here goes, flight suites
sdav...@my-deja.com
cooper a-2 that was suppose to be made specifically for some company in
the wii style, with horse hide. Fit terrible, leather was terrible,
and the features were terrible. I bought one from U.S. Authentic adn
the leather was nice. It was a bit too big and seemed the one sleeve
was from a different skin than the other. Some of the features were
not as authentic as it was stated. It fit really good and overall the
leather was great. Then my ex girlfriend ripped it apart. I recently
ordered a new from them. The pocket flaps are shapped differently adn
the flaps are longer. It is horsehide but it feels like it is plastic,
atleast it smells like leather. I am sorry for rambling on but a few
more things I wand to say. I understand each piece of leather is not
the same but it is not even close to ripped one I had and the smell is
different, and the designe is different. I returned it. I finally
decided to spend more money and go with flight suites. I ordered one
on sunday in horsehide. I was told it would take a week to make.
Today I went to their website and see it is now offered in veg tanned
horsehide. I emailed flight suites requesting the veg tanned one.
I am more concerned with the fit, quality of leather, and not so
much about how authentic it is as long as the pockets are pretty close,
the leather is great quality including the feel and look. I was
considering eastman but they are more expensive than I can afford. I
never had a veg tanned jacket and would like to know if anyone could
expect what I am getting. Eastman said on their website that most veg
tanned leather excepts theirs is flimsy and too light in weight. I am
tired of getting burned and hope this jacket will suit me. If anyone
has any opinon and could tell me what the difference between veg
tanned and chrome tanned leather looks and feels like would be greatly
appreciated. I hear good things about flight suites so I hope I am
satisifed. Once I get the jacket I will let you people know what I
think of it and bad or good things I noticed or experienced with this
company. The more informed the hapier we will be. Thank you for
reading this and answering my questions.
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
aur...@my-deja.com
You'll be very pleased with the flight suits jacket. If the jacket
fits to large, I advise ordering at least 1-2 sizes lower than what you
normaly wear.
You got the mohagany veg tanned horsehide right?
avg...@my-deja.com
If you go to: http://www.acmedepot.com/a2jacket/eval_FSHA2.shtml you will
find Marc's (the founder of this forum) evaluation of a few of Flight Suits'
jackets. I think these will answer most of your questions. I also think you
will be happy with their product. For the price, they make a great jacket.
And keep your girl- friends AWAY from your clothes!
AVGFan
AeroLthrUSA
*******Agreed! As a former owner of their Historical A-2 (horsehide), I
don't think you'll find anything nicer under $400.00! They make a GREAT
jacket at a GREAT price, not to mention their 6 month no-questions-asked
money back guarantee--what more could you ask for?!!!
Mark
--
Mark Moye
"Aero Leather Clothing Company USA"
Columbia, South Carolina
AeroL...@aol.com
chapman...@my-deja.com
also start to weather a bit on the edges sooner, as the tanning doesn't
go too deep in the process. I took a piece and rubbed with metal it and
it started to look a little distressed. Chrome tanning won't allow for
much of that.
The sizing is definitely an issue - I just received an M-422A that was
size 42 reg, and that's all I've successully worn in jacket sizing, but
their's is too lanrge. As has been said, going 1-2 sizes down should be
good.
Overall FlightSuits is a great company for the price. I had a Cooper A-
2 also, and the cut was so off from the originals I always thought
about it when I saw it.
Have fun with it.
John
Timbo
customer service is a huge plus, too. Let us know how it turns out.
PS....I know it's a long shot but your former girlfriend sounds a lot
like my ex-wife.
--
Tim
sdav...@my-deja.com
different jackets. For now on my girlfriends are not going anywhere
near my clothes especially my new jacket which should be here in about
a week.
sdav...@my-deja.com
> customer service is a huge plus, too. Let us know how it turns out.
>
> PS....I know it's a long shot but your former girlfriend sounds a lot
> like my ex-wife.
> --
> Tim
>
a psychiatric hospital 6 times in a year. refused to take meds or see
a doctor. Broke up with her now I have a job with the airlines in
detroit. So much happier and better off. As soon as I get the jacket
I will respond with my evaulation. Keep in mind I am not too concerned
with every detail just the overall look. Thanks
Timbo
the past few days here or she'll really have problems. My ex wife kept
my very first A2, a Cooper right out of an Avaition History magazine
advert. Anyway I was upset at the time but realized soon after she had
done me a favor. Ha!
BTW, overall look is important too. Enjoy.
sdav...@my-deja.com
details.
aur...@my-deja.com
Gawd, remind me to get a pre nuptual. This business of women going
after cloths is damned peculiar and if you ask me, just plain mean. I
mean how many times does a guy get dumped and takes a K-Bar to her (or
his if you happen to live in the bay area) shoe collection?
Man, I'd have to pull an OJ on someone if they messed up my $10 swiss
army overcoat.
sdav...@my-deja.com
said $438 not including the overnight shipping. I was charged $416
including overnight shipping. I called the company to make sure they
sent me the veg tanned horsehide. They did. The reason why it was so
cheap was becuase they had an intern make it for me. They did not have
my standard size in stock so they stitched it for me. How about that
for honesty. They could have charged me the regular rate and not tell
an intern did it. I am impressed. I just hope it fits. If not I will
return it for one size smaller. I like this company all ready.
ken...@my-deja.com
sdav...@my-deja.com wrote:
> In article <8ijhcl$g85$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> aur...@my-deja.com wrote:
> > In article <8ihe27$90j$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> > Timbo <timbo...@my-deja.com> wrote:
> > > In article <8iegce$hmf$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> > > sdav...@my-deja.com wrote:
> > > > In article <8i90ha$k95$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> > > > Timbo <timbo...@my-deja.com> wrote:
> > > > > In article <8i8g11$6re$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> > > > > chapman...@my-deja.com wrote:
> > > > > > I got a sample of their veg-tanned goatskin, and it was
great.
> > It
> > > > will
> > > > > > also start to weather a bit on the edges sooner, as the
> tanning
> > > > > doesn't
> > > > > > go too deep in the process. I took a piece and rubbed with
> metal
> > > it
> > > > > and
> > > > > > it started to look a little distressed.
It sound as if you want an older looking A2, if you want to accelerate
the aging process,and this IS a this is a trial and error method, so
unless you can get a few bits of scrap from Flight Suits to practise
on, its only for the brave! Try this WITH CARE, dilute some acetone
with water, the mix will depend on the leather start with 50-50,
(gradually lower the water content to nil as you get more proficient)
rub along natural wear areas , sleeve seams, bottom of leather sleeve
at cuff, front edge, collar edges etc, with a piece of cotton, old
sheet, shirt, NOT a T shirt, and the liquid will start to remove some
of the colouring. Done well, a new jacket can be convincingly aged 15
years in an hour, how far you go depends on taste. If you are going for
vintage, have someone wear the jacket with the arms bent to get
convincing crease wear......We no longer make "antique jackets" so
this comes under "freedom of information". BE CAREFUL, Flight Suits
sound the kind of helpful people who would give you scrap to practise
on, it all ends up in the trash otherwise! Good Luck
Timbo
dabbling, following Ken's guidelines, and it does in do have a gentle
color-lifting result if used very carefully...I'm not sure what if any
harm it might do to other parts of the jacket (such as thread) if it
does any at all. It is also ther most fume-intense stuff I've ever
encountered...just ask if you have any questions.
--
Tim
aur...@my-deja.com
I'm interested in how the pre aged Eastman jackets will look in Pearl
Harbor.
Should be cool.
avg...@my-deja.com
> > It sound as if you want an older looking A2, if you want to accelerate
> > the aging process,and this IS a this is a trial and error method, so
> > unless you can get a few bits of scrap from Flight Suits to practise
> > on, its only for the brave! Try this WITH CARE, dilute some acetone
> > with water, the mix will depend on the leather start with 50-50,
> > (gradually lower the water content to nil as you get more proficient)
> > rub along natural wear areas , sleeve seams, bottom of leather sleeve
> > at cuff, front edge, collar edges etc, with a piece of cotton, old
> > sheet, shirt, NOT a T shirt, and the liquid will start to remove some
> > of the colouring. Done well, a new jacket can be convincingly aged 15
> > years in an hour, how far you go depends on taste. If you are going
> for
> > vintage, have someone wear the jacket with the arms bent to get
> > convincing crease wear......We no longer make "antique jackets" so
> > this comes under "freedom of information". BE CAREFUL, Flight Suits
> > sound the kind of helpful people who would give you scrap to practise
> > on, it all ends up in the trash otherwise! Good Luck
> >
> Just in case anyone is interested, I did a little experimental acetone
> dabbling, following Ken's guidelines, and it does in do have a gentle
> color-lifting result if used very carefully...I'm not sure what if any
> harm it might do to other parts of the jacket (such as thread) if it
> does any at all. It is also ther most fume-intense stuff I've ever
> encountered...just ask if you have any questions.
> --
> Tim
I'd be careful about drying out the leather too, acetone has that effect.
If you didn't use gloves (and rubber gloves would probably melt),
feel your hands where they touched the acetone. I'll bet they're pretty dry.
AVGFan
Timbo
conditioners and left it the hide ultra-clean but I didn't see any
signs of damage. I would definitely go back over the hide with a
conditioner; though these days I'm favoring the light-duty types.
Acetone even straight had no effect at all on the rubber gloves I used
and didn't do much of anything to my hands, and I did get a bit sloppy
towards the end. Not that it is harmless; the amount of intense fumes
it puts out is incredible as is the extremely rapid evaporation rate
and I wouldn't want to get it in my eyes nor breathe those fumes too
long. It handles much differently than thinners. I don't know the long-
term effects of it but so far the jacket seems fine. I was more worried
about it getting into the threads and eating them away. On page 124 in
Sweeting's "Combat Flying Clothing" there is a reprint of an AAF tech.
order on refinishing shearling jackets using acetone to remove the
finish which got me interested in the subject a while back. What can I
say, I'm a tinkerer, some times for better, some times for worse.
--
Tim
ken...@my-deja.com
polish remover" you might fly without a plane if you breath in too much
however, I have heard insider rumours re the Pearl Harbor jackets, my
lips are sealed however.
Ken@Aero
avg...@my-deja.com
> Don't worry about your hands folks, acetone is better known as "nail
> polish remover" you might fly without a plane if you breath in too much
> however, I have heard insider rumours re the Pearl Harbor jackets, my
> lips are sealed however.
>
> Ken@Aero
The acetone used in the printing industry must be a heavy duty strain.
I swear I've lost eyebrows and watched my fingers turn white in seconds!
Poor it in a styrofoam cup once - over a catch bin!
AVGFan
ken...@my-deja.com
avg...@my-deja.com wrote:
>
> > Don't worry about your hands folks, acetone is better known
as "nail
> > polish remover" you might fly without a plane if you breath in too
much
> > however, I have heard insider rumours re the Pearl Harbor jackets,
my
> > lips are sealed however.
> >
> > Ken@Aero
>
> The acetone used in the printing industry must be a heavy duty strain.
> I swear I've lost eyebrows and watched my fingers turn white in
seconds!
> Poor it in a styrofoam cup once - over a catch bin!
Thanks for the warning, we used to buy all ours from the local chemist
shop, I suppose there must be various strengths, and whats on sale to
the general public is obviously weaker than what the print industry
uses.
Ken@Aero
Timbo
be the "civilian" blend as well. Vapid stuff nonetheless! I'm a little
paranoid about keeping it around, even out in the garage.
--
Tim
CHthree
>
> I'm interested in how the pre aged Eastman jackets will look in Pearl
> Harbor.
>
> Should be cool.
>
> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.
>
I was at Duxford on Saturday and ELC had a stall (nicely done out for a tent-
doing brisk trade, too) selling all their wares, including A2 jackets made
for and used in pearl harbour. They were going for (approx) 250 GBP. At
first glance the ageing didn't look too bad at all, but on closer inspection
they still looked like new jackets that had been aged, but movie audiences
won't get a chance for that. The unaged areas still had that sheen to them
you see on new jackets. I think I still would have bought one to dress up
and to own a piece of movie history, if I'd had the spare readies. Also I
tried on an ELC RW27752 in 44 that fitted more squarely on my shoulders that
my Star in size 44. Again I had to resist pulling out the plastic, and in
the end limited myself to an HBT mechanics cap.
The Flying Legends show was, as usual, awesome, with appearances by 2 B17s:
Sally B, and the French "Pink Lady" and the serious rain held off just untill
the last plane landed at the end of the display. A great day out.
tim_...@my-deja.com
Glad you had a good time AND the rain held off (when's it going to stop
here...!) Couldn't make it up there myself, and I am saving for
Beltring next weekend. I really like the mechanics cap best too. Nice
herringbone weave and big printed decal.
Charles HPA
CHthree <cht...@my-deja.com> wrote:
> I was at Duxford on Saturday and ELC had a stall (nicely done out for a tent-
> doing brisk trade, too) selling all their wares, including A2 jackets made
> for and used in pearl harbour. They were going for (approx) 250 GBP. At
> first glance the ageing didn't look too bad at all, but on closer inspection
> they still looked like new jackets that had been aged, but movie audiences
> won't get a chance for that. The unaged areas still had that sheen to them
> you see on new jackets. I think I still would have bought one to dress up
> and to own a piece of movie history, if I'd had the spare readies.
<snip>
I must correct this erroneous information, as NO jackets ELC has or had
for sale were ever used in the PH film. What you saw were jackets made
from *some* of the hides left over from the job. The film co. has *all*
the items made for the production, and it is up in the air as to what
will become of these when filming is complete, as many actors wish to
keep some pieces. The distressing process used on the jackets for the
film was different in several ways, which included water baths. In
addition, the production co. has done more work to the items to meet
their own needs and taste, which includes airbrush work. ELC, HPA and
the film co. have a list of every item made for the contract,
identifiable by a number located on the special labels found on each
garment. These labels also indicate the actor who wore the particular
item. Through this means, we will always be able to document if an item
was truly used in the film.
--
Chas.HPA
corona...@my-deja.com
> > Harbor.
> >
> > Should be cool.
> >
> doing brisk trade, too) selling all their wares, including A2 jackets made
> for and used in pearl harbour. They were going for (approx) 250 GBP. At
> first glance the ageing didn't look too bad at all, but on closer inspection
> they still looked like new jackets that had been aged, but movie audiences
> won't get a chance for that. The unaged areas still had that sheen to them
> you see on new jackets. I think I still would have bought one to dress up
> tried on an ELC RW27752 in 44 that fitted more squarely on my shoulders that
> my Star in size 44. Again I had to resist pulling out the plastic, and in
> the end limited myself to an HBT mechanics cap.
>
> The Flying Legends show was, as usual, awesome, with appearances by 2 B17s:
> Sally B, and the French "Pink Lady" and the serious rain held off just untill
> the last plane landed at the end of the display. A great day out.
>
over this year for the airshow. How many Spits did they have in the air
this year? Is there any news on the Bf 109 Black 6? I was wondering they
were trying to restore her back to flying condition.
CHthree
Charles HPA <charl...@my-deja.com> wrote:
> In article <8kk8uh$728$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> CHthree <cht...@my-deja.com> wrote:
>
> > I was at Duxford on Saturday and ELC had a stall (nicely done out for a tent-
> > doing brisk trade, too) selling all their wares, including A2 jackets made
> > for and used in pearl harbour. They were going for (approx) 250 GBP. At
> > first glance the ageing didn't look too bad at all, but on closer inspection
> > they still looked like new jackets that had been aged, but movie audiences
> > won't get a chance for that. The unaged areas still had that sheen to them
> > you see on new jackets. I think I still would have bought one to dress up
> > and to own a piece of movie history, if I'd had the spare readies.
>
>
> I must correct this erroneous information, as NO jackets ELC has or had
> for sale were ever used in the PH film. What you saw were jackets made
> from *some* of the hides left over from the job. The film co. has *all*
> the items made for the production, and it is up in the air as to what
> will become of these when filming is complete, as many actors wish to
> keep some pieces. The distressing process used on the jackets for the
> film was different in several ways, which included water baths. In
> addition, the production co. has done more work to the items to meet
> their own needs and taste, which includes airbrush work. ELC, HPA and
> the film co. have a list of every item made for the contract,
> identifiable by a number located on the special labels found on each
> garment. These labels also indicate the actor who wore the particular
> item. Through this means, we will always be able to document if an item
> was truly used in the film.
> --
> Chas.HPA
>
Oops. I'm sure the person helping Mr Eastman on the stall told me and several
other people that these jackets were used in the film. I hope nobody bought
a jacket that they thought that had actually been in the film , when it
hadn't. Still, they looked quite good. Were the hides aged prior to the
jackets being made?
CHthree
> Duxford really is a special place, I really wish I could have made it
> over this year for the airshow. How many Spits did they have in the air
> this year? Is there any news on the Bf 109 Black 6? I was wondering they
> were trying to restore her back to flying condition.
>
> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.
>
Six Spitfires, seven P51's and FOUR Hurricanes. About 32 planes in all in
the finale. Sorry, I haven't heared anything about the Bf109.
ken_b...@my-deja.com
They've learned they're lesson on that rare bird. Even still, the
restoration will take several more years.
Ken Bigcat
Charles HPA
CHthree <cht...@my-deja.com> wrote:
>
> Oops. I'm sure the person helping Mr Eastman on the stall told me and several
> other people that these jackets were used in the film. I hope nobody bought
> a jacket that they thought that had actually been in the film , when it
> hadn't. Still, they looked quite good. Were the hides aged prior to the
> jackets being made?
>
If you are certain of what you heard, then it is indeed untrue, and a
shame for any buyers, though at the price quoted, far less than what a
true film jacket would bring, and in line w/ what they actually were:
distressed ELC A-2's. I know the guy (Nigel) helping Gary at the show,
and while I will not blindly defend him, he is very prone to getting
quite wound up. The guy loves the drama in things, and is a huge film
buff, very passionate, so I think it's possible, though not excusable,
that Nigel has been so enthused since he was one of those responsible for
distressing the goods for the film, thus in some small way he sees
himself actually in the film via this lineage, that in his sales pitch
such erroneous information came bubbling out. In any case, I will
mention this issue to Gary because it is untrue and must cease, and it
will only harm the "genuine" film jackets when/if they surface after
filming. Should any film jackets end up for sale by ELC/HPA, they will
be fully documented, complete w/ a license from the production co. As for
the distressing process on the film jackets, it was done after
manufacture.
--
Chas.HPA