ALL REPRO R.A.F. Irvin type jackets

[aswatland]

Let's hope you make FL this year Soren. As you say it is unlikely to be Irvin weather in July, but who can say for sure with the British climate!

 

[Smithy]

Yesterday (Friday) at around 12.45pm at Flinders Street Station, Platform 13 as I was making my merry way onto the Sandringham service I happened to see a chap wandering along the platform in what was most certainly either an ELC or Aero Irvin. Just wondering if this was one of our members.

First real day where you could wear an Irvin, it was absolute brass monkeys yesterday!

 

[Dav]

Just wanted to say, I don't own one of these jackets, have no use for one and don't think one would actually suit me, but I love seeing you gents in yours, you all look absolutely amazing :eusa_clap

 

[5thumbs]

Definitely looks better Soren!

This is a comparison of the sleeve of my ALC jacket after wetting it a couple of times and letting it dry in the sun versus the original fleece hem. Makes quite a difference as you can see. As I said earlier the fleece on new ALC jackets is incredibly straight - its as if they blow dried it with a brush giving it a silky almost fur-like texture. I know from experience that it doesn't stay that way - my old jacket got extremely curly through wear so the curent appearance doesnt bother me.

In answer to your question Smithy - the Roadster is a 1970 model. I've had it for 22 years and its the first car I ever owned. About 3 years ago when I took the cover off it after the winter I found rats had been living in the engine bay and had made an awful mess of it! Result was I had it fully restored hence the condition it is now in.

Andy

 

[Smithy]

You've done a sterling job on the restoration Andy, well done!

I'm currently looking at a 68 GT and just about to get her professionally checked out. If she's OK I'll be putting an offer in. Wish me luck ;-)

 

[alfyman]

Nevy Nice Jacket

Very Nice jacket, I love it!!! the car looks nice too, looks very challenging to drive..Thanks..

 

[fenaxton44]

Hi everyone,
what do you think of WPG irvin jacket, i know it cheap and not a ELC but has anyone got one whats the sizing like whats the sheepskin like ect.
cheers Dave

 

[aswatland]

The WPG "Irvin2 has been discussed before. Here's a link where its discussed in this thread. If you scan from page 1-67 you should find further references toi it.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?35314-ALL-REPRO-R.A.F.-Irvin-type-jackets/page2

In essence its a low cost option made from inferior materials. The pattern is ok, being based on an original Wareings. It looks fine from a distance. The zips are not robust.

 

[Windsock]

You've done a sterling job on the restoration Andy, well done!

I'm currently looking at a 68 GT ...

But Tim, it's got a roof don't you know! You'll be cutting out half of your jacket wearing opportunities

Good luck with it, looking forward to seeing the results.

Here's mine with an obligatory Irvin included.

 

[Spitfire]

Hi everyone,
what do you think of WPG irvin jacket, i know it cheap and not a ELC but has anyone got one whats the sizing like whats the sheepskin like ect.
cheers Dave

As a former owner of one I can only agree to what Andrew said. You get what you pay for - but not more than that.
If you want quality, save your money and get a Aero or a ELC. (New or used)
Or - if you are in the right size - buy an original!

 

[Smithy]

But Tim, it's got a roof don't you know! You'll be cutting out half of your jacket wearing opportunities

We need the small backseat for a little passenger

Always liked that photo Andrew!

 

[Spitfire]

We need the small backseat for a little passenger

...and it's impossible to get IRVINs that small!

 

[Smithy]

...and it's impossible to get IRVINs that small!

Now that would be something

 

[Spitfire]

My Irvin went into the drink today!!!
Really, heavy...we are talking bathtub!!!!
Second soaking treatment. This time with the tumbler/drier experience to follow.
To be continued.

 

[Spitfire]

Almost 24 hours since the the Irvin went swimming and now the fleece is almost dry - the leather on the outside is still wet/damp...is it the tumbler coming up next?
Uuuhhh...exiting!

 

[Smithy]

You're a braver man than I, Søren!

 

[Windsock]

Ok, not Irvin related so sorry but Tim, I need to make sure your guy checking out your possible purchase queries this- it's a matter of safety! I'll make good by posting a shot of a small child and Irvin later but in the meantime check the condition of the wheel splines and the wheel hubs- especially the front ones! There are grooves or teeth on both and it's important that they are not worn as this is what effectively holds the wheel onto the axle.

Today I found myself driving along on only 3 wheels- two rear and one front whilst to my great amazement my right front overtook me and zoomed off on its own adventures, not once but twice. This happened after i'd (admittedly) been dicing with a new hot hatch on a motorway- you know the sort of thing, young sprog teaching a forty something sports car a lesson. Well we kept our composure and safely negotiated it to a stop but I have to admit it was a little hairy.

Tim, it's the first time in 14 years it's happened but (obviously now) it's possible to happen if you have knock off hubs.

Ok, now that's done i'll find that shot of Irvin and small kid to follow. Just thought it might be something well worth checking.....

 

[Windsock]

...and Soren, now you've started on this journey it'll be really interesting to see what kind of character you can pull out of that fleece. I think you've found the secret to extracting the best out of those powdery puff new fleeces.

 

[Smithy]

Ok, not Irvin related so sorry but Tim, I need to make sure your guy checking out your possible purchase queries this- it's a matter of safety! I'll make good by posting a shot of a small child and Irvin later but in the meantime check the condition of the wheel splines and the wheel hubs- especially the front ones! There are grooves or teeth on both and it's important that they are not worn as this is what effectively holds the wheel onto the axle.

Today I found myself driving along on only 3 wheels- two rear and one front whilst to my great amazement my right front overtook me and zoomed off on its own adventures, not once but twice. This happened after i'd (admittedly) been dicing with a new hot hatch on a motorway- you know the sort of thing, young sprog teaching a forty something sports car a lesson. Well we kept our composure and safely negotiated it to a stop but I have to admit it was a little hairy.

Tim, it's the first time in 14 years it's happened but (obviously now) it's possible to happen if you have knock off hubs.

Ok, now that's done i'll find that shot of Irvin and small kid to follow. Just thought it might be something well worth checking.....

Thanks mate, I'm getting her checked out by a specialist and will certainly ask him to make a point of making sure the splines and hubs are OK. Appreciate the tip!

And good on you giving some squirt in a hot hatch a run for his money even if the old girl decided to throw a wobbly at the worst possible moment. Good thing all was well.

Looking forward to the nipper-sized Irvin, might be the go, although I better wait for the little one to pop out first, but that's not long now

 

[Spitfire]

Smithy: Look at it this way: Shot down in the channel, picked up. hanging the Irvin up to dry. Piece of Cake!lol
And Andrew, I will try to take some shots for comparison, when it's dry and ready.