Reasonably priced trusted repair shops ?

[TLW '90]

Are there any trusted repair shops with reasonable rates that you'd recommend sending a jacket to for some basic repairs ?

I just bought a vintage Lesco relatively cheap on Ebay, and if the fit proves to be good it will probably need some work.
The shoulder gussett elastic looks to need replacing, there's a minor tear in the lining, and it's also missing one of the belt loops but I don't really care about that too much.

 

[photo2u]

Are there any trusted repair shops with reasonable rates that you'd recommend sending a jacket to for some basic repairs ?

I just bought a vintage Lesco relatively cheap on Ebay, and if the fit proves to be good it will probably need some work.
The shoulder gussett elastic looks to need replacing, there's a minor tear in the lining, and it's also missing one of the belt loops but I don't really care about that too much.

Repair it your self. Take the time and can be done. Jacket repairs are expensive. Just to send it to someone is around $30 round trip. The repair from a reliable person can run you about $180? for those repairs.

There is a ton of information in this site. You might try this thread: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/ask-a-question-get-an-answer-about-outerwear.102916/

 

[TLW '90]

Repair it your self. Take the time and can be done. Jacket repairs are expensive. Just to send it to someone is around $30 round trip. The repair from a reliable person can run you about $180? for those repairs.

There is a ton of information in this site. You might try this thread: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/ask-a-question-get-an-answer-about-outerwear.102916/

I don't I have the skill to repair it myself but will look into it.

I'm not really worried about the missing belt loop, and the minor issue with the lining doesn't really bother me either.
What I don't know is how I would get into the jacket to replace that elastic without ruining it.

 

[Biff42]

A local alterations place can likely assist and if not, johnsons leather is my go to for new zippers, repairs, etc

 

[TLW '90]

A local alterations place can likely assist and if not, johnsons leather is my go to for new zippers, repairs, etc

Johnson leathers in SF ?

 

[Peacoat]

Johnson leathers in SF ?

Yes.

Also, Dena would do that repair.

I posted this link in the Important Threads section at the top of Outerwear several years ago:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/outerwear-vendor-list.104589/

 

[TLW '90]

Yes.

Also, Dena would do that repair.

I posted this link in the Important Threads section at the top of Outerwear several years ago:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/outerwear-vendor-list.104589/

Thanks, I'll look into it if the jacket fits and I turn out to actually like it.
I really don't know yet how I feel about cross zips
The excessive abundance of black cross zips has kind of put me off, because I just don't like black leather jackets.
I'm not inherintly against cross zips and there is a slight inescapable appeal to the the style, but I have to try one before I know if they're my thing or not.
I don't wear cowboy boots but am far more drawn to western and rural / outdoors styles than anything, and I don't know if cross zips really fit my sensibility .

 

[raf]

Are there any trusted repair shops with reasonable rates that you'd recommend sending a jacket to for some basic repairs ?

I just bought a vintage Lesco relatively cheap on Ebay, and if the fit proves to be good it will probably need some work.
The shoulder gussett elastic looks to need replacing, there's a minor tear in the lining, and it's also missing one of the belt loops but I don't really care about that too much.

You may not care about the missing belt loop, but the next guy might. If you're sending it off for repairs, anyway, suggest you have it all done at once.

 

[TLW '90]

You may not care about the missing belt loop, but the next guy might. If you're sending it off for repairs, anyway, suggest you have it all done at once.

I will decide what to do depending on the cost if I do send it for repair.

 

[ABCD]

I don't I have the skill to repair it myself but will look into it.

What I don't know is how I would get into the jacket to replace that elastic without ruining it.

It's an easy repair, here's how to do it...

Do try this at home: leather jacket repair tips

Having never used a sewing machine, I would imagine they you pull the leather taught along with a certain amount of stretch to the elastic, and sew. How did they make them in the first place, I wouldn’t know of course. Now I'm curious too. I often just like to imagine how I'd go about fixing...

www.thefedoralounge.com

 

[TLW '90]

It's an easy repair, here's how to do it...

http://[URL]https://www.thefedoralo...eather-jacket-repair-tips.104840/post-2909779

[/URL]

So what about sewing the liner back up ?

 

[El Marro]

It might pay off to visit one (or more) of your local tailors and ask them about their experience with leather repair and alterations. I have heard horror stories about tailors and cobblers making a real mess out of this and ruining a jacket but I personally have had great success with a local tailor here in Berkeley.

 

[TLW '90]

It might pay off to visit one (or more) of your local tailors and ask them about their experience with leather repair and alterations. I have heard horror stories about tailors and cobblers making a real mess out of this and ruining a jacket but I personally have had great success with a local tailor here in Berkeley.

I don't know of any in my area, and don't like going into the city to try and find places I've never been.
I'd rather just mail it to a trusted professional.

 

[raf]

In my experience, most tailors, being small shops, will indicate if required repairs are out of their "comfort zone". In cases of tailors who blithely say "Hey, No Problem" ask questions about what size/composition thread and what size needle will be used--but know the appropriate answers beforehand. Ask to see recently repaired leather items. "My" local tailor admits to his limitations, and I fully respect that.

 

[TLW '90]

If I decide not to just wear the jacket as is and if I'm not willing to attempt the work myself ( I might be able to acess the elastic through the existing lining tear ) I will probably just send the jacket to Johnson in SF.
I was happy with the work Steve at Bedo's did to my CMPD and trust him to do a good job, but I had to wait quite awhile to get my jacket back.

 

[rogueclimber]

Also, Dena would do that repair.

I got the feeling she is scaling back:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/leather-jacket-repair.117970/

Thanks so much to the community for all your support and referrals. have either a super heavy jacket, alterations other than shortening the sleeves, or one of those vintage jackets that have the seams with tiny seams on each side, please don't send them my way. If there is a super heavy jacket you can send them to a colleague of mine, Jeff Moses. He has a shoe repair and he's real good. I've already spoken to him about the heavy jackets needing new zippers. I'll attach his card.
I continue to replace basic zippers, repair tears, replace linings, and restore leather with or with out dye.
I've gotten so busy I'm having to limit the things I accept. (and I just turned 70!!) I hope you understand!
Thanks again for all,
Dena

 

[Peacoat]

I got the feeling she is scaling back:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/leather-jacket-repair.117970/

Yes, she is scaling back. She is no longer accepting heavy leather jackets because of a repetitive use injury, if I remember correctly. But the repairs the OP needs, are lightweight work. Something she should be able to handle. Fortunately, there are other options as well.

 

[rogueclimber]

But the repairs the OP needs, are lightweight work

Any work on any leather seems heavy to me!

 

[Peacoat]

Any work on any leather seems heavy to me!

True, but I think his two repair jobs aren't really working on leather: "The shoulder gussett elastic looks to need replacing, there's a minor tear in the lining, and it's also missing one of the belt loops but I don't really care about that too much."

Replacing the elastic across the back and repairing the minor tear in the lining are both easy fixes.

 

[TLW '90]

I received the jacket today, and at the moment I don't think I'll be sending it in for repair.

It's looking like it'll be a keeper, but I will probably just consider it a jacket with character.

With the action back elastic being shot, a missing belt loop + 1 on starting to come off, and various small areas of stitching that need attention, I think it'll probably all add up to more than the jacket is worth.
Every issue it has I don't think really keeps me from wearing the jacket.