Repairing leather on copy Irvin

[G]

Got myself a second hand copy Irvin to keep warm, then some money back because it was in worse condition that described.

(I would like a real one, but not only the very expensive - they are also VERY warm and this copy may be better for a lot of real-world situations as it's not quite as hefty.)

So, looking to sort out both the dry leather and the holes on this one.

I did some googling, but most of the stuff I've found so far was American and recommending American products. Any suggestions for what do to sort out the dry leather?


As far as the holes go, I do have some leather work stuff in my mum's loft as my dad was quite in to it - however it's probably easier just to buy some off ebay. A set of needles and thread - not sure if I'll need an awl as it doesn't seem TOO tough?

[Robby]

If the leather is dry, leather food. It feels like slightly stiffer vaseline.

If the holes are just tears, sew them back together from the inside. Not hard to get a repair you won't see. Patches for the bigger holes.

You should be able to do it by hand with a needle and thread.

[G]

Ta; not bothered by looks too much.
(Would be more if it was a real one that would hold some real value - ideally I'll get a real one at some point and keep this for muckier stuff.)

If normal needle and thread is ok, definitely got some around.

Leather isn't particularly stiff, but is cracking.

Seller claimed "you can tell it's been looked after", when the opposite seems to be the case .

[andym]

Baby oil seems to just soak right into leather (I've used it a couple of times on my.... ummm.... bike gloves )

[Tarmacsurfer]

Renapur is by far and away the best restorer/food I've come across. As to stitching holes, personally I'd be inclined to use an awl anyway. It gives a neater and stronger repair.
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[chris-red]

My dad has a proper Irvine, he never lets me wear it. I have told him It will be mine when he dies, he said he will be buried with it.


I remember I nicked it once when it was FREEZING cold, I was boiling in it
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[doggone]

[Tarmacsurfer]

They're OK if you just want a coarse lock stitch, difficult to get a decent finish without a lot of prep (channel for the thread, evenly spaced stitch holes marked by a wheel etc). I do use one on occasion, tend to prefer saddle stitching though. To be fair a sewing awl would probably be best for G's intended puprose
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[MarJay]

Fiebings care 4.
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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Ariel Badger]

Photo of you in your Irvin please mate. When I wear mine ladies of a certain age go all moist in the pants, unfortunately that age is about 80 and they remember the pilots in WW2.
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[doggone]

By that age it probably doesn't mean what you were implying

[growler]

Some pics of damage would be helpful pity you're not closer to me I like to think I'm pretty good with leather repairs
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DILLIGAF

[G]

Ta for the thoughts all.

Should I wait to apply 'repair' stuff before sewing up?

Was umming and ahhing about tarmac surfer's suggestion - ok, I did get a partial refund, but seems £12 is about the cheapest you can get it, which is a little heavy on the wallet.

This is the jacket, but it's definitely in worse condition that the pictures show. Now a big hole by the right side pocket too.
https://i.ebayimg.com/t/Irvin-mens-vintage-sheepskin-B-3-flying-jacket-/00/s/MTE5OFgxNTQ5/z/PzEAAOxy4t1Sk5qM/$_12.JPG

Will try and get a better picture of damage - they didn't show it particularly in their pictures .

I'll consider a proper picture of me wearing it when I finally get my kit car MOT'd again maybe .
Definitely not up to the standards of a proper one - but then I've already got this one oily/dirty etc.

[Ariel Badger]

Mine and yes that is the drag racing legend John Hobbs.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Tarmacsurfer]

All I'll say at this point is that you know much time I spend tinkering with old shit, this includes antique leather. While it's not cheap it is simply astounding how well the stuff works. I've even seen it return a calfskin book binding from dry and cracking to actually being flexible

I also use it once a year to waterproof my favourite para boots. Even a small tub lasts pretty well
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[G]

[Tarmacsurfer]

No, but depending on the size of the hole I've found SUGRU works pretty well.
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[G]

It was a long slit on the side along the sole, so not much for it.
Got another pair of the same now anyway.

[G]

Renapur applied and most of the holes (incompetently) stitched up - just got a couple on the collar to finish. There is some fluff sticking out in places between my sewing, but not too bothered by looks as this was about functionality.
Didn't bother with the awl because it didn't seem to need it and would have taken ages for the bigger holes.

Ta all .

[MarJay]

G I've got a two litre carton of Fiebings which I use to clean my leathers. Next time you're around you're welcome to use some of it on your Biggles jacket.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[G]

Ta but got some of the hideously expensive stuff as suggested by Tarmacsurfer (to be fair, was covered by the refund.)
Does seem to have done an ok job.

[G]

As requested.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/18968307/pics/Dylan/bomber1.jpg
And yes, maybe that 'miracle hair formula' wasn't a scam .

[Ariel Badger]

G, you have such a bushy tail
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Doovy]

Paddy is quaking in his boots at that image, I bet
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[Pete.]

Spotted one of these for sale in Highbury. Crappy pics but it looks to be in fair condition. Seems a bargain at £250:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/vintage-mens-flying-jacket-barely-worn/1044540326
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good