RICO, I think your pack is salvageable, here's what I would do:
1. Remove the hoses.
2. Remove the index card holder on the side
3. Remove the cassette holder
4. Remove radio and build a more accurate one.
5. Paint can in middle and put the small "jello" bowl on top of it
6. Build or buy the syphone part
Also
1. Remove e-11 holster
2. get side pouches
3. replace fx, a modified mrce is a good alternative
If you need more help or questions on where to get items send me a pm