NOS Knits Fitted to 1973 Alpha L2B

[bn1966]

L2B just back from having NOS USAF (grey / sage) knits fitted. Pleasing results, ground crew version submitted yesterday for knit replacement too.

 

[theundeadkennedy]

That's a good looking jacket! Really excellent looking shape.

 

[Edward]

Nice. Where did you get that done?

 

[bn1966]

Hi Edward, Local biker leather repair shop (Cobra Leathers Swindon), seamstress is now a dab hand with the nylon with all the work I put her way by way of alterations and knit replacement.

 

[Smithy]

Really nice job on the replacement knits BN. That seamstress is a dab hand at it. And what a lovely L-2B. Nice one

 

[bn1966]

Thanks for such positive comments guys. 2nd L2B due back in about two weeks (my daily wearer) might venture into the world of dry cleaning when I get it back...I've got contact details of a specialist with copious amounts of experience of cleaning vintage military wear (read the history of the company & think my jackets will be in safe hands)

 

[Doctor Damage]

Great job done on a great jacket. Another amazing find by bn1966!

 

[bn1966]

2nd L2B back from shop, nos knits in situ...will post pics when time allows for those discerning gents with a nylon fetish

 

[Justhandguns]

2nd L2B back from shop, nos knits in situ...will post pics when time allows for those discerning gents with a nylon fetish

Hi bn1966, do you think if I can mail them the jacket and knit for replacement? I don't fancy driving three hours 1 way to Swindon just to get my jackets fixed!

 

[Big J]

If you don't mind me asking, where did you source the replacement knits? I could really use some.

 

[Justhandguns]

Hi bn1966, do you think if I can mail them the jacket and knit for replacement? I don't fancy driving three hours 1 way to Swindon just to get my jackets fixed!

ok, I am now answering my own question. I got in touch with Cobra in Swindon, they do receive orders by mail, but they are not exactly very cheap though. I am not sure how much bn1966 paid, but in order to change all the knits on a L-2B, they can charge up to a hundred quids.

Hey Big J, you are in Japan right? I think bn1966 might have got his knits from MASH? They should have both early and late sage/green knits. I am planning to get some from them soon.

 

[Big J]

ok, I am now answering my own question. I got in touch with Cobra in Swindon, they do receive orders by mail, but they are not exactly very cheap though. I am not sure how much bn1966 paid, but in order to change all the knits on a L-2B, they can charge up to a hundred quids.

Hey Big J, you are in Japan right? I think bn1966 might have got his knits from MASH? They should have both early and late sage/green knits. I am planning to get some from them soon.

I am indeed! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[bn1966]

Hi,

L2B Knit replacements were NOS USAF MA1 / L2B knits from the USA. Cobra have IMHO done a sterling job, but it wasn't cheap. I went for collar & cuff replacement on my beloved 'Ground Pounder' '73 L2B. All knits would come in somewhere around the figure you were quoted based on what I paid. I've run the cost by (and showed my jacket to) a serious UK nylon collector who was of the opinion that it was very fair considering the quality of the work (nylon being hard to work with).

My bank account now dictates that if knits are save-able, darning is the most economic route. I have some old nylons that have what appear to be 'service' repairs which I leave and appreciate for the time & effort that went into the repair as well as the historical appeal. That L2B earned it's new knits..the old were 'cream crackered'

 

[bn1966]

Used this trader for the L2B knits http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/reatra05/ (doesn't appear to be selling any at present on the bay), I have used other traders on the Bay (names allude me..think at least one was Asian in origin) & as stated there are sources such as MASH out there.

 

[Doctor Damage]

For trivia super-fans you can download a PDF of the government document on the 1979 L2B here:
http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-J/MIL-J-7448K_9436/

Press the orange "download" button. It's a safe download, or at least I had no probs.

 

[Cocker]

There's all sorts of replacement knitt parts on Mash Japan.

 

[RJR]

Second the question re sources for replacement knits.

 

[Cocker]

And I second my answer ;-)

http://www.mash-japan.co.jp/oversea/cgi-bin/plist-eng.cgi?cno=87

 

[bn1966]

NOS knits from MASH

 

[Doctor Damage]

BN1966 - please empty your inbox and sent items folders.