Restore my A2 jacket

[b17sam@hotmail.]

I recently sent my A2 jacket, which I wore through 35 missions on a B17, to a place in Chicago noted for restoration of these jackets. They were sympathetic, but sent it back as beyond repair. This was not too surprising as it had hung neglected in my closet for over sixty years. Can anyone recommend another place that may be able to restore my jacket?

 

[PADDY]

Good-day Sam!

Aero Leather in Scotland have a very good reputation for salvaging old flight jackets, as does Eastman Leather in England. Hope that serves to help you sir.

www.aeroleatherclothing.com

www.eastmanleather.com

 

[Senicko_Spain]

I would highly recommend Eastman Leather, not HPA, but Eastman in the UK. I have sent numerous jackets back to Gary Eastman, and you wouldn't believe the customer service that he provides. You will get personal attention and IMO the best product available. IMO and this is only my opinion, Aero is not what it once was, their knits are not the correct weave for the A-2 and their repro hardware leaves a lot to be desired. If you want the best in restoration send it to Eastman.

Steve

 

[Obob]

No Help, But...

I don't have an answer to your query, but I just wanna say thank you, b17sam, for serving this country; guys like you and a lot of others have made it possible for all of us to live the free lives we have today. It IS appreciated here at my house.

Obob

 

[greyhound68]

Agree with Steve. I have seen first hand some of their work and it is first rate. Here is their web site

http://www.eastmanleather.com/

Good luck and thanks for serving your country.

 

[johnnyjohnny]

the Guy these Jackets were made for

want to pay compliments to you as well sam...

first, i'd recommend your website to those who frequent this forum, or anyone interested in some history...

my background is as a reporter, and when i've run into a few who've flown the missions over ww2 europe i can't get enough of the stories...sometimes quite grim (i recall one fellow who'd taken pictures on bombing runs, operating cameras in the asian theatre in the nose of planes...his eyes teared up and he couldn't continue when describing some of the collateral damage he'd seen as the films were developed later)

there's a lot of fascinating info on your site, plus pix of the reaL guys wearing the reaL jackets

also, cheers for being a published author...as a former reporter always working on 'stuff', i may have to pick up that book of yours

thanks for posting here...everyone should stop by and take a look

very best,
johnnyjohnny

 

[Senicko_Spain]

want to pay compliments to you as well sam...

first, i'd recommend your website to those who frequent this forum, or anyone interested in some history...

my background is as a reporter, and when i've run into a few who've flown the missions over ww2 europe i can't get enough of the stories...sometimes quite grim (i recall one fellow who'd taken pictures on bombing runs, operating cameras in the asian theatre in the nose of planes...his eyes teared up and he couldn't continue when describing some of the collateral damage he'd seen as the films were developed later)

there's a lot of fascinating info on your site, plus pix of the reaL guys wearing the reaL jackets

also, cheers for being a published author...as a former reporter always working on 'stuff', i may have to pick up that book of yours

thanks for posting here...everyone should stop by and take a look

very best,
johnnyjohnny

Ditto, my hat's off to you! I will give your book a read as well!

 

[tomsk]

Hi Sam, I read your book some years ago and it's an absolute pleasure to see you pop up here! I think I may have to go and read it again, I'm sure there were some interesting off-mission activities with a local girl if I remember correctly...:eusa_clap
Thanks
Tom

 

[ranchnman]

so you are a WWII vet?! well god bless you sir! and thank you for your service! in regards to the jacket, also try sportys pilot shop. they have a jacket repair service as well.

 

[Senicko_Spain]

so you are a WWII vet?! well god bless you sir! and thank you for your service! in regards to the jacket, also try sportys pilot shop. they have a jacket repair service as well.

If you are going to repair it to original specifications and you want 100% correct parts stitched in the original holes I might add, then Eastman or another high end manufacturer/repair facility is your best bet. Please do not trust your jacket to someone who doesn't specialise in original antique repair work.

Steve

 

[Windsock]

Make sure you tell them your full story...

Definitely go with Eastman Sam. When you add up postage and restoration the costs build up quickly, i'd like to imagine that Gary may give you a special rate considering that it's your original.

If you'd contacted them last year they could have included you on their CD.....!

Great work on the website, i've found it really interesting and great artwork too!

 

[Senicko_Spain]

I made the mistake of using a guy John Chapman recommended in California, a Mr. Zoltan, and what a mistake that was. I thought I would save a few bucks and send it off to this guy, but what I got back was a total abortion. He relined the jacket using the wrong color lining for the contract even though I told him to match the original. He also stitched the jacket all over making his own holes and disregarding the holes already there, even though I specifically asked him to make sure and use the original holes. He even put the freaking spec tag in the wrong place and double stitched the zipper. A total loss. Five months waiting for the jacket and it turned out horrible. Now I have sent at least a half dozen originals to Eastman and each time they did an outstanding job, every original stitch hole was used and the correct parts installed. Don't try to save a buck, you'll be sorry.