Rennovation Roundup What shops do it well?

[John in Covina]

Through out the hat section there are discussions about getting your hat cleaned and re-blocked or refurbished / rennovated with parts replaced or some type of change to dimensions or even a complete style change.

I'd like to suggest we get these shops listed all in one place as a reference Directory for others to do a quick look up. (It will help answer the question: Do I go local or better to send it off?)

Those that have had an experience with a shop might please:
1) list the shop with contact info
2) give a BRIEF description of their experience
3) whether they would reccomend it to others.

 

[gtdean48]

I have used the services of 3 hatter to renovate different style hats.
Catalena, Shorty's, & Optimo.
They all have stripped, cleaned, stretched, reblocked, new liners, sweatbands, ribbons & have done edge binding on a couple.
I usually have them sent back open crown so I can do the creasing.
They all have done good work for me.
http://www.catalenahats.com/
http://www.shortyshattery.com/
http://www.optimohats.com/

 

[Aureliano]

Worth & Worth NYC. Blocking, cleaning, etc. Felt and Montecristi.
47 W. 57th St. www.hatshop.com

 

[John in Covina]

Los Angeles Area - Baron Hats

Baron California Hats
1619 West Burbank Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91506-1310
(818) 563-3025

www.baronhats.com

Love them or hate them- I am limiting my response to my experiences with rennovation services. I went there because it's relatively local so I did not have to send my hats off to some out of state place with all that entails.

I have used Baron Hats on 2 occasions and the work they did was top notch:
One was my dad's Borsalino from the late 40's to the 50's. It had the clean resize reblock, new sweat, liner and ribbon.
Two was an open crown cowboy that the brim was cut down and a new ribbon installed.

However, there were some "organizational" problems that made for delays.

Word is that Mark has re-organized the shop and things are running smoothly now.

If so- then I'd say worth a try.

 

[RBH]

I thought Tom would have mentioned him, but Mike Moore does a nice reno job.
I have also had Art rework a couple of felts and a straw for me, all were great .
I think you will find our Lounge has some really great hatters here.

Here is Mikes site:

www.buckaroohatters.com.

And Arts:

http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/

 

[marvelgoose]

I'd like to suggest we get these shops listed all in one place as a reference Directory for others to do a quick look up. (It will help answer the question: Do I go local or better to send it off?)

All this data is compiled (except for the reviews) at http://www.merrillguice.com/hats in a zip file. You can also review the list on the Lounge at

http://thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=873218&postcount=74

I put in the comments section if the location does renovation or repair.

 

[M6Classic]

I have my felt hats made by and maintained by Gary White in Buffalo. He has a web site. but the only way to really reach him is by telephone or to walk into his shop.

Gary's telephone number is (716) 896-3722. His address is 1318 Broadway Street, Buffalo, NY 14212-1705.

He is not inexpensive. He is not swift. The best rarely is. I have been a customer for over a dozen years and his work has always been exceptional. Between us, my wife and I own about ten hats he made and he regularly...every two years or so...cleans, blocks, and whatevers maybe fourteen of our hats.

Buzz

 

[gtdean48]

I thought Tom would have mentioned him, but Mike Moore does a nice reno job.
I have also had Art rework a couple of felts and a straw for me, all were great .
I think you will find our Lounge has some really great hatters here.

Here is Mikes site:

www.buckaroohatters.com.

And Arts:

http://www.vintagesilhouettes.com/

Rusty is so right but I have used Buckaroo & Vintage Silhouettes for bespoke hats & had Major Moore to do customizing & some repair work, not the full renovation service like the others. Fixing a loose sweatband, binding a brim edge, new ribbon treatment, reattaching wind trolley, Mike & Rockie do EXCELLENT work at Buckaroo hatters. I just sent in 2 westerns for new sweatbands. I am more than certain they can handle the full renovation services as well!

 

[dnjan]

All this data is compiled (except for the reviews) at http://www.merrillguice.com/hats in a zip file. You can also review the list on the Lounge at

http://thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=873218&postcount=74

I put in the comments section if the location does renovation or repair.

It looks like this list is sellers, not necessarily refurbishers. For example, Bernie Utz (Seattle) sells hats, but does not do repairs.

They gave me the card for a person in the Seattle area who does repairs, etc. but I lost it. So I was hoping the name would pop up in this thread.

 

[John in Covina]

If you find the guy and utilize his services, please post your comments as to reccomend or not.