That happens. A good question would be how to preserve the stitching if it’s dry as not to snap any seams. I had this happen on an old barnstormer. It literally blew apart on me. Was horrifying.
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Vintage Lawrence FQHH Perfecto-style jacket
- Thread starter Gamma68
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Johnson leathers can restitch to reinforce areas of concern to allow you to actually wear the jacket. If the stitching is weak in the coin pocket it may be weak in other key areas/seams. That way you won't be walking around sounding like a cracker jack box. poppoppop...
Gamma68
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It seems best to condition the entire jacket first and see if any other areas of stitching look weak. Lord, I hope this jacket doesn't blow apart.
Have it stitched back together if it does. It’s well worth the effort and expense.
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I was skipping rocks with my son and heard a couple of pops. It was both shoulder seams coming completely undone lol. My three-year old must have seen the look on my face because he about fell into the lake laughing at me. I tested a local leather "guru" and asked if he would restitch the shoulders and reinforce the entire jacket. While not as "perfect" as I imagine JL would be, it was a job well done. The jacket feels great and I do not worry about a seam coming loose.
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Brilliant looking and fitting jacket!
As for the belt, just conditioning will make a significant difference though I'd use Lexol on it if Pecard doesn't get soaked in properly.
As for the belt, just conditioning will make a significant difference though I'd use Lexol on it if Pecard doesn't get soaked in properly.
Wdawg
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That jacket is completely badass. If you do go about getting it restitched, make sure the person knows you want them to take the time to use the existing holes. I had an old Brimaco redone and they just ran it under the sewing machine. Worked and doesn't really bother me, but you wouldn't want it done on something like that.
Gamma68
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Interesting that it has the traditional D-pocket setup without the D-pocket outline.
I’m not sure about this belt, even after some conditioning. The difference between the jacket horsehide and whatever this belt is made of is striking. It’s cheap like plywood. I’m typically a stickler for restoration and originality but I’m not sure about the belt. I could try putting a buckle on it and see how it works out.
I’m not sure about this belt, even after some conditioning. The difference between the jacket horsehide and whatever this belt is made of is striking. It’s cheap like plywood. I’m typically a stickler for restoration and originality but I’m not sure about the belt. I could try putting a buckle on it and see how it works out.
Gamma68
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Just realized the existing belt is missing a keeper. Looks like I’ll need to have a new belt made after all.
You could just remake a keeper, that's pretty straightforward.
Sounds to me like you trying to convince yourself this belt isn't worth saving...
I would give it a chance, once you change it there is no going back. I think the contrast between both leathers and the fact that the belt is natural on one side is very cool.
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Gamma68
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How would I go about having a keeper made? Didn’t think this was possible without getting a whole new belt.
A keeper is just a piece of leather that is stitched or stapled in a circle.
Just find some leather that matches and make it yourself or buy one online.
There are a bunch of how to videos on youtube, and a bunch of people selling keepers on etsy and ebay.
As an example here is the last belt "kit" i bought, you can see the smaller bit of leather they provide to make the keeper:
That's all you need, but in black.
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Gamma68
One Too Many
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- Detroit, MI
A keeper is just a piece of leather that is stitched or stapled in a circle.
Just find some leather that matches and make it yourself or buy one online.
There are a bunch of how to videos on youtube, and a bunch of people selling keepers on etsy and ebay.
As an example here is the last belt "kit" i bought, you can see the smaller bit of leather they provide to make the keeper:
That's all you need, but in black.
You make a good point in that I wouldn't want to regret ditching the original belt at some point in the future. I'll really have to soak the bejeezus out of it in Pecards to make it flexible without cracking. It's very thin.
Maybe I can get some Chicago screws as replacement rivets. As for buckles, I could try finding a square buckle like the original, or some like a hexagon to mimic the geometric shape of the epaulette decorations, or maybe even a vintage 1950s AMA buckle with the swirly logo (something not tacky).
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