Info. on Eastman zipper?

[tweedydon]

I took in my Eastman Irvin for some repairs last week, and the chap who runs the leather shop was very excited about the Eastman zipper, which needs some further anchoring. So, can anyone tell me more about this zipper--other than it was made for (by?) Eastman?

Thanks!

 

[aswatland]

Your zip was made by Riri for Eastman and is based on a WW2 Dot zip, which had a slider bucket. The slider/puller is based on a Lightning one. I'ts a shame they did not copy a Dot slider/puller, however you can fit an original one on the Riri zip track.

 

[tweedydon]

Your zip was made by Riri for Eastman and is based on a WW2 Dot zip, which had a slider bucket. The slider/puller is based on a Lightning one. I'ts a shame they did not copy a Dot slider/puller, however you can fit an original one on the Riri zip track.

That's very helpful, thank you!

 

[Worf]

Aswatland, I've a small question. AL has RiRi zips as an "upgrade" on their jackets... Do you consider them as such? Thanks in advance...

Worf

 

[Luftwaffe-Jacket-Wanted]

Hi all
there is an Irvin expert in UK selling original ww2 lightning and dot zips as spares.
He also restaures Irvin jackets...An ELC Irvin jacket deserves it.
Nice gentleman and very skilled with Irvin jackets.
On the other hand ELC also sells zips for restauration, but its again an ELC zip.
Please revert if contacts for both are needed.
Cheers

 

[rocketeer]

Hi all
there is an Irvin expert in UK selling original ww2 lightning and dot zips as spares.
He also restaures Irvin jackets...An ELC Irvin jacket deserves it.
Nice gentleman and very skilled with Irvin jackets.
On the other hand ELC also sells zips for restauration, but its again an ELC zip.
Please revert if contacts for both are needed.
Cheers

Are you talking about Stephen Silburn? His resto work is excellent but he can get busy though may fit the odd small job in now and then.

 

[aswatland]

Aswatland, I've a small question. AL has RiRi zips as an "upgrade" on their jackets... Do you consider them as such? Thanks in advance...

Worf

Riri zips are very robust and great quality. Have no opinion as to up grade for AL as I'm not sure what brand the previous zips were.

 

[Plumbline]

Std AL zips are Talon No. 6 ( not sure if it's called a No. 6, size 6 or just 6) ... or Talon No. 8's for heavier duty e.g. Bike Jackets ( in chrome, brass or antique brass) - the No. 8 Talon has a custom AL slider with a bigger puller ( I have this on my brown Roadster).

The RiRi's (Italian) are a better zip IMHO ( based on their usage in the motorcycle and outdoor products more than vintage experience) much more rhobust and used on some of the finest jackets today ( zip of choice for Goretex for example). It also has an easier puller to use IMHO. I also think YKK make some superb zips which are equivalent quality to the modern Talons ... just MHO.

What Riri don't have is the Talon "bell" puller and the heritage look ... but quality is exceptional.

I haven't had any as an upgrade but I did have RiRi zips on my ELC Irvine and they were very good.

There are a number of zipper experts on the lounge and I'm sure they can add more .... but RiRi have a great reputation.

 

[Luftwaffe-Jacket-Wanted]

Hello
http://wwiijackets.co.uk
this is the guy..
Has all you need , is very fast and responsive.
IMHO an ELC Irvin deserves a better zip than a commercial RiRi...an ELC RiRi OK, but not a simple handbag or tracking suit RiRi...
Good luck.

 

[Worf]

Thanks PL and Aswatland, you gave me just the information I was looking for. I've YKK's on some jackets and lots of Talons, I like YKK's a lot but never had any experience with RiRi.

Worf

 

[Tinaphil]

In my humble opinion, RiRi is a swiss company, even if they worked a lot with nazi Germany during the war...