Something New - AL Modified Oakland

[Plumbline]

So after the success of the "Adventurer" I decided to do a second project .. this time the start point was the AL Oakland but I decided to try the single lipped pockets and also have unstudded inner pockets. The collar I wanted to mimic the early 40's W colar jacets with a little more curve to the collar and D-rings like my Aero Californian but in black nickel. I'm still loving the strap cuffs so stuck with them and the leather was Vintage Horween Burgundy Warhawk.

All in all it turned out very well ... IMHO .... as before it fits like I like it to fit .... so no fit comments please. The most pleasing part is the back ..... it's better than I anticipated. I'm not a fan of multi panel backs but this is very "block bilt".

Have a look ...

 

[Plumbline]

 

[Monitor]

Man, with each new jacket you guys post, I get more customization ideas! Beautiful jacket, I've always loved the look of strap cuffs, and fantastic back detailing. Is the last photo of the back panels? Does this act as a bi-swing back?

 

[Plumbline]

 

[Benny Holiday]

PL this is awesome! I really dig the back on the Oakland and the whole styling of the jacket, really. Great pics, many thanks for showing us this jacket in detail.

 

[Worf]

Wow.... that jacket looks bad completely bad ass! Nice job!!!!! Stop givin' me ideas... I'm broke!!!!

Worf

 

[Grayland]

I like the front of that jacket quite a bit. The back is pretty awesome as well, but it is so clean and neat in the front without any chest pockets and it will look great with a few years of wear on it. Love the cuff straps. Did you request the leather strip at the bottom of the lining or that an AL standard feature? You done good - that is a cool and unique jacket.

 

[nick123]

I like it when repro companies list the original garment manufacturer-in this case Simmons Bilt. Always gets me amped to seek out more history but the world wide web is VOID of such!

 

[Plumbline]

I requested the leather strip Gray ..... I had it on a halfbelt deluxe Aero and it worked really well.

 

[Bunyip]

That is such a nice jacket PL. you've got it going on with AL...you should just get a job on their design team...I'm quite interested in the variety of leathers these guys use...they all look great, as does your ever growing jacket collection...

 

[repo]

Great looking jacket - very tempted to ask for one just like it!

 

[Plumbline]

I guess the two BIG pluses for me from AL are :

1. I can custom design and there are no real issues ..... guidance yes and sometimes strong discussion ... but no real issues.
2. Turn around is relatively swift (6 - 7 weeks currently )

there are two minor pluses also ... trade in facility is swift and represents fair value IMHO ( saves me ebay'ng etc.) and the choice of leathers is pretty extensive.

Being in the UK helps and I don't discount any other manufacturers who can meet all or some .. BK can do many of these things and make great jackets, the Aero Sale pages are great, Ebay and other sources (e.g. Gumtree) are also excellent value .....

It's great to be a jacket consumer right now IMHO.

 

[eggleman]

Great threads (and jackets) Mr Plumbline .....
now just waiting for your Something Borrowed and Something Blue threads !

 

[handymike]

I'd be interested in the Something Blue thread as well!
Nice one again, PL!

 

[repo]

I guess the two BIG pluses for me from AL are :

1. I can custom design and there are no real issues ..... guidance yes and sometimes strong discussion ... but no real issues.
2. Turn around is relatively swift (6 - 7 weeks currently )

there are two minor pluses also ... trade in facility is swift and represents fair value IMHO ( saves me ebay'ng etc.) and the choice of leathers is pretty extensive.

Being in the UK helps and I don't discount any other manufacturers who can meet all or some .. BK can do many of these things and make great jackets, the Aero Sale pages are great, Ebay and other sources (e.g. Gumtree) are also excellent value .....

It's great to be a jacket consumer right now IMHO.

I'm considering getting one of their steerhide jackets - I like the way the grain develops (and have enough HH ... for now).