Try this:
http://www.sca.org
The Society for Creative Anachronism is a medevail recreation group that I've been a member of for nearly 10 years. We have to build our own armor for heavy combat. Our armor has to meet certain criteria for safety issues (safe combat?), but there might be something there that you can use.
At the very least, the site can put you in touch with SCA members near you. Most SCA'ers are willing to help someone out.