Modifying a USAF-issue A-2 leather jacket?

[Ken]

Here's the deal: I've been shopping for a nice looking A-2 jacket but I haven't found one yet. The USAF issued me a 42R A-2 in 1992 and it got the full Pop's Leather mod in '94, for those of you who are familiar. There are two reasons why I wasn't initially interested in keeping it as a civilian-wear jacket: 1) I should have ordered a 42S; it's always seemed a tad long at the waist and 2) I know if I remove the velcro it will look horrible.

I've had a change of heart and am thinking about keeping it ... has anyone had any success removing the velcro? One idea I had was to remove the velcro and have a WWII style hand painted patch made of my squadron emblem and sized/placed to cover the holes and, similarly, have a rectangle of leather placed over where the big nametag used to be and have a WWII-style strip nametag made for that area.

I'm open to ideas from artists, leather experts, A-2 owners, nametag stampers, WIXers in general ...

thanks,
Ken

[Speedy]

Ken,

Send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send you photos of my latest jacket. I had to remove the velcro on the front and hand painted a logo over that area.

Brad

[sdennison]

My wife bought the jacket for me, non-milspec but that was ok. The leather patches were hand painted by my Pop before he died. I found a local leather shop that did a great job sewing them on. Looks great and the more I wear it, the better it looks.

I was hoping to get his original but he gave it to a young Lt. at Luke who was in the 60th before is was deactivated.

Last edited by sdennison on Sun Apr 22, 2012 4:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Ken]

The leather patches were hand painted by my Pop before he died.

How wonderful that you were both able to work on this project. The emblems look great and are of the quality/clarity/style that I imagined. Of course, I must ask, what types of paints are appropriate for this and do we have any experts here with a steady hand?

[sdennison]

What patches do you have in mind?

[JimH]

One of my A-2s...painted this almost 20 years ago now. Solo'ed in this jacket.

jim



Replica of Yankee Dood It from the USAFM

[sdennison]

Very cool. You paint all the patches?

[JimH]

Yep, I have over 300 original patches that I collected over the years and used as reference. I started my business in 1993 and "quit" when I joined Collings in 2003. I still paint once in awhile but flying is a LOT more fun.

jim

[Ken]

Can the emblem be painted and then sewn or is it wise to sew on the shape and then paint it?

[JimH]

Ok...here is where I get nerdy. The USAAF made available 5" leather diskettes and paint supplies to personnel as a form of recreation. I have a USAAF equipment supply catalog somewhere that lists all the part numbers. Almost all decorated jackets had these 5" patches sewn on just above the pocket. The Nametags were stamped and part of thier equipment, I want to say they were issued 3 nametags that measured 4" x 5/8". The MTO was known for its Italian hand carved patches that were made on the Island of Capri. Many 8th Air Force groups had a resident artist that painted jackets as a cottage industry...Tony Starcer being one of the better known. He painted patches, Jacket backs and of course airplanes. There were quite a few talented artists in the 8th AF. The PTO and CBI was also known for its custom "in country" artwork, multi-piece sewn patches and the blood chits. There were also a limited amount of embroidered patches and chenille patches made by local businesses. I've also seen many jackets with the squadron and or group insigina painted directly to the leather...it is all out there. Since WWII embroidered patches have taken over and rarely do you see current USAF jackets with any artwork. When I was in business I trusted only one person to sew patches and she was an awesome leather tailor. There are only a few paints that will endure the flexing and skin irregularities of leather but once you find the right mix it will last along time. My Swingin on a Star jacket still looks like the day I painted it. That jacket was my "test" jacket and my beater and it still retains color and has not cracked or flaked. Anyway, I hope this helps.

The stitches that hold the velcro patch to the front are probably pretty closely grouped and a strip nametag could be sewn on and I bet nobody would notice the stitch holes. You can also have your insignia custom painted on leather and sewn over the stitch holes...It's your jacket and there is no right or wrong.

jim

[sdennison]

Agreed for sure. Pop replicated the methodology of the era. I am not sure what paint but again, appropriate. Many in country embroidered patches are also correct. For sure in the CBI theater.

[Ken]

When I was in business I trusted only one person to sew patches and she was an awesome leather tailor.

Is she still around? I see a FEDEX package being sent ...

[JimH]

Ken,
I did a google search of her business and she is no longer listed. She was in her late 50's back in 2003 and I have a feeling she has since retired. When you do take your jacket to be sewn I suggest gluing the patches on exactly where you want them to avoid confusion. If you have a Harley dealer in your area I would give them a call as they may be able to suggest a good leather tailor.

jim

[Randy Haskin]

Ken, do you have one of the early Saddlery (Cooper) A-2s? How about some pics of the jacket as it is today?

Removing the velcro is a bit of a minefield, but can be done well if you take your time. Some jackets had the velcro initially affixed to the leather before sewing with a dab of glue, so even after removing the stitching you can accidentally screw up the leather while removing the glue (ask me how I know this...).

The early Saddlery jackets did not have this glue, so you should be okay.

Remember that stitching holes never go away in leather, so there are two options: you can cover them, or fill them. The leather patch idea is a good one, but I have also seen people fill the holes with an epoxy dab, then paint over the top.

[Ken]

Ken, do you have one of the early Saddlery (Cooper) A-2s? How about some pics of the jacket as it is today?

And the Award for Dork of the Year in an A-2 Category goes to ...



All in all, an unremarkable example. The pic was taken 10 years ago but you wouldn't know it. You were right Randy, it's a Saddlery, Type A-2, DLA 100 88 C0420, Cooper Sportswear, NSN 8415-01-258-6403; Pop's was kind enough to remove these labels and add them in the new lining.

For guys who aren't familiar, as has been said, the original pattern A-2s are not very comfortable nor utilitarian. Pop's Leather, outside the main gate at Incirlik AB in Turkey, developed a "mod" package: silky nylon lining with a semi-useful blood chit replaces the rough canvas feel. Inside zip pockets and passport/pen pocket were added (can't live without it). I also had them sew my white-on-blue UPT nametape inside & parallel to the zipper to make the jacket easier to identify. Pocket slits were added as a handwarmer feature. Additional material was added in the armpits to allow one to raise one's arms, a minor detail in the operation of an aircraft.

To do all this, the jacket is literally taken apart and these guys restitched to whole thing using most of the same holes. Amazing craftsmanship - and the reason I want to make this jacket work, vice finding a new one. I'm skeptical that another shop will take the same care to unstitch along the zipper to prevent the new emblems from being sewn all the way through the lining, but I'm willing to see.

Truth be told, I bet I've worn this thing less than 100 hours, it mostly logs hanger (not hangar) time. The Nomex CWU-36/P is more comfortable, versatile, and fire resistant (don't forget Pop's nylon lining) ... so the A-2 sorta became my rainy day jacket, even if it was a tad long in the waist. If I can tastefully ditch the velcro and spruce up the look, I hope it will see much more wear in the coming 20 years than it did in the last 20.

By the way, this is the type of thread that keeps me interested in WIX, as there are some really talented and knowledgeable folks here. Thanks for those who have (and who will) share that knowledge ... it is appreciated.

Ken