Anyone replace their Aero Cafe Racer Zipper with a #10 zip?

[tieguy]

Anyone have a recommended seller for riri? Etsy perhaps?

 

[GW KY]

I just grabbed a used aero cafe racer and the zipper is as usual too small.

I'm gonna see if Dena at great leather will swap it for a bigger zipper and remove the wind guard as well.

The #5 cannot hold up to heavy leather and feels flimsy, agreed.

Cheers

 

[VR46]

I had LeatherCareUSA put a #8 YKK metal zipper on a heavy steerhide Aero. The original zipper had gotten messed up down at the cloth part of the bottom of the zipper where you start it. This was a few years ago. It's so much easier to zip now, very happy with it. I think it was about $85 plus shipping.

 

[Peacoat]

For a Cafe Racer, I think I would go with a #8 as a compromise. Should be plenty sturdy and not as clunky as a #10, although I like the #10 as a replacement for the other Aero offerings. A RIRI would be a good choice.

 

[GW KY]

For a Cafe Racer, I think I would go with a #8 as a compromise. Should be plenty sturdy and not as clunky as a #10, although I like the #10 as a replacement for the other Aero offerings. A RIRI would be a good choice.

Great thanks, good idea

 

[photo2u]

One of my most iconic and favorite Californian first production CR still has the original #10 mili conmar. Love the look and love the design. Many details in this CR that sadly none of the other makers ever reproduced. Cal was ahead of the game.

 

[navetsea]

I guess it has to do with the size of the jacket too, perhaps size #10 zip might workon size 42 jacket visually but would be overwhelming for size 36, I never have #5 ykk fails on me, but #8 would still work on my size visually depending on the shape of its slide puller too, personally I like paperclip puller or D ring puller and leather tab as they naturally hang and not sticking out at weird angle in the case of slanted positioned zip.

 

[AHP91]

I personally like the old school look. However, a nice #10 add quality to a jacket.
Here are some examples of a CR with # 10 C&C zipper.

View attachment 458595 View attachment 458596

In true honesty, You can rock a nice CR for a fraction of the "premium" makers...

When were these C&C #10 zippers used?

 

[photo2u]

When were these C&C #10 zippers used?

The late 60's through the late 70's

 

[Peacoat]

I guess it has to do with the size of the jacket too, perhaps size #10 zip might workon size 42 jacket visually but would be overwhelming for size 36, I never have #5 ykk fails on me, but #8 would still work on my size visually depending on the shape of its slide puller too, personally I like paperclip puller or D ring puller and leather tab as they naturally hang and not sticking out at weird angle in the case of slanted positioned zip.

A #8 zipper is a good compromise for the smaller size jackets, perhaps 38 and below. My original zipper on my size 42 Sheene failed within the first year, * and I had Allan replace it. I was going to get a #8, but he said it needed a #10. So, that's what he put on it. Have had no problems since–and don't anticipate any.
_______
* In defense of the zipper, it was installed incorrectly, as pointed out by @Worf several years ago. Don't know how long it would have lasted had it been done properly.

 

[photo2u]

When were these C&C #10 zippers used?

Yes! They were. Excellent nickle finish on them. Personally, they look better than the 40s crowns. They were produced till mid 70s. Vansons used them in some of their heavier jackets.