AVI Leather B-3 Review

[flyincowboy]

Here you are Got to find the inside wiew!

 

[Enigma1938]

Another thing I noticed is that most original jackets (except Mortens) from the Aero 43-13616 contract had different adjustment straps / buckles on the sides, apparently riveted on.

 

[flyincowboy]

This kind of buckles and straps have been used on some latest models .

 

[Enigma1938]

This kind of buckles and straps have been used on some latest models .

Ok so this means that Morten acquired a early model of the same Contract ?

There's not only a difference in Straps / Buckles, the side panels / reinforcement tapes are also different from most other B-3 contracts

 

[Enigma1938]

In summary the AVI B-3 is a great jacket with some minor issues.
So I'll start to sort the issues out. I already removed the acrylic/ vinylic paint that was put on all the edges of the collar and waist straps, the pocket lining is already gone too.
Next step is to replace the press studs and add the missing one.

Yeah someone would say "if you're in authenticity just buy a eastman or a GW" but this AVI just cost a fraction of those mentioned and I just have fun to do a few improvements by myself. Also there's not everything bad about the AVI. The Materials used are superb and most important for me: the cut / shape is spot on compared to originals.

 

[Dumpster D]

In summary the AVI B-3 is a great jacket with some minor issues.
So I'll start to sort the issues out. I already removed the acrylic/ vinylic paint that was put on all the edges of the collar and waist straps, the pocket lining is already gone too.
Next step is to replace the press studs and add the missing one.

Yeah someone would say "if you're in authenticity just buy a eastman or a GW" but this AVI just cost a fraction of those mentioned and I just have fun to do a few improvements by myself. Also there's not everything bad about the AVI. The Materials used are superb and most important for me: the cut / shape is spot on compared to originals.

Right on!

Please show some before/after photos of your work, Great project!!!

I never seen the 'riveted' waist straps before, nice!

 

[B-Man2]

In summary the AVI B-3 is a great jacket with some minor issues.
So I'll start to sort the issues out. I already removed the acrylic/ vinylic paint that was put on all the edges of the collar and waist straps, the pocket lining is already gone too.
Next step is to replace the press studs and add the missing one.

Yeah someone would say "if you're in authenticity just buy a eastman or a GW" but this AVI just cost a fraction of those mentioned and I just have fun to do a few improvements by myself. Also there's not everything bad about the AVI. The Materials used are superb and most important for me: the cut / shape is spot on compared to originals.

Looking forward to seeing the end result .

 

[Enigma1938]

Have to search and buy the correct material first, could last a few days.
Stay tuned

 

[Enigma1938]

So a few changes I made with pics.

- added the missing collar snap
- replaced the male snaps on the chest including the leather disc
- added a Army Air Forces Stamp on the collar strap
- replaced the zipper stops to the correct C- Shaped ones
- removed the vinyl coating on the straps edges all around
- removed the pocket lining

I'm pleased with the results

 

[Enigma1938]

A pic of an original collar snap to compare

 

[flyincowboy]

look definitely better What about the buckles? Are you going to swap them for the corrects ones?

 

[Enigma1938]

View attachment 136089 look definitely better What about the buckles? Are you going to swap them for the corrects ones?

Not yet, maybe one day

 

[VeraVoulik]

So a few changes I made with pics.

- added the missing collar snap
- replaced the male snaps on the chest including the leather disc
- added a Army Air Forces Stamp on the collar strap
- replaced the zipper stops to the correct C- Shaped ones
- removed the vinyl coating on the straps edges all around
- removed the pocket lining
View attachment 136073View attachment 136075View attachment 136077View attachment 136079View attachment 136081View attachment 136083View attachment 136085
I'm pleased with the results

You did well! Very nice look now!

 

[Enigma1938]

You did well! Very nice look now!

Thank you Vera

 

[jack31916]

Nice upgrade Enigma !

Can you tell me what was wrong with the male snaps on the chest? And how "bad" is the somewhat oversized mappocket?

Thanks !

 

[CBI]

nice mods - well made jacket for sure

 

[Enigma1938]

Nice upgrade Enigma !

Can you tell me what was wrong with the male snaps on the chest? And how "bad" is the somewhat oversized mappocket?

Thanks !

The leather discs where the snaps are attached were covered in vinyl also and looked pretty plastic like so I swapped them completely.
The pocket may be a little oversized or may not, I can't tell because I've seen some smaller and some bigger ones on original B-3's depending on the manufacturer, contract and production date.
I don't care about the size on AVI's recreation.

 

[Walt3r]

Fantastic job, it looks great

 

[B-Man2]

Impressive work “Enigma” . Nicely done.
Seems like all those changes could be incorporated into later AVI B-3s to really manufacture a better jacket .

 

[Dumpster D]

Just curious, Where did you source the collar snap?! Love the upgrades!!! Fantastic!

We were just discussing where to source some of those Buckles, and someone mentioned FS has 'clones' of the originals. Might be worth asking them for some, do you suppose?

Also, please post some fit pics for us if possible! Thank you!