Cassin C14 - Binding Conversion?

I may be off with some of my terminology.

I have a pair of Cassin C14 Crampons. I recently bought a pair of boots, Scarpa Freney, and they do not have a "well" in the toe. I had brought along my crampons when I bought the boots, strapped them on, and it seemed like the would fit fine without the "well". However, that's not the case.

I'm wondering if there's a way to convert my C14's (in the front). I didn't see any accessories, or "newmatic" crampons available on Camp/Cassin's web page so it would be a Frankenstien project. If anyone knows of a place where I can get "newmatic" front straps or has experience with doing something like this, please let me know.

Thank you,
Michael

They don't have the welt. They're the "sport" or "pro" model.

I'm sure there's some way to ghetto-rig the toe. That thin metal band that goes up to the ankle strap should keep the toe bail from dropping down off the toe. So maybe all you need is something coming up to the bail from below to keep it from getting too high e.g. up over the toe of the boot. A few minutes with a coat hanger and pliers might set you up. The idea is to drive your boot toe into the bail; the other bits are there just to keep the bail in place. Beats dropping $200 for new crampons, right? Just be sure you test them a lot in a safe setting (toprope) before getting into any risky spots where a crampon failure would be disastrous.

I contacted C.A.M.P. They used to sell an accessory for doing this but no longer carry it. Calling other manufactures after given a subtle hint that other front bindings could work. Hopefully I can get the spare parts needed.

And if anyone reading this just so happens to have an old pair of Petzl Lynx they're looking to retire and is willing to scrap the front bindings, please let me know.

Thanks, Michael

You can buy that toe part from petzl...

Petzl says it's not a stocked replacement item. But a very nice lady who works there is trying to see if they have any they can spare.

Shit, I thought I remember someone buying them...
Hope they help you out. They should sell them,
like all other companies sell spare parts.
Good luck!

So, here's an update...

Petzl gave me a call back last night, no go. It looks like putting it together with spare parts isn't going to happen unless someone is looking to scrap an old pair of crampons.

As far as trying to fabricate something I talked to my wife last night (she's an engineer) and she got all sorts of technical in terms of bending and heating chromoly steel, altering and possibly weakening its properties. And then she basically told me I don't have the equipment, knowledge, skills, or steady hand. Got to love honesty in a relationship.

Regarding Ben B's last comment. I believe you. But I still think it's possible. Looking at how the newmatic crampons work (no welt, just a strap) and then considering how snug they fit when I put them on the boots, I think I can pull it off. It may work once, it may work twice, and then the third time it doesn't work...but I still think it's worth trying. It may be a matter of rigging an extra strap.

I don't lead ice, so a crampon popping on top-rope isn't putting my life at risk (look out below!).