The Conversion Corral

[T Jones]

Yes! It looks like a hat Jim Davis would have worn. Another nice one!

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Thank you buddy! He wore some nice ones back in the day, especially prior to his Dallas days.

 

[T Jones]

Finally finished up this conversion. It started out as a size 6 3/4 6X Biltmore Western that was four sizes too small for me. I blocked this one up gradually with the last blocking done on the 'Rockwater' straight sided block. The hat started out with a tall 6 3/4 open crown and had a four inch brim width. After I reblocked it to a 7 1/4 hat size to fit me, I ended up with a 6 inch open crown and with a brim width that varied between 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches. So I still had more than enough brim to work with and I had a healthy open crown as well. Using the Rounding Jack that I got sometime back from Rick at Phoenix Hat Company I cut the brim down to 2 3/4. A Block and a Rounding Jack, handcrafted by two of our very own Lounge members, it doesn't get any better than that. Anyway, I also reworked the finish on this Biltmore and gave it a smooth and rich 'Brushed Velour' finish. The hat now has a 2 3/4 inches wide snap brim and is creased to my preferred tear drop. The open crown, as I said, is 6 inches, and as creased, is 4 3/4 at the pinch with a rake sloping to 4 1/4 in the back. The over all height of the crown as creased is 5 inches. I found a vintage 1 5/8 black ribbon and bow that I sewed on it to finish out the tall straight crown. The color on this hat has some interesting things going on. It looks to be a dark gray with brown undertones. Then at other times, it looks to be a dark brown. In any event, it's a nice color.

Before:

On the 'Rockwater' block:

Completed:

This is closer to the true color of the hat:

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Finally finished up this conversion. It started out as a size 6 3/4 6X Biltmore Western that was four sizes too small for me. I blocked this one up gradually with the last blocking done on the 'Rockwater' straight sided block. The hat started out with a tall 6 3/4 open crown and had a four inch brim width. After I reblocked it to a 7 1/4 hat size to fit me, I ended up with a 6 inch open crown and with a brim width that varied between 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches. So I still had more than enough brim to work with and I had a healthy open crown as well. Using the Rounding Jack that I got sometime back from Rick at Phoenix Hat Company I cut the brim down to 2 3/4. A Block and a Rounding Jack, handcrafted by two of our very own Lounge members, it doesn't get any better than that. Anyway, I also reworked the finish on this Biltmore and gave it a smooth and rich 'Brushed Velour' finish. The hat now has a 2 3/4 inches wide snap brim and is creased to my preferred tear drop. The open crown, as I said, is 6 inches, and as creased, is 4 3/4 at the pinch with a rake sloping to 4 1/4 in the back. The over all height of the crown as creased is 5 inches. I found a vintage 1 5/8 black ribbon and bow that I sewed on it to finish out the tall straight crown. The color on this hat has some interesting things going on. It looks to be a dark gray with brown undertones. Then at other times, it looks to be a dark brown. In any event, it's a nice color.

Before:

On the 'Rockwater' block:

Completed:

This is closer to the true color of the hat:

Looks great, Terry. I love felt that changes appearance in varying light.


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[Woodtroll]

Finally finished up this conversion. It started out as a size 6 3/4 6X Biltmore Western that was four sizes too small for me. I blocked this one up gradually with the last blocking done on the 'Rockwater' straight sided block. The hat started out with a tall 6 3/4 open crown and had a four inch brim width. After I reblocked it to a 7 1/4 hat size to fit me, I ended up with a 6 inch open crown and with a brim width that varied between 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches. So I still had more than enough brim to work with and I had a healthy open crown as well. Using the Rounding Jack that I got sometime back from Rick at Phoenix Hat Company I cut the brim down to 2 3/4. A Block and a Rounding Jack, handcrafted by two of our very own Lounge members, it doesn't get any better than that. Anyway, I also reworked the finish on this Biltmore and gave it a smooth and rich 'Brushed Velour' finish. The hat now has a 2 3/4 inches wide snap brim and is creased to my preferred tear drop. The open crown, as I said, is 6 inches, and as creased, is 4 3/4 at the pinch with a rake sloping to 4 1/4 in the back. The over all height of the crown as creased is 5 inches. I found a vintage 1 5/8 black ribbon and bow that I sewed on it to finish out the tall straight crown. The color on this hat has some interesting things going on. It looks to be a dark gray with brown undertones. Then at other times, it looks to be a dark brown. In any event, it's a nice color.

Before:

On the 'Rockwater' block:

Completed:

This is closer to the true color of the hat:

I really like that ribbon; it looks like it has a blue undertone to it. Really nice job on the hat overall! I have come across a black Resistol 4x George Strait in 7-3/4 that I want to turn into a fedora for the rare funeral, etc. I would love to find a nice vintage midnight blue ribbon for it. Your post is very timely as it helps me envision how I want my hat to look. Thanks for all your informative posts!

 

[T Jones]

I really like that ribbon; it looks like it has a blue undertone to it. Really nice job on the hat overall! I have come across a black Resistol 4x George Strait in 7-3/4 that I want to turn into a fedora for the rare funeral, etc. I would love to find a nice vintage midnight blue ribbon for it. Your post is very timely as it helps me envision how I want my hat to look. Thanks for all your informative posts!

Thank you buddy. I appreciate that. The ribbon with its bow was given to me by a fellow Lounger. It's of good quality and looks like it came off of a vintage hat. Seemed like a perfect fit for the one that I just converted.

...and you're very welcome. I'm glad it was helpful for you.

 

[T Jones]

Looks great, Terry. I love felt that changes appearance in varying light.


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Thank you, Brent. I really like the color on this one. It definitely has some interesting undertones.

 

[humanshoes]

Finally finished up this conversion. It started out as a size 6 3/4 6X Biltmore Western that was four sizes too small for me. I blocked this one up gradually with the last blocking done on the 'Rockwater' straight sided block. The hat started out with a tall 6 3/4 open crown and had a four inch brim width. After I reblocked it to a 7 1/4 hat size to fit me, I ended up with a 6 inch open crown and with a brim width that varied between 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches. So I still had more than enough brim to work with and I had a healthy open crown as well. Using the Rounding Jack that I got sometime back from Rick at Phoenix Hat Company I cut the brim down to 2 3/4. A Block and a Rounding Jack, handcrafted by two of our very own Lounge members, it doesn't get any better than that. Anyway, I also reworked the finish on this Biltmore and gave it a smooth and rich 'Brushed Velour' finish. The hat now has a 2 3/4 inches wide snap brim and is creased to my preferred tear drop. The open crown, as I said, is 6 inches, and as creased, is 4 3/4 at the pinch with a rake sloping to 4 1/4 in the back. The over all height of the crown as creased is 5 inches. I found a vintage 1 5/8 black ribbon and bow that I sewed on it to finish out the tall straight crown. The color on this hat has some interesting things going on. It looks to be a dark gray with brown undertones. Then at other times, it looks to be a dark brown. In any event, it's a nice color.

Before:

On the 'Rockwater' block:

Completed:

This is closer to the true color of the hat:

Very nice work there T. I think your ribbon skills are just getting better and better.

 

[T Jones]

Very nice work there T. I think your ribbon skills are just getting better and better.

Thank you Rick! I can't take credit for the ribbon and bow work, though, other than sewing it on the hat. It was already made up when I got it. It looks to have originally come off of a vintage hat.

 

[humanshoes]

Thank you Rick! I can't take credit for the ribbon and bow work, though, other than sewing it on the hat. It was already made up when I got it. It looks to have originally come off of a vintage hat.

Still, the finesse (or lack thereof) of the attachment stands out. I think the modern Stetsons have taught us that.

 

[T Jones]

Still, the finesse (or lack thereof) of the attachment stands out. I think the modern Stetsons have taught us that.

Thank you buddy. It's definitely on there nice and tight with the stitching hidden. I have to say, though, I'm really liking the looks of the flat vintage bows.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Finally finished up this conversion. It started out as a size 6 3/4 6X Biltmore Western that was four sizes too small for me. I blocked this one up gradually with the last blocking done on the 'Rockwater' straight sided block. The hat started out with a tall 6 3/4 open crown and had a four inch brim width. After I reblocked it to a 7 1/4 hat size to fit me, I ended up with a 6 inch open crown and with a brim width that varied between 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches. So I still had more than enough brim to work with and I had a healthy open crown as well. Using the Rounding Jack that I got sometime back from Rick at Phoenix Hat Company I cut the brim down to 2 3/4. A Block and a Rounding Jack, handcrafted by two of our very own Lounge members, it doesn't get any better than that. Anyway, I also reworked the finish on this Biltmore and gave it a smooth and rich 'Brushed Velour' finish. The hat now has a 2 3/4 inches wide snap brim and is creased to my preferred tear drop. The open crown, as I said, is 6 inches, and as creased, is 4 3/4 at the pinch with a rake sloping to 4 1/4 in the back. The over all height of the crown as creased is 5 inches. I found a vintage 1 5/8 black ribbon and bow that I sewed on it to finish out the tall straight crown. The color on this hat has some interesting things going on. It looks to be a dark gray with brown undertones. Then at other times, it looks to be a dark brown. In any event, it's a nice color.

Terry your work is better and better! Bravo

 

[T Jones]

Terry your work is better and better! Bravo

Thank you, buddy!

 

[belfastboy]

Just finished doing a quick fedora conversion from this '50s era Resistol 10 Homburg. A fellow Lounger gave this one to me. This is a super nice hat and the felt quality is amazing. I always wanted to try a Homburg but when I put it on, it was obvious that a Homburg just wasn't me. The hat is super clean inside and out and all original. I didn't take anything apart for this quickie conversion. The biggest skill set required for this one was care and patience...and having a fedora brim flange helps. Pretty easy if you take your time. I just ironed out the to flatten out the kettle curl and then ironed again on a brim flange. Unlike my other conversions, I didn't strip this one down. I wanted to leave all that was original to the hat intact. For the crown, all I did was to pop out the center dent to an open crown and then I misted it damp with water from a spray bottle, not soaking. From then on, it was easy. I recreased the crown to my preferred tear drop....

Before

On the head

Amazing conversion. I would have bet against converting a homburg into a functioning and good looking fedora. As a homburg lover I did shed a tear for the loss!!......no to worry I will get over it!

 

[steur]

Finally finished up this conversion. It started out as a size 6 3/4 6X Biltmore Western that was four sizes too small for me. I blocked this one up gradually with the last blocking done on the 'Rockwater' straight sided block. The hat started out with a tall 6 3/4 open crown and had a four inch brim width. After I reblocked it to a 7 1/4 hat size to fit me, I ended up with a 6 inch open crown and with a brim width that varied between 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches. So I still had more than enough brim to work with and I had a healthy open crown as well. Using the Rounding Jack that I got sometime back from Rick at Phoenix Hat Company I cut the brim down to 2 3/4. A Block and a Rounding Jack, handcrafted by two of our very own Lounge members, it doesn't get any better than that. Anyway, I also reworked the finish on this Biltmore and gave it a smooth and rich 'Brushed Velour' finish. The hat now has a 2 3/4 inches wide snap brim and is creased to my preferred tear drop. The open crown, as I said, is 6 inches, and as creased, is 4 3/4 at the pinch with a rake sloping to 4 1/4 in the back. The over all height of the crown as creased is 5 inches. I found a vintage 1 5/8 black ribbon and bow that I sewed on it to finish out the tall straight crown. The color on this hat has some interesting things going on. It looks to be a dark gray with brown undertones. Then at other times, it looks to be a dark brown. In any event, it's a nice color.

Before:

On the 'Rockwater' block:

Completed:

This is closer to the true color of the hat:

Another beautiful conversion, Terry. Great work! Lovely colours on the felt and I like that brushed finish.

 

[RJR]

Finally finished up this conversion. It started out as a size 6 3/4 6X Biltmore Western that was four sizes too small for me. I blocked this one up gradually with the last blocking done on the 'Rockwater' straight sided block. The hat started out with a tall 6 3/4 open crown and had a four inch brim width. After I reblocked it to a 7 1/4 hat size to fit me, I ended up with a 6 inch open crown and with a brim width that varied between 3 1/2 to 3 5/8 inches. So I still had more than enough brim to work with and I had a healthy open crown as well. Using the Rounding Jack that I got sometime back from Rick at Phoenix Hat Company I cut the brim down to 2 3/4. A Block and a Rounding Jack, handcrafted by two of our very own Lounge members, it doesn't get any better than that. Anyway, I also reworked the finish on this Biltmore and gave it a smooth and rich 'Brushed Velour' finish. The hat now has a 2 3/4 inches wide snap brim and is creased to my preferred tear drop. The open crown, as I said, is 6 inches, and as creased, is 4 3/4 at the pinch with a rake sloping to 4 1/4 in the back. The over all height of the crown as creased is 5 inches. I found a vintage 1 5/8 black ribbon and bow that I sewed on it to finish out the tall straight crown. The color on this hat has some interesting things going on. It looks to be a dark gray with brown undertones. Then at other times, it looks to be a dark brown. In any event, it's a nice color.

Before:

On the 'Rockwater' block:

Completed:

This is closer to the true color of the hat:

TJ,its been great watching as you've done more conversions.Your work has become very professional.

 

[T Jones]

TJ,its been great watching as you've done more conversions.Your work has become very professional.

Thank you, Bob! I appreciate that!

 

[T Jones]

Another beautiful conversion, Terry. Great work! Lovely colours on the felt and I like that brushed finish.

Thank you, steur!

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

I've had this hat for quite a while and havent worn it out yet, because of how dingy the brim binding/ ribbon were. Not too mention I always thought the cream on white was a little boring. So I nixed the old brim binding and ribbon and hand curled the brim.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I've had this hat for quite a while and havent worn it out yet, because of how dingy the brim binding/ ribbon were. Not too mention I always thought the cream on white was a little boring. So I nixed the old brim binding and ribbon and hand curled the brim. View attachment 149332 View attachment 149333 View attachment 149334 View attachment 149335

I liked it in its original condition, but your changes made it really pop! Such a rich warm hat deserves another lease at life.


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[bond]

Just a quick conversion / Ribbon swap really and a light cleaning . Client wanted this one to have contrast with felt color and an upgrade from the cheesy petersham that was original to the hat.

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