Crown zipper pull

[2jakes]

The zipper pull on my A-2 jacket has broken.
I found a Crown zipper pull that the vendor states will fit the A-2 jackets which are made today.
Does anyone know if special tools are required or the degree of difficulty ? Thanks.

 

[GoodTimesGone]

This video on youtube helped me awhile back. I have used this technique to replace zipper pulls on two different A-2s. Start watching the video at the 2:40 point as this is where it fits your situation. I used a flathead screwdriver to slightly pry apart the zipper pull to make it slide onto the teeth easier, then I used a pliers to clamp the zipper pull back together once it was on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzzLIQsWnDI
________________________________________-
Tom

 

[2jakes]

Thanks Tom ,
BTW…I just found the following info @ Goodwear.
"We used to offer vintage Crown zippers, but early 1940s chevron Crowns are the weakest of all WWII zippers , and
we've had some break that were in brand new condition , after only a few months of use. We suggest avoiding Crown
zippers. Talons are much stronger."
Sounds like good advice !

 

[Dumpster Diver]

you never do see any original american B-3s That didnt outlive the life of Its crown Zip unless they are totally NOS minty.

 

[Dumpster Diver]

R.A.F. Dot Maker Zippers however.....:thumb:

 

[aswatland]

you never do see any original american B-3s That didnt outlive the life of Its crown Zip unless they are totally NOS minty.

Generalisations can be dangerous!

Actually very few B-3s had Crown zippers fitted because they were not robust enough for a heavy fleece jacket. Rough Wear used them on a few B-3s, but they are very rare. This 1942 RW B-3 is not minty and yet the original Crown has survived in tact.

 

[Dumpster Diver]

All I know is that the Zips dont last longer than the jacket will. amazes me when I see Rusted buckles and yet the leather Is always doing much better than any of the metal parts. Except I notice more British Made Zippers going the distance on very worn originals, than on American made Jackets. but regardless of that, I really like the Look of the collar in those photos!

Actually never Realized the B-3 Had those Crown Zips untill Eastman Started using them. What you said about them being Short lived on B-3s because they are just Tanks makes sense, I do Have an Irvin With a heavier Guage war time replacement Crown zipper (the Big one like on A-6 Boots) but of course its no good now with years of Use.

If I ever get my Eastman, Im sure I would ask them to supply me with a couple replacement zippers!
I would even like just extra Sheepskin for a matching patch or new cuff etc.. it probly doesnt work that way unfortunately.

I do see them crown pulls more on The trousers from later war, mostly unused probly because they were obsolete by then.