G1 'Action back' has come loose/ unfolded

[Tommy-VF51]

Not even sure how to describe this and no pics as yet. After not wearing for a while, pulled my LW Foster out. For some reason when I extend my arms out the action back section, puffs up lizard style and then won't sit back in at all, like it used to. This is a 50s jacket and is a looser cut in the arms than later jackets, but this is now much more pronounced than it ever was before.

Is there a solution? It needs some repairs anyways, if it has to be sent to a leather specialist?

 

[nick123]

There are actual elastic bands inside of the jacket hidden beneath the liner which may need replacing.

 

[Peacoat]

Yes, that is probably the problem and easily resolved if you can find the elastic straps. There will probably be two of them in a criss cross pattern like the letter X.

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Thanks Nick, Peacoat. Was hoping it was fixable?

Anybody able to recommend someone in the UK Capable of fixing it, am thinking Aero with there experience of building G1s? It's a shame that Eastman don't do repairs since its actually the model they currently produce.

 

[bn1966]

Thanks Nick, Peacoat. Was hoping it was fixable?

Anybody able to recommend someone in the UK Capable of fixing it, am thinking Aero with there experience of building G1s? It's a shame that Eastman don't do repairs since its actually the model they currently produce.

Byson and Wested are other possibilities.....I'd certainly give Aero a call.

 

[Peacoat]

If you can find the straps, any tailor or seamstress should be able to take the lining loose, put the new straps in and sew the lining back in. A simple process. I would replace both of the straps as the second one is probably ready to break as well. They are a lot like plain old metal fatigue, eventually it's gonna go.

 

[robrinay]

Byson replaced mine.

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Byson replaced mine.

Any issues? Byson actually seem to have a price list up, which helps, even though this isn't covered on there. Would you be able to tell me how much it cost, pm me if you don't wanna do it here.

 

[Peter 1956]

Cant recommend Byson enough always did fabulous jobs on my G1s! Wont Eastman supply the straps?

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Cant recommend Byson enough always did fabulous jobs on my G1s! Wont Eastman supply the straps?

Just to clarify, it's not an Eastman but a L.W. Foster 55j14. That's the model no Eastman are currently reproducing, mine's the original.

That's 2 recommendations for Byson so far, does anyone know if they'd have these sorta straps as a stock item for repair?

 

[Peter 1956]

Just to clarify, it's not an Eastman but a L.W. Foster 55j14. That's the model no Eastman are currently reproducing, mine's the original.

That's 2 recommendations for Byson so far, does anyone know if they'd have these sorta straps as a stock item for repair?

I appreciate that its a Foster but i would imagine the straps in the current Eastman ones will fit it? You can always phone Byson to see if they can get some for you but in the UK Eastmans would be your best bet and then get Byson will do the work. I had 3 G1s done by them and they are spot on and a very friendly service too! Hope that helps


Peter

 

[robrinay]

Just to clarify, it's not an Eastman but a L.W. Foster 55j14. That's the model no Eastman are currently reproducing, mine's the original.

That's 2 recommendations for Byson so far, does anyone know if they'd have these sorta straps as a stock item for repair?

Yes they did for me - it's a standard elastic strip and they know how it works and got the tension just right on mine. I can't tell you a price only they can - they did a big refurb on mine including a new old stock zip which they supplied, mends to lining etc and it was a really neat job on my original Foster.

 

[casechopper]

I had no idea there were elastic bands in a jacket with an action back until I read this thread. I pulled off my Bill Kelso G-1 now just to feel it and find the elastic inside the lining.

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Broke till the end of the month, my son's birthday on Monday, but will most likely go Byson since they're so highly rated and clearly have experience in fixing this very problem.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I had no idea there were elastic bands in a jacket with an action back until I read this thread. I pulled off my Bill Kelso G-1 now just to feel it and find the elastic inside the lining.

Actually, the straps are found in the "bi-swing backs" of the G-1 and similar jackets. But there are also "action backs" that are just simple pleats without internal straps to pull them back in. These are found on army jackets like the OD field jacket (aka M-1941) and Indiana Jones-type jackets.

 

[bn1966]

Broke till the end of the month, my son's birthday on Monday, but will most likely go Byson since they're so highly rated and clearly have experience in fixing this very problem.

Haven't used Byson but had a conversation with them the other day by phone about jacket alterations & was very impressed...really seemed to know their stuff

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Gotta admit that the website was a little off putting, but then you look at the images of what they've done and listening to the testimonials here and you realise not to judge a book by its cover. Also thinking of asking them to replace the moulton, since its suddenly decided to go, growing out from one bald patch.

 

[BP1]

I've also had Byson do work for me; repairs to a couple of Irvins and a refurb of an Edmund Church M422a (New cuffs, action back elastic and a new liner). Fantastic work in every respect, and great folk to visit if you're in the area.