Conversion or renovation suggestions?

[frussell]

Hey folks. I've got an old hat from American Hat Co. in Houston that my grandfather gave me at least twenty years ago. It was old when somebody gave it to him. I had it stretched out to my size back then, (7 and 3/4), which took up some of the brim. It's never had a real shape that suited me, since its measurements are between a good fedora and a cowboy hat. The crown is at least five inches high open, but the brim is roughly three and a half inches wide, and bound, which I do like. It's a well made old hat, with a nice "hand," kind of a natural color, not really a silverbelly, but not quite tan. Any suggestions on what I could do with it? I don't believe it has the crown length to go for an Open Road style, which would be great, but the brim is a bit small for a colorful "old West" shape. It spends most of its time in the closet, which is a shame. My grandfather passed recently, and I'd like to get this hat into a wearable shape so I can keep a bit of his memory close as much as possible. Your advice is appreciated. By the way, that's the old man and a much smaller me in my avatar. Thanks, Frank

 

[gtdean48]

Did you check the Conversion Corral thread? It shows what some of us have done or had done to various western & other hats to get them back in service. I have a couple of westerns that are 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 brim widths which are more of an "outback" or Aussie style to me. Got any photos to show? That would help get some ideas flowing... [huh]

 

[avedwards]

It depends what sort of a hat you want to have...

... but should you want a wide-brimmed fedora you could turn about 1/2" of brim into crown height, add a 1" or more ribbon to cover up the marks and wear it as a fedora, keeping the brim binding as it is. The brim would be 3" which is wide but still acceptable and the crown would be 5 1/2" which is about right for a fedora you can crease any way you like.

 

[Stoney]

Ditto

... but should you want a wide-brimmed fedora you could turn about 1/2" of brim into crown height, add a 1" or more ribbon to cover up the marks and wear it as a fedora, keeping the brim binding as it is. The brim would be 3" which is wide but still acceptable and the crown would be 5 1/2" which is about right for a fedora you can crease any way you like.

I would reblock it and make the crown taller. If you use a block with fairly straight sides, like a 51, you can get a llittle more brim into the crown maybe end up with about a 2 3/4" brim.

 

[frussell]

Thanks for the replies. I just got a really stinky smoke-infested, but otherwise excellent Stetson off eBay that may need the same treatment. I followed the link to the conversions, great ideas there. How many posts until I get to post pictures here? Thanks, Frank

 

[randooch]

15 posts, i believe, and then by all means, lets see that bad boy!

 

[frussell]

eBay Stetson

Thanks Randooch. The "new" acquisition is a 5X Stetson "Cowboy" model in a color called Ranch Tan. Got a great deal, just need to decide if it's for conversion or to keep for riding. I have plenty of good cowboy hats, so I intended to convert this one since bidding started. Once I hosed it off and baking powdered some of the cigarette stink out of it, it looked pretty good. Too much slope in the crown to make a good "Old West" style, but might make a nice fedora. Great thin fur felt, holds a shape well after a good dunking. I'll be sending it off Monday to its new future, either a classy fedora, or a nice "Gus" style with a kettle curl brim. I'll post photos when I have my new powers. Frank

 

[Roninjedi]

I was able to post pictures instantly and you should be able to as well. It just takes a few posts before you can send personal messages (PM). Click on "FAQ" in that blue-gray bar above where you type in your posts and you should find instructions on how to add pictures. It's pretty simple, really.

 

[Roninjedi]

I would reblock it and make the crown taller. If you use a block with fairly straight sides, like a 51, you can get a llittle more brim into the crown maybe end up with about a 2 3/4" brim.

Do you have any links on where to find low-cost large (7 3/4) blocks, flanges, and instructions on how to use them, Stoney? I understand that there are a number of different ways to use styrofoam to build a hat block. I'm not exactly sure where to purchase these premade items or how to use them to "pull" brim felt into the crown or vice-versa.

 

[Stoney]

Check e-bay for used antique hat blocks and flanges. I think Jimmy Pierce also has some extras that he is willing to sell at a fair price.


As for instructions, there is a wealth of knowledge here on the forum, if you search for it.

This book provides pretty detailed instructions for making hats the old fashioned way, by hand.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Scientific-Hat-...emQQptZUS_Nonfiction_Book?hash=item3ca1e63359

 

[tonyb]

Do you have any links on where to find low-cost large (7 3/4) blocks, flanges, and instructions on how to use them, Stoney? I understand that there are a number of different ways to use styrofoam to build a hat block. I'm not exactly sure where to purchase these premade items or how to use them to "pull" brim felt into the crown or vice-versa.

You may get lucky and find the block(s) and flange(s) you want at a low price. But I wouldn't bet on it. Those large blocks are kinda scarce. What may work to your advantage is that your competition (on eBay, say) might not be what it would be for a similar block in a more common size.

While the block might be hard to find, the flange will be even more elusive, probably. The good news is that the opening on a smaller size flange can be made larger.

Whatever the cost, it would be money ill spent if the blocks and flanges don't yield the style of hat you want. If a online seller writes an accurate description (hah!) and shoots good pictures, you can be fairly confident of what you're buying. But even then, photos show only so much. The camera's perspective can make a block look considerably more (or less) tapered than it is in actuality. And the style numbers aren't very consistent, so even if you find a size 7 3/4, 6-inch tall, No. 52 block, it might not be quite the same as another size 7 3/4, 6-inch tall, No. 52 block.

 

[Roninjedi]

As for instructions, there is a wealth of knowledge here on the forum, if you search for it.

This book provides pretty detailed instructions for making hats the old fashioned way, by hand.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Scientific-Hat-...emQQptZUS_Nonfiction_Book?hash=item3ca1e63359

Thanks, Stoney. I looked through the forum, and found things about how people made or modified their own hats but not a lot of details. I'll have to keep looking and hope I get lucky.

Thanks for the link to the book. That may be the perfect place for me to start. I learn most of my DIY skills by reading, anyway.

 

[Roninjedi]

You may get lucky and find the block(s) and flange(s) you want at a low price. But I wouldn't bet on it.

Hmmm... Good to know. I may be better off just taking the time to craft one myself.

...The camera's perspective can make a block look considerably more (or less) tapered than it is in actuality. And the style numbers aren't very consistent, so even if you find a size 7 3/4, 6-inch tall, No. 52 block, it might not be quite the same as another size 7 3/4, 6-inch tall, No. 52 block.

More good information. I'll try to MacGuyver up a block and flange at some point and let folks here know how it works. Thanks a bunch! Since I'm only looking for an open crown block and flat brim flange (so I can shape the rest by hand later) my needs should be relatively simple.

 

[Stoney]

Here's a thread

about making your own blocks.

http://thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=29283&highlight=woodworkers

 

[Roninjedi]

about making your own blocks.

http://thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=29283&highlight=woodworkers

Perfect, Stoney! Thanks again!