Let's Motor

[alanfgag]

I purchased Dinerman's Stetson "The Motor" zephyr weight fedora via ebay auction... received it the other day. I was captivated by the sweatband imprint and the vintage, which is possibly 1920s. The hat is in relatively good shape. the major flaw being a pair of holes fore and aft. On inspection, they looked less True Grit and more like a William Tell demonstration gone bad, so I decided to do some work on it in the hat studio (formerly known as my kitchen.)

The felt is Stetson's standard quality - lightweight, but not as light or as responsive as my Borsalino featherweight - but a nice 2oz. body that is hard to come by these days. The ribbon on the other hand is heavy and firm - different than any other hat ribbon in my collection. I made two small patches from black fabric to support the two tears and applied them inside the hat with Fabri-Tac (a permanent fabric adhesive that is acid and lignin free and can be removed with acetone if necessary.) I didn't play with the repair too much - sometimes it's hard to know when to stop. The front tear now has a Harry Potter kind of character - a fair nod to the age of the hat and to the life that it's seen.

A little stitching to reapply a loose ribbon and some steam to soften the very sharp creases and it was ready to wear. When the snow season passes, it will be a nice fedora to wear motoring in my black and white mini cooper.

cheers,
Alan

 

[Lefty]

Very nice.

Very impressed.

Very envious.

 

[Dinerman]

Looks great on you! And the work you've done seems to have given it a whole new life. Excellent all around.

 

[alanfgag]

Very envious.

Thanks Lefty... Shuffle off my way - we'll go get some wings and you can wear it for a bit.

 

[alanfgag]

Looks great on you! And the work you've done seems to have given it a whole new life. Excellent all around.

Thanks... I'm happy with both my auction wins - the Barbisio homburg is a beauty.

 

[zetwal]

Cool hat. Too bad about the damaged felt. Your new hat reminds me very much of one of my 30s era Stetsons. Based on what you say, I think mine is probably lighter, but the resemblance of form is striking (to me anyway).

Very cool ... motor on dude :car:

 

[Lefty]

Thanks... I'm happy with both my auction wins - the Barbisio homburg is a beauty.

on my pinky.

 

[Dinerman]

Based on what you say, I think mine is probably lighter

I'd say this weighs about the same as an airlite playboy I have.

 

[zetwal]

I'd say this weighs about the same as an airlite playboy I have.

That's what I would expect ...

 

[alanfgag]

Cool hat. Too bad about the damaged felt. Your new hat reminds me very much of one of my 30s era Stetsons. Based on what you say, I think mine is probably lighter, but the resemblance of form is striking (to me anyway).:

My Borsalino featherweight is 2.5 ozs... the Motor is 3. Still very light. I think the ribbon must account for half the weight... it's a beefy slab of grosgrain.

thanks! Alan

 

[zetwal]

My Borsalino featherweight is 2.5 ozs... the Motor is 3. Still very light. I think the ribbon must account for half the weight... it's a beefy slab of grosgrain.

I follow ...

Sweet hats all round!

 

[buler]

[/QUOTE]


Nicely done! Now thats a hat.

B

 

[DanielJones]

I'm liking it Alan, well done. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap
Very classic looking.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[fluteplayer07]

I'm really regretting not going for that one, now that I see it in its restored glory! Nice job. You wear it very well.

You've quickly become a formidable player among us hat folks! Another great one, sir!



Cheers,

 

[Neophyte]

From the name to the detail to the color to the crease, that hat just plain oozes KOOL!
Well done and congrats :eusa_clap!

 

[150719541]

Stetson

I purchased Dinerman's Stetson "The Motor" zephyr weight fedora via ebay auction... received it the other day. I was captivated by the sweatband imprint and the vintage, which is possibly 1920s. The hat is in relatively good shape. the major flaw being a pair of holes fore and aft. On inspection, they looked less True Grit and more like a William Tell demonstration gone bad, so I decided to do some work on it in the hat studio (formerly known as my kitchen.)

The felt is Stetson's standard quality - lightweight, but not as light or as responsive as my Borsalino featherweight - but a nice 2oz. body that is hard to come by these days. The ribbon on the other hand is heavy and firm - different than any other hat ribbon in my collection. I made two small patches from black fabric to support the two tears and applied them inside the hat with Fabri-Tac (a permanent fabric adhesive that is acid and lignin free and can be removed with acetone if necessary.) I didn't play with the repair too much - sometimes it's hard to know when to stop. The front tear now has a Harry Potter kind of character - a fair nod to the age of the hat and to the life that it's seen.

A little stitching to reapply a loose ribbon and some steam to soften the very sharp creases and it was ready to wear. When the snow season passes, it will be a nice fedora to wear motoring in my black and white mini cooper.

cheers,
Alan

Good family hat, stetson is one of my favourite brands, this is really a nice hat ¡¡¡¡¡

 

[hatophile]

Congrats, Alan on that Zephyr, that will look great in a Mini. My wife has one also, we can't wait to get it out in Spring!

 

[monbla256]

I purchased Dinerman's Stetson "The Motor" zephyr weight fedora via ebay auction... received it the other day. I was captivated by the sweatband imprint and the vintage, which is possibly 1920s. The hat is in relatively good shape. the major flaw being a pair of holes fore and aft. On inspection, they looked less True Grit and more like a William Tell demonstration gone bad, so I decided to do some work on it in the hat studio (formerly known as my kitchen.)

The felt is Stetson's standard quality - lightweight, but not as light or as responsive as my Borsalino featherweight - but a nice 2oz. body that is hard to come by these days. The ribbon on the other hand is heavy and firm - different than any other hat ribbon in my collection. I made two small patches from black fabric to support the two tears and applied them inside the hat with Fabri-Tac (a permanent fabric adhesive that is acid and lignin free and can be removed with acetone if necessary.) I didn't play with the repair too much - sometimes it's hard to know when to stop. The front tear now has a Harry Potter kind of character - a fair nod to the age of the hat and to the life that it's seen.

A little stitching to reapply a loose ribbon and some steam to soften the very sharp creases and it was ready to wear. When the snow season passes, it will be a nice fedora to wear motoring in my black and white mini cooper.

cheers,
Alan

Alan,
That is a very impressive piece of work in that Zepher you have repaired from your photos to the hat itself !! I have to say that THAT hat truly works on you! Your head size/shape works well with that tallcrown/short brim 30's style!
Onward thru the fog

 

[HeyMoe]

That sir, is an awesome hat!

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks - much appreciate all the kind comments. Now if I just had the car that came with...