Rescuing a leather jacket?

[ChemicalChaos]

Evening all,

I just swapped a 70s replica A2 jacket of mine for a genuine WW2 one. Unfortunately, the jacket has been stored for many years and is stiff as a proverbial board.

What would be the best treatment to make it lovely and supple again?

Also, the cotton lining is a bit minging and could do with re-making. Any recommendations?

Thanks

Edited by ChemicalChaos on Saturday 18th October 21:01

[ChemicalChaos]

Thanks chaps. I was going to go with the Connolly suggestion, but as so many of you have recommended Pecards, and its cheaper, I'll give that a try first!

Here's some "before" pics:

[ChemicalChaos]

Thanks chaps

My jar of Pecsrds arrived yesterday, it appears to be a giant block of petroleum jelly in appearance and use. After an hour and a half of carefully working it in with my fingers (recommended in the acconpanying leaflet for first application on a vrgin jacket), I had the front half and collar finished. For the back and sleeves to do tonight!

Here's a "during":



Everything below my finger has been treated, everything above is untreated.

The difference is astounding - upon application it made stuff greasy and shiny, but having left it to soak in overnight the leather is now simply very soft and supple and back to its matt finish.
Yes, it had lost some of its battered patina as the light-colored worn edges have been re-darkened by the coating, but that is a small price to pay do the knowledge te jacket is now properly fed and cared for


As for it's provenance - despite having a talon zip, I am reliably informed by the Vintage Leather Jacket Forum that it is on fact a 25-30 year old replica. I expressed frustration that I'd basically therefore swapped a mint Cooper A2 for a scruffy replica of the same age, to be told that Sefton Clo. Co. Jackets are widely regarded as the very best replicas and that I was definitely still up on the deal. Therefore, it's definitely still worth the money IMO for a reline and new knits - but in the short term I'll wear it as-is and perhaps get each job done individually in the long term.

[ChemicalChaos]

hornetrider said:

TheJimi said:

I have to say, that's a very cool jacket.

Maybe if you're built like the proverbial. What if you're a 10st nerdy streak of piss?

What if you're a who can't say anything nice for once in your life?

[ChemicalChaos]

berlintaxi said:

Nice looking jacket.

Mocking aholes will always be mocking aholes such is the Pistonheads way, it compensates for their own stty lives.

Thanks, and yes indeed.


Anyway, I thought you all might like to see how it turned out after 2 coats of Pecards:




I think it could do with another, as it is still a bit stiff when moving my arms of bending down. However, having been wearing it for the last month now, it is breaking back in again slowly.
I think it may well be horsehide, as my goatskin one was always far more supple and seemed to be made from a thinner skin as well.