Trash Pile Aero B-3: The Resurrection

[NorthBayRay]

Wow! Just wow. That jacket is a serious head-turner and it's not the least bit flashy. Plus, with that hide, it doesn't look like you'll need a flak vest.

Congrats!

Thanks J! Not sure if you are referring to my hide or the jacket's - but at this point I think both may be bulletproof, ha.

I have never owned a B-3 but I can confirm they are absolutely designed for -30F. It was about 85 here in sunny CA when I took these photos - yikes.

 

[bn1966]

Stunning B-3

 

[bn1966]

If only Southwest England was colder in the Fall

 

[NorthBayRay]

If only Southwest England was colder in the Fall

Well I guarantee it's cooler than it is where I live here in sunny Northern California. Probably not the most practical coat for my climate - but it will be great for motoring, camping, visits to the Sierras, high desert, etc. I'll make it work!

 

[bn1966]

Well I guarantee it's cooler than it is where I live here in sunny Northern California. Probably not the most practical coat for my climate - but it will be great for motoring, camping, visits to the Sierras, high desert, etc. I'll make it work!

Found one at ELC that fitted perfectly but knew it would live a sad life in the wardrobe alongside my D-1 that only gets out occasionally

 

[Grant]

Stunning Aero B3! Congrats!
Adding it to short list while waiting my turn.

 

[NorthBayRay]

Deconstructing.

Hi D - I spoke out of turn - John *DID NOT* disassemble the original! He patterned it with in a non-invasive technique, and the jacket remains intact. He said he has had to disassemble some jackets in the past, but this one was unique and in good enough shape that it could be saved - it's safe and preserved. So cool!

And here's the proof - the intact original along with my ugly mug wearing the repro.

 

[B-Man2]

At least the jacket gave its live for something glorious. That's the way to go

A Kamakazi B-3 jacket!!
BANZAI !!

 

[Dumpster D]

Hi D - I spoke out of turn - John *DID NOT* disassemble the original! He patterned it with in a non-invasive technique, and the jacket remains intact. He said he has had to disassemble some jackets in the past, but this one was unique and in good enough shape that it could be saved - it's safe and preserved. So cool!

And here's the proof - the intact original along with my ugly mug wearing the repro.

View attachment 152243

*WHEWS* that's a big relief to hear. The original might only need some panels replaced to be stabilized or at least kept intact overall as a piece of history.

The original is pretty unique, rare and beautiful, and happy to see it got made into a 'clone' B-3 Jacket, it's really something!

An Original Jacket found in trash, gives it that amazing edge of intrigue, how it's now been 'saved' and given another shot.

It's definitely inspiring to see.

 

[YoungMedic]

Great story and two incredible jackets. Thanks for sharing

 

[daw]

You are SO fortunate. Looks great!!!

 

[NorthBayRay]

You are SO fortunate. Looks great!!!

Thank you Daw! And yes I agree, it was a lucky break - it's very cool how everything came together!

 

[MikeyB-17]

That is a major result all round. Great to see the jacket rescued, and another fantastic job by the Chap man. If I ever do buy one of his jackets, it will probably be a B-3.

 

[johnwayne]

We have a saying here in the UK, ‘where there’s muck there’s brass’ and that epitomises it exactly but reckon you’ve got gold with that new B3 from the artisan that is JC!

 

[Falcon_52]

The others have covered my thoughts already but I just wanted to say congratulations on that B-3. That's a beast of a jacket. John hit a home run again!

 

[blackrat2]

Wowsers, that is a great jacket and as usual the detail John does just sets it above anyone else..the man is a genius

 

[flyincowboy]

WOW AWESOME B3
Sure it's a keeper for life!

 

[Dumpster D]

Would love to see more photos please!!

I'd be popping the cork to celebrate on this project, gotta admit, it's top of the 'pile' (no pun intended)

Seriously though folks, the fleece colour/texture, and hang of the Jacket looks just like an original, tellin' ya that jacket has it all.

 

[NorthBayRay]

WOW AWESOME B3
Sure it's a keeper for life!

Thank you Cowboy!

Absolutely for life. In fact, my oldest son flies for the USAF and I've already promised that this jacket will belong to him sooner or later.

 

[NorthBayRay]

Would love to see more photos please!!

I'd be popping the cork to celebrate on this project, gotta admit, it's top of the 'pile' (no pun intended)

Seriously though folks, the fleece colour/texture, and hang of the Jacket looks just like an original, tellin' ya that jacket has it all.

At your service - here's a few more: