Shields sold the helmet line to Lion Apparel in 2000. Lion is now the manufacturer; however Paul Conway Shields is still a proud distributor of the Paul Conway Helmets line.

 

 

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