Original Bronco A-2 care and feeding questions

[Ken at Aero Leather]

Not at all, MIckey

I've fixed worse when we had The Thrift Shop, most of the bales we bought from The US were Grade3, just passed on what we would have done..............but I'm the sort of guy who darms the elbows of his vintage sweaters if needed and has restored everything from a Tweed Jacket to an Austin Healey 3000 to a 300 Year Old Mill with no roof

 

[MikeyB-17]

The ‘Make do and mend’ philosophy seems to be making a comeback, Ken, which is no bad thing. Looked to most of us like the OP’s Bronco was a bit far gone, but if it can be saved, so much the better.

 

[ausreenactor]

Look forward to seeing the 'after' shots.

 

[Ken at Aero Leather]

The ‘Make do and mend’ philosophy seems to be making a comeback, Ken, which is no bad thing. Looked to most of us like the OP’s Bronco was a bit far gone, but if it can be saved, so much the better.

For folks like me who were brought up during hard times and poverty it never went away

 

[Micawber]

For folks like me who were brought up during hard times and poverty it never went away

Amen.

 

[B-Man2]

I think there’s a distinct difference in people who were raised by parents or grand parents who lived through the Great Depression . We never threw anything away and all clothes were either sewn or handed down to the next kid .

 

[Clark J]

Since you’re in the US we have a guy here that might have the time to help you , Steve Sellers , the guy has fixed much worse .

 

[Morecowbell]

I have a soft spot (in the head) for stuff that’s old and crunchy with history and style, so for me this is an amazing find. It may fall apart like a cartoon car tomorrow but when I bought it (nervously, from pics) I wasn’t sure if it was original or if it would fit me, so just the excitement of getting it has been worth several times the price, I can’t stop looking at it. And of course its really fun to do all this research.

 

[B-Man2]

I have a soft spot (in the head) for stuff that’s old and crunchy with history and style, so for me this is an amazing find. It may fall apart like a cartoon car tomorrow but when I bought it (nervously, from pics) I wasn’t sure if it was original or if it would fit me, so just the excitement of getting it has been worth several times the price, I can’t stop looking at it. And of course its really fun to do all this research.

So what’s happened with the jacket since this last post ? Have you tried to do anything with it or to condition it in any way ? If so would love to see how it turned out .
Cheers

 

[Morecowbell]

Hi - nothing yet, still doing some research but will report back when there is some progress, thanks for asking!

 

[Morecowbell]

Hi everyone – wanted to provide a quick update. After a lot of research the patient went into surgery about a week ago. I repaired the shoulder tear and reinforced areas of the upper left chest and sleeve that were showing signs of cracking, then moisturized it. The repair/reinforcement method I used was a combination of recommendations: latex based rubber cement and organza fabric, flexible and strong, honestly surprising how well it seems to have worked. Then I moisturized it using an ADV leather product (Ken’s rec was out of stock), pretty sure it can stand another treatment (or ten), but so far so good.

Before:

After:

Behind the curtain:

This has been a blast, I love this kind of project but I understand its not for everyone! So I appreciate the indulgence of the group – for some this would be a fool’s errand but I love the history involved and also always loved to take things apart and put them back together. Special thanks to Ken at Aero Leather, Barb at Leather Care & Color and Jason at ADV Leather for all their time and help. Will add some pics of the overall jacket in a bit.

Best,

Clay

 

[Skyhawk]

Wow that looks great!

 

[flyincowboy]

job well done looks great!
!