Vanson jacket appreciation

[Peter Mackin]

Last sunday with my E. I rarely get to make photos as it’s my go to when the weather is absolutely awful and the light dim.

Still gets a ton of wear, and I’m still grateful to @Peter Mackin for selling it to me. And for him that he did find a replacement.

View attachment 677615

Stunning, and with an all metal zip.
I'm glad it went to you Tom,you wear it well.

 

[JMax]

The only one I truly regret selling is the gray one.
View attachment 677555
That was a killer jacket and one I’d definitely still wear.

And I regret it wasn’t sold to me. All these years later.

 

[unhatted]

Enjoying all the Model E love! It really does manage to do the Brando jacket thing in a way that is both archetypal and unique.

I have attempted @Eagledog’s suggestion (with thanks for the explanation) but without success. Because it’s a sleeve zip it’s quite difficult to get in on either side of the pull, and I’m only able to apply real pressure to the top of the slider, when I suppose it should be the bottom? Maybe I’m being too tentative with the pliers. This is how I’m attempting it:

It’s also possible the problem is a slightly different one as the teeth do lock together up to a point, but then seem to start splitting beyond about an inch zipped up (see below). Does anyone have any further insight before I try to find someone in the uk who will replace them without butchering the jacket?

 

[Canuck Panda]

try swapping it out with a pull you know for sure works, if that fixes the problem then get a new pull. if not then you need to get the zipper replaced.

 

[Eagledog]

Try to put something firm inside the sleeve like a 2x4.
Take a screwdriver and hammer and firmly tap the entire edge that you were squeezing from above.
Tap both sides of the pull.
Do it a little bit and then check it.
If you have micrometer you could measure the zipper pull thickness before an after you apply pressure to close the gap a little bit. That way you will know if you actually shrunk the gap.
If not tap again with a little more force.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Enjoying all the Model E love! It really does manage to do the Brando jacket thing in a way that is both archetypal and unique.

I have attempted @Eagledog’s suggestion (with thanks for the explanation) but without success. Because it’s a sleeve zip it’s quite difficult to get in on either side of the pull, and I’m only able to apply real pressure to the top of the slider, when I suppose it should be the bottom? Maybe I’m being too tentative with the pliers. This is how I’m attempting it:

View attachment 677790

It’s also possible the problem is a slightly different one as the teeth do lock together up to a point, but then seem to start splitting beyond about an inch zipped up (see below). Does anyone have any further insight before I try to find someone in the uk who will replace them without butchering the jacket?

View attachment 677791

Since you're in the UK, get in touch with bikers paradise in Coventry. They specialise in motorcycle clothing repairs.,hope this helps.

 

[ZeroDelta]

Model E. I love this jacket. It's probably the heaviest jacket I own but it's so comfortable.

 

[Eagledog]

Pliers like these would make it easier.
The jaws are always parallel to each other. The needle nose pliers only put pressure on one corner.

 

[Herrvallmo]

Model E. I love this jacket. It's probably the heaviest jacket I own but it's so comfortable. View attachment 677867

Looks amazing mate!

 

[Tyler Durden]

Took the CK in for surgery today. Removing excess on back of arms.

 

[unhatted]

Pliers like these would make it easier.
The jaws are always parallel to each other. The needle nose pliers only put pressure on one corner.

Thanks for such considered advice! I’m going to order a pair of these—as well as hopefully remaining parallel, another thread mentioned that the twist adjustment allows for controlled increments of squeeze!

Hoping they’re fine-nosed enough to really get in there. Too scared to mess around with a chisel screwdriver and hammer as if I slip and nick the leather I’ll never forgive myself!

If that fails I’ll probably try to get some replacements from Vanson and replace the slider myself(?!) or the whole zip professionally…

 

[Eagledog]

Those vice grips look too chunky and unwieldy. Get a pair of Knipex 125 pliers.
The jaws are .125" thick. About the same as a half dollar.

And are perfect for many other tasks. Everyone should have a pair in a tool kit. The teeth on the vice grips are better if your goal is to chew up the soft brass zipper pull and teeth. Then you will need to do a complete replacement rather than just tighten up the pull a little bit.

 

[Eagledog]

The screwdriver method looks like this.
Tap the end of the handle with the palm of your hand, hammer or mallet

 

[unhatted]

Get a pair of Knipex 125 pliers.

Ok I’m sold—these look appropriately delicate, though at £40 I’ll be looking for as many jobs as possible that require tiny pliers for the next few months…

(the screwdriver method makes sense but I think I’d worry too much about it slipping and gouging the teeth or the leather, or getting a zipper imprint on the gusset)

 

[JonS1967]

Ok I’m sold—these look appropriately delicate, though at £40 I’ll be looking for as many jobs as possible that require tiny pliers for the next few months…

(the screwdriver method makes sense but I think I’d worry too much about it slipping and gouging the teeth or the leather, or getting a zipper imprint on the gusset)

I would wrap blue tape around the jaws of the wrench as an extra precaution.

 

[MickeyPunch]

Does Vanson take custom orders? I’d like a C2 but without epaulettes and belt loops.