To clean or not to clean.

[photo2u]

I just got this nice cafe racer. Probably 60's if not early 70's.

I was wondering if I should clean it and do the full treatment without damaging the artwork.

Maybe I just rock it as is?
What would you do?

 

[ton312]

Looks like a Vanson. I'd leave her be!

 

[photo2u]

I was thinking it was some a little nicer than the generic cf type. I am glad you like it.

Here is the lining.

 

[Superfluous]

Rock it as is.

 

[photo2u]

I just hope I do not get busted wearing it like the guy in the progressive insurance commercial.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Theres no dirt visible to my eye in those photos. What you can do is get a warm, damp soapy cloth and whipe down the lining to freshen it up. I do that every couple of years with my own jackets.

 

[photo2u]

Theres no dirt visible to my eye in those photos. What you can do is get a warm, damp soapy cloth and whipe down the lining to freshen it up. I do that every couple of years with my own jackets.

Excellent Idea. I was going spray a clean and let it sit in the sun.

 

[Peacoat]

Do as little as possible. If the lining smells, clean it; if not, leave it alone. If the leather is dry and starting to crack, put Pecard on it; if not, leave it alone. The less you do to leather, the better off you will be.

 

[photo2u]

This is how it looks on the front!

thfron ...

 

[Peacoat]

From the front it looks as though it might be a bit dry in places, but you are the one who has handled it and are the best to make that call.

 

[tropicalbob]

Really sweet jacket. Nice find.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

That's why I don't care for the 'patina' on lighter colored leathers. Usually no undercoat to show through. Any aging or surface change seems to be mainly soiling. I would be trying to get the dirt off much of the time. Just not for me.

 

[scottyrocks]

I'd have to see the jacket in person to determine if I would try any cleaning and/or treatment of the exterior. But I like Seb's idea for the interior.

 

[Edward]

I'd go with Seb's idea for the interior if it shows grubbiness, otherwise just a few squirts of Febreze. I really like the look fo this one with the artwork. Commercially done art often looks too..... well, just too good, somehow. This one has that simpler look of being home-made, done by the guy himself, something that made him individual. I wonder if he owned a Harley and an Indian, or one after the other? Cool jacket. Enjoy.