Will I luck out, or just make out - UPDATE

[Bud-n-Texas]

Well here it is, a good cleaning and some steam and this is what I have. I would say , that I have lucked out. I wore it today for the first time and got many positive comments. I still need to do some work on the liner, its pretty dirty. On the other hand, here in Texas a hat without a liner is quite a bit cooler. I have a new appreciation for Adams, this hat is actually quite nice. The original price tag was found when I Lexol'd the sweatband, $7.50 new. The ribbon and binding is a unusual rust color and contrast nicely against the rich brown body. The top photo is very close to actual colors.

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Here is the original thread and what the hat looked like.http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=10622

 

[Cruiser]

Wow, Bud, I think you really made out. It looks great. Did you do the cleaning etc. yourself or send it off?

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Yes Sir, all done here, mostly in the kitchen. heh heh

 

[J. M. Stovall]

You did a real bang-up job there, looks great!

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Nicely done

Great job.

I found a black OR on-line and when I received it, it hadn't been packed very well (no hatbox) and was somewhat rumpled. The liner got a couple of Woolite soakings and the hat got some steam and shaping.

Steam and perseverance do work wonders.

You did an admirable job getting the hat back in shape.

 

[ideaguy]

WOW. I was hemming & hawing over this when I saw it, didn't think I
could make it look like anything I'd really want to wear, and you went
and scored-that's one sweet looking hat, love the color! If you decide
it isn't you, and you want to...:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[DanielJones]

"Wow!", he said after a low long whistle. Now that's a fine job you did on that Adam.:eusa_clap :eusa_clap Good Job!

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

I am quite happy with the hat. I noticed when cleaning how long the tag ends on the bow are. They seem to be as long as those on a western hat, rather than a fedora. Not sure if that would help discern the hats age.

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Thanks to all. Credit must be given where credit is due. All the technics and how to's in hat restoration were learned right here in the lounge. That and practice, practice, practice.

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

I have a Royal Stetson Open Road that apparently was the victim of some fool using spray adhesive to hold in the liner. The liner didn't look like it really matched the hat, either. I pulled it out and the whole inside of the crown is sticky. The hat's as stiff as a board, too, and I'm not sure it's because of the glue.

I wonder what'll take that crap out. The hat's decent, otherwise, although it needs the sweatband restitched.

 

[deanglen]

Tony, I've used GOO GONE to remove adhesive from wool hats and it has done a tremendous job. Hope this helps!

 

[BigSleep]

I have a Royal Stetson Open Road that apparently was the victim of some fool using spray adhesive to hold in the liner. The liner didn't look like it really matched the hat, either. I pulled it out and the whole inside of the crown is sticky. The hat's as stiff as a board, too, and I'm not sure it's because of the glue.

I wonder what'll take that crap out. The hat's decent, otherwise, although it needs the sweatband restitched.

Hey Broseph, in the graphic design world we use a solvent that cuts through spray mount like a hot knife through butter. "Bestine" is a rubber cement solvent available in any art store.

I would put some on a cloth and wipe the inside until it comes out

If that stuff wont do it I dont know what will.

Good luck.

 

[Pilgrim]

BigSleep might have the idea for you - if not, I'd bet that naphtha would remove it. My only fear about a naphtha dunk would be spreading the adhesive into the felt rather than removing it - so I'd probably try a wipe-off first.

 

[Mojave Jack]

That's a great looking lid! That color combination is really sharp.

Break down your process for us. Did you strip it for cleaning, or just surface clean and rebash? I've been trying to rebash my OR using steam, but some of those creases just don't want to go! I'm always curious as to how you guys get those incredible bashes.

 

[docholliday55]

I do believe you are getting the hang of this hat thing Bud. Will ship you a homberg soon for the "Texas Treatment". You did fine work on this hat as well.
doc

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

Thanks for the tips, gents!

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

That's a great looking lid! That color combination is really sharp.

Break down your process for us. Did you strip it for cleaning, or just surface clean and rebash? I've been trying to rebash my OR using steam, but some of those creases just don't want to go! I'm always curious as to how you guys get those incredible bashes.

Thanks Jack, I like the color combination as well. As for what I did, pretty simple
1- look the hat over and assess what needs to be done
2- remove liner to be soaked and may reinstall later
(hot here in Texas, this hat wears like a summer weight like this)
3- vacuum the hat inside and out
4- brush hat inside and out
5- vacuum once again
8- this hat was not stained, but at this point deal with it as is needed
9- steam hat and return it to an open crown, work it slowly,
time spent here will save twice the time later
10- I usually give it a day to rest between cleaning and steaming
11- Now the fun starts, slowly work the crown style that you want,
gradually work your way down the hat.

I think, that one must enjoy what they are doing, as something tedious like this could become a real chore.