1941 Aero B-3 Saved from Trash Pile - Suggestions?

[Dany McDonald]

Ray,

There is an outfit in japan where they specialize in shearling restoration, if ever you decide to go that route....

D

 

[Micawber]

That would be amazing - and practical for winter driving in the Jeep. Well, at least that's how I'd attempt to sell the idea to my wife, ha.

They make good Jeep coats but be aware they are a substantial garment so if you are like me and on the larger side - and your MB or GPW is stock you will know all about lack of space between the steering wheel and drivers seat - be aware that a B-3 takes up a fair chunk of extra room! I currently have a '43 MB but years ago, back when I was collecting, I would wear an original B-3 when driving previous Jeeps in winter and think nothing of stuffing it under a seat when not in use. That was years ago and the intervening years have taken their toll [they were relatively frail even during WW2 and damaged / rotted easily], survivors should be treated with more care nowadays so a repro is the next best thing.

 

[NorthBayRay]

They make good Jeep coats but be aware they are a substantial garment so if you are like me and on the larger side - and your MB or GPW is stock you will know all about lack of space between the steering wheel and drivers seat - be aware that a B-3 takes up a fair chunk of extra room! I currently have a '43 MB but years ago, back when I was collecting, I would wear an original B-3 when driving previous Jeeps in winter and think nothing of stuffing it under a seat when not in use. That was years ago and the intervening years have taken their toll [they were relatively frail even during WW2 and damaged / rotted easily], survivors should be treated with more care nowadays so a repro is the next best thing.

Yep that jeep is definitely form-fitting all right. In winter, I currently wear a B-3-esque fur lined leather coat that I found on a bargain rack way back in the 90's, it can be a bit of a squeeze but it's manageable. I guess that's good incentive to maintain my girlish figure, ha.

 

[Paul Glover]

That is a great jacket with a good chance of being restored !, as previously stated by other members it is difficult to determine the exact state of the intact fleece without being able to see it in person.
However dont be too quick to decide that it is a display piece only.
I own two original b3 jackets one of which I wear when it is cold enough confident that it is not going to fall apart . When I bought this jacket 15 yrs ago it was as stiff as a board but numerous careful treatments with Pecards over a number of months brought it back to a pliable wearable state and has not deteriorated during my ownership (pictures attached).
Some people have stated that shearling treated as on the B3 jackets will not soak in leather softener products but I have always used Pecards with very good results.
The second one i own was in a state similar to yours (see pictures) I bought a pair of damaged flight trousers made with the same depth of fleece and made by the same maker as the jacket and used this fleece to have the jacket repaired to a good standard, but I do not wear it because of its size.
Although I do some hand stitching repairs I employed a proffessional to replace the arm and shoulder pieces, and I am sure that some of our members who make and repair jackets would consider your jacket to be a straightforward repair once suitable fleece is sourced.
Good luck with your great rescue! , it looks like it was issued (nametag stitching visible) but it doesnt look like it saw much action.

 

[Silver Surfer]

outstanding work, Paul.

 

[bseal]

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Shhh! We won't tell.

 

[NorthBayRay]

That is a great jacket with a good chance of being restored !, as previously stated by other members it is difficult to determine the exact state of the intact fleece without being able to see it in person.
However dont be too quick to decide that it is a display piece only.

Stunning work and great info, thank you Paul. It would be great to find a local leatherworker who could give me a quick assessment of restorability. As for being wearable, I'm a 42R so this 38 will be slightly too small in the shoulders so I probably can't wear it regardless - but even getting it to static display condition would be nice.

 

[Pa12]

Stunning work and great info, thank you Paul. It would be great to find a local leatherworker who could give me a quick assessment of restorability. As for being wearable, I'm a 42R so this 38 will be slightly too small in the shoulders so I probably can't wear it regardless - but even getting it to static display condition would be nice.

Are you in North bay Ontario?

 

[NorthBayRay]

Are you in North bay Ontario?

Negative - I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

[Dumpster D]

As for being wearable

Restore the original.

Have someone make a 'clone' copied from it, in your size. Boom! Two Jackets, one you have saved from being trashed and lost forever, and a brand spanking Copy of it to totally enjoy wearing!!

That's a great idea!!

I'm saving up for the same project. I have an original Aero Mixed batch B-3 that I would love nothing more in the world than to have a wearable copy of my original B-3 jacket. I'd feel like I was on top of Everest. I'll bring you back a snow cone!

 

[Pa12]

Negative - I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ok. Disregard. I’m 3 hrs south of North bay Ontario and there’s a lady here who builds leather clothes. Bit far from Cisco

 

[Dumpster D]

3 hrs south of North bay Ontario

Closer to my (red)neck of the woods.

 

[Pa12]

Closer to my (red)neck of the woods.

Been there many, many times. Popular place for our airplanes to break down for some reason.

 

[Dumpster D]

Been there many, many times. Popular place for our airplanes to break down for some reason.

It's like being in the North American Bermuda Triangle, except there's a Tim Horton's every five minutes.

 

[Pa12]

It's like being in the North American Bermuda Triangle, except there's a Tim Horton's every five minutes.

Drove there once years ago to change an aileron. Ramp guy had run into it. Impossible to wear gloves on that job and I think that’s the closest I’ve come to frostbite. The ramp guy hung out with us until we were done so we took him to the local peeler joint for a couple beers before heading back

 

[Dumpster D]

Drove there once years ago to change an aileron. Ramp guy had run into it.

Same guy who installs my snow tires and doesn't quite understand how to snap the rims back on properly.

 

[Pa12]

Same guy who installs my snow tires and doesn't quite understand how to snap the rims back on properly.

That’s why I try to be self sufficient. Good help is getting scarce.

 

[Dumpster D]

That’s why I try to be self sufficient. Good help is getting scarce.

"The lord helps those who help themselves"

I've had to go and re-trace my route and pick up my hub caps off the side of the road twice a year, annually. More than you might think it would happen.

It's a place known as 'Canadian Tire'

 

[Pa12]

"The lord helps those who help themselves"

I've had to go and re-trace my route and pick up my hub caps off the side of the road twice a year, annually. More than you might think it would happen.

It's a place known as 'Canadian Tire'


View attachment 135605

Yikes. Absolute worst. I know someone who lost a wheel thanks to them. Someone else an engine. Didn’t install the plug after an oil change.

 

[Micawber]

Getting back to the OP’s B-3… I have seen and had / dealt with worse in the past. Anything is possible given the time, skills and money, or passing it to someone who has the first couple of attributes.
As obtaining the item cost nothing it’s worth having a go saving it.