“Bones” Racing Jackets

[handymike]

I am in Winslow AZ, and I came across an original “Bones” racing suit (jacket and pants). I am told this one is by ABC Leathers out of Southern California, and it pre-dates the Bates version. I got into a long conversation with the owner about the story behind the Bates/ Vanson battle and fallout, but this earlier version is incredible! You all are lucky it is too small for me or I would be forced to post a fit-pic.

 

[Boyo]

I am in Winslow AZ,

The suit is very cool!.. but the Eagles song ..

" I'm standing on a corner In Winslow Arizona And such a fine sight to see It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford"... you know the rest.

 

[handymike]

There is a monument:

...and this weekend, there is also a festival.

 

[Boyo]

^^ Love it!.. have a great visit

 

[handymike]

Thanks! I’m heading out to Holbrook next to stay in a Wigwam motel.

 

[Jin431]

thanks for sharing, that jacket looks so cool

 

[Kubatu]

I got into a long conversation with the owner about the story behind the Bates/ Vanson battle and fallout

I’d love to hear about this when you get the chance.

I’ve always wanted to learn more about ABC leathers. If I’m remembering correctly, they predate Bates? But they were either absorbed by Bates, or they died out sometime before the internet came around.

 

[Canuck Panda]

The Earlier version is really special. The back bones details are layered under the front rib cages. Really cool. I picked up a modern one from Vanson's summer sale. I'm no dirt track racer. But I think I got my Halloween costume covered for life.

The originals you got there is definitely cooler. The arm/shoulder sockets are up in the front, like a real skeleton. I looked for the old ones like yours for long time but couldn't find any in right conditions/size. Great find. That suit looks like it's in really good condition.

 

[Monitor]

I am in Winslow AZ, and I came across an original “Bones” racing suit (jacket and pants). I am told this one is by ABC Leathers out of Southern California, and it pre-dates the Bates version. I got into a long conversation with the owner about the story behind the Bates/ Vanson battle and fallout, but this earlier version is incredible! You all are lucky it is too small for me or I would be forced to post a fit-pic.
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This is the best version that I've ever seen and definitely the most definite one. Don't suppose you can do the bones any better than this.

How big is the suit? How much is it?

 

[Jin431]

Any photo of the back of the jacket?

 

[Will Zach]

These are dope. I don't know how you rock'em though other than on a badass bike (or Halloween with your kids as the coolest dad around). Not exactly casual wear items.

 

[handymike]

Here is the back:


I’m not sure it is for sale, but if anyone wants the number, give me a PM.

 

[TREEMAN]

That’s a jacket I'd never wear or want to own …

 

[navetsea]

cool jacket, looks much better when the leather is old and the paint is faded, lol the back is such a bummer...

 

[Edward]

Wonder what the square is on the back? Looks like a repair after a really bad slide if it is - as seems it might be to my eye - a big patch! I'm guess it didn't replicated the skeleton on the back because they needed to have space for sponsor patches or team name or number or such....

 

[Monitor]

Wonder what the square is on the back? Looks like a repair after a really bad slide if it is - as seems it might be to my eye - a big patch! I'm guess it didn't replicated the skeleton on the back because they needed to have space for sponsor patches or team name or number or such....

Yep, it's where the number used to be. Probably a Velcro square, like on some old racing suits. Unlikely place for a road rash.

 

[handymike]

I think it was for the number as well. This was definitely a racing jacket. Here’s an article about Dave Aldana and his Bates suit of bones. It is my understanding the Bates got the idea from ABC leathers which it assumed.

https://ironandair.com/blogs/news/suit-of-bones

 

[Edward]

Yep, it's where the number used to be. Probably a Velcro square, like on some old racing suits. Unlikely place for a road rash.

Depends on how you spill it(!), but yeah, for a race jacket, especially if it was a dirt bike, a number space makes more sense.

 

[handymike]

It seems that ABC Leathers also made the “Captain America” jacket for Peter Fonda in Easy Rider.

https://nwhog.wordpress.com/tag/abc-leathers/

 

[Monitor]

It seems that ABC Leathers also made the “Captain America” jacket for Peter Fonda in Easy Rider.

https://nwhog.wordpress.com/tag/abc-leathers/

That's a theory that's so far been considered most legit, yeah. The jacket has that certain Bates look but it's clearly not Bates. It's obvious Bates incorporated ABC into their products. I don't know much about ABC Leathers and haven't seen that many of their jackets online but what I have seen was like highest quality stuff you can hope to buy.

I'm still amazed with how well they've made the bones on the first jacket you posted. It's nuts!

There's this Schott being sold elsewhere that I often admire 'cause someone did a fantastic job painting bones over it but having them made in leather with an equal success is... Cannot be touched.