Conversion Fodder

[Vardeman Sneed]

Here is my $43 "conversion fodder", I mean, recent purchase from e-bay:

Stetson Legendary Rancher Style Hat - Model SF0401
This Stetson hat is like new, having been in the box since purchase and never worn.
The hat is black, with a four inch brim, size 7-7/8. It is a 4X Beaver.

It is now chilling in the freezer. However, I expect a trip to Batsakes' Spa soon for a "brim trim" and "ribbon treatment". Maybe a little "steam bath" and "crown massage" to go with that.


Bob

 

[RBH]

I cant get the photos to show.... but.. I look forward to seeing them.

 

[Mustang]

I cant get the photos to show.... but.. I look forward to seeing them.

likewise [huh]

 

[Vardeman Sneed]

:eusa_doh: I didn't think that removing the photos from photobucket would effect the post. Stupid me.:eusa_doh:

 

[thunderw21]

Mmm, I love conversions. Can't wait to see this one.

 

[Colby Jack]

Sounds good...can't wait to see the outcome!:eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

looks like it will make a good one! :eusa_clap
Hope you will try it first with the original ribbon.
but I would remove the feather.

 

[HamletJSD]

Forgive my ignorance, but ... the freezer? Really?

Am I missing something?

 

[bolthead]

Forgive my ignorance, but ... the freezer? Really?

Am I missing something?

Parasites.....baddies.

 

[HamletJSD]

I assumed as much, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

Thanks

 

[Vardeman Sneed]

Well, after spending two days bagged in the freezer, one day bagged at room temperature with moth balls, one day bagged at room temperature without moth balls, two days bagged in the freezer again, and being vacuumed counterclockwise with an upholstery attachment, I finally was able to put my Stetson Rancher (soon to be fedora) on my head.

The hat seemed to fit from front to back, but I had a lot of room on the sides. From this, I gather I'm more of a 7-3/4 long oval. I will have to shim the sides.

As to the conversion to a fedora, I decided to visit Batsakes' this weekend to let them trim the brim and add a 1-3/4" ribbon (since they know what they are doing and I do not). I also decided not to steam the hat, but to manually work out some of the stiffness. (I got the brim almost flat and almost worked out the center and side dents from the crown.)

Here is what I hope to end up with:

One thing that surprised me was that some of the black dye has come off on my hands. I am assuming that the hat did not go through a thorough rinsing after being dyed. I'm glad that I did not wear the hat outside during the snow/sleet/rain that we've had the last couple of days. I have a feeling that if I did, my face would be covered with black dye.

Anyway, I have to ask if it is normal for dye from new Stetsons to come off like that?

Bob

 

[citRon]

Right now I am eyeing a Resistol 4x for a possible conversion myself. The dye running has me concerned though. I wonder if a good soaking/rinsing would alleviate that?