I got it Marcus!

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:22 pm

Well guys the wait after 81 days is finally over. My jacket, shirt, and trousers all arrived today! Now I truly understand how hard it must be to send a jacket back if something is a little off. I don't know if I could do it! Rather than bog COW down with the pics I'm going to just post a link.

Some quick thoughts on the jacket.
It is absolutely amazing. When I first put it on I thought the sleeves were too short, but have now decided that they are dead on. As has been noted elsewhere recently the zipper does not extend all the way to the bottom of the jacket, but I expected that and it does not bother me. The fit is very, very good. The only area that I wonder about is the length of the jacket. It is obviously longer than the jacket in ROTLA, but I'm afraid that is probably my fault due to the measurements I gave Peter. I don't think it looks bad at all, but at the same time it's not as screen accurate as I was hoping for. (I guess this gives me something to aim for when I order my next Wested!)

The leather itself is amazing. From a lot of the posts I've read I was prepared for a jacket that I could stand in the corner. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The sleeves are amazingly soft and have already started to conform to my arms. The body of the jacket is somewhat stiffer, but not by much. If goat is this soft I can't imagine what lamb must be like. The color is also amazing. None of the pics I have seen have done it justice. It is a much richer, and warmer brown than any of the pics i have seen.

Some last thoughts.
The back panel does extend all the way to the outer seam of the jacket, as requested. I got double gussets, but was a little concerned that when my arms were at my side they would hang as excess fabric. Nope, no need to worry for all of you who are on the fence regarding gussets. This weekend I'll try and test them out with some active wearing. (No getting dragged behind a truck though

) As far as I can tell all of my requests done except one. I requested the x box stitching on the sidestraps and it was not done. I'm not worried about it. I'll probably just have that done locally rather than pay to ship the jacket halfway around the world and have to wait another month or two to get it back.

All and all I am extremely pleased with my first Wested. The trousers and shirt are great too. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the jacket, so please let me know what you think. Here are the pics http://homepage.mac.com/brian_lynn/Quar ... bum29.html and here is one to tide you over!

EDIT
I forgot to add the specs for my jacket, so without further ado here they are:
Cargo pockets with scalloped edges with a width of 7.5 inches, height
of 6.5 inches, and a three inch depth at the
longest part for the cargo pockets.
(Peter told me that if the pockets were altered at all the jacket could not be returned if there was anything wrong, so I decided against the mods.)

Authentic Goat
Extended Back panel
80's pattern fitted look
Tapered sleeves
Sliders
Cotton body/satin sleeves lining
Double gussets
Hidden Elastics
Side straps with x-box stitch (was not done)
Extra inch in front to prevent ride up
extend zipper as far down as possible

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:39 pm

I think it looks great. I wouldn't worry about any of the small details. I think it is spot on. The sleeves look right to me. Enjoy it.

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:43 pm

Ditto what Hemmingway said. Lookin' sharp!

Lao Feng · Post by **Lao Feng** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:48 pm

Congrats! Looks great! Enjoy!!!!! Lao Feng

PS: Man with Chinese moniker lives in Japan? Most curious!

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 2:25 pm

Thanks for the compliments guys. i don't think I could send it back even if something was really wrong on it!

Lao Feng, it's a really long story about my moniker and I really need to get some sleep, so here's the short version: Fukuoka Jack just didn't have the same ring to it. Nah, there's more to it than that, but I'll leave that story for another day.

indy1936 · Post by **indy1936** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 3:00 pm

looks great! #### you got the extended panel! lucky!

too bad about the xbox though

Jordan · Post by **Jordan** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 3:05 pm

The fact that the straps were not X stitched, is that really going to show up all that much?

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 3:08 pm

Exactly, it looks great with or without the "X". I'd let it slide, considering the possible turnaround time, and cost of shipping.
'Blues

indy1936 · Post by **indy1936** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 3:18 pm

very true. dont worry about the x's. like you said you can always get it added locally if you wish

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:00 pm

One sweeet jacket, I to have the Auth Goat and lovin it,
looks great on ya. Get's better with time.

Croft

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:06 pm

I personally wouldn't give four x's about the x's.

It's a very minor detail which most folks don't have on their jackets anyway, most assuredly not worth the time and money of sending the jacket back, IMO!

The jacket looks great - yes, its quite long on your frame so more TofD than Raiders in that respect, but that's cool - TofD has some of the best gear anyway, and more importantly it suits you.

Anyway, this is YOUR jacket, so wear it well mate!

Take it out on some adventures, this is a goatskin - it can take the pain!

Gater · Post by **Gater** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 8:43 pm

what's funny is that my lambskin that just showed up a few weeks ago came with the requested X-box stitching, but not with the requested extended back panel (??)

Darnnitt! You got my panel!!

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 9:06 pm

Congratulations on the worth-waiting-for package from Wested, Jack!

I'm with Al on the X-box thing - personally, I couldn't care less. The jacket is fully functional without.

The length issue - I guess that's a matter of personal preference. You mentioned screen-accuracy, Shanghai Jack, and the jacket is a bit too long for that Raiders look. Works well for ToD, though - it's only that inch that makes the difference. My ToD jacket actually became a Raiders one after I took it for a couple of spins in the tumble dryer - the reasons for the tumbling were sleeves, a bit too long for my personal preference, and a general 'bulkiness' whick I wanted to get rid of.

I took the liberty of toying a bit with one of your pics:

The left side is my view of a Raiders jacket. To me, your Wested is definitively more a ToD kind (which in my book is a good thing). On the other hand, it looks like you're not standing really straight in the pics, thus making it hard to see the real length of the jacket.

However, your Wested looks good on you, and it is a really good fit - which is what matters, really!

Wear it in good health!

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 9:20 pm

Again, thanks for all the compliments!

I am not bothered by the x-boxes, if I do decide I want it done I'll just find someone who can do it here. I really love this jacket. Perhaps one day I will order another with a true Raiders length, but I think I actually like the longer length a little better. Thanks for the comparison pics Scandi. You're right I was kind of slouched over for some reason in that pic. I might try and take a few more this weekend. Hopefully they'll show the jacket's fit more accurately.

So I got Gater's back panel, and he got my x-boxes. I wonder who got my customs bill? I haven't had to pay, and they usually charge it before they will deliver the package. Maybe I lucked out. 8-[

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 9:23 pm

ShanghaiJack wrote:I wonder who got my customs bill?

It was most likely redirected to Indiana Jess. Most of us non-US-gearheads use that option.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 9:45 pm

Oh

, I was hoping that Bink got it! But I'll keep Jess in mind for my next order.

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 9:49 pm

The thing is, the binkmeister forwards all them customs bills to Jess anyway - you might want to cut out the middle man there.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 9:49 pm

Oh, yeah... I told them you didn't really pay for the jacket, so the'te gonna come and repo it and send it to me.

bink

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:16 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Oh, yeah... I told them you didn't really pay for the jacket, so the'te gonna come and repo it and send it to me.

bink

They can take my jacket when they pry it from cold, dead hands!
...grabs hat and high tales it for the door....

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:17 pm

DOH! Your forgot your JACKET!!!

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:21 pm

Nope, I haven't taken it off since I got it!

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:09 am

Oh, the gear suits you sir!

Great jacket, isn't it?
I wouldn't worry too much about the X-boxes either. The only thing they do practically is strengthening the strap attachments. If you find yourself fiddling around with the straps a lot it might be worth adding it locally. Wested missed out on the same thing with my jacket, but the straps stay in the same position all the time and I'm not the least worried about breaking the stitching.

Regards,
Swindiana

Got Maul · Post by **Got Maul** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:23 am

I think the jacket length is PERFECT for raiders. If you notice in most shots, the belt line comes up to the MIDDLE of the jacket pocket of which it does here. PEter did a fantastic job on yours ! Congrats on getting it !

Got Maul · Post by **Got Maul** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:26 am

also take into consideration, you are hiking your pants up to your naval...bring those puppies down ! lol. - so they jacket in that one frontal pic would look longer.

anyhow, I think the length is nice and Raiders for me !

JAN · Post by **JAN** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:39 am

Scandinavia wrote:

My ToD jacket actually became a Raiders one after I took it for a couple of spins in the tumble dryer

Please explain that. You got the leather to shrink by tumbledrying it???

Never heard of such thing .. all ears (well...eyes actually

)

Best regards

JAN

Ghos7a55assin · Post by **Ghos7a55assin** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 11:43 am

I see no problem with length in the pictures...besides the slouchy one in the first post, all the others show the jacket at pefect length.

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:08 pm

JAN wrote:Scandinavia wrote:
My ToD jacket actually became a Raiders one after I took it for a couple of spins in the tumble dryer
Please explain that. You got the leather to shrink by tumbledrying it???
Never heard of such thing .. all ears (well...eyes actually )

Yes, I did shrink my jacket a rough size by the tumble dryer method. Originally, tumble drying on low/no heat was a presented here as a method to make the leather more supple. If you tumble the jacket for approx. 10 minutes on full heat together with a couple of wet towels, the jacket not only softens up, but shrinks about 1/2 to 1 size. My sleeves are perfect now and the jacket is generally more close-fitting too.

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility whatsoever for whatever damage tumble drying might cause on someone else's Wested.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 12:30 pm

I guess I was slouching in that first pic.

Probably because I didn't have my Aldens on!

Thanks for the compliments Got Maul. I love this jacket! I'm glad you commented because when I first started researching for this jacket I read your post on your last Wested and it was an immense help. Peter did an excellent job, but I would also like to give you some credit for helping me decide what mods I wanted and didn't want and on the fit of the jacket. Your post and the photos of your jacket really inspired me to finally order one! Thanks!

Got Maul · Post by **Got Maul** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:24 pm

ShanghaiJack wrote:I guess I was slouching in that first pic. Probably because I didn't have my Aldens on!

Thanks for the compliments Got Maul. I love this jacket! I'm glad you commented because when I first started researching for this jacket I read your post on your last Wested and it was an immense help. Peter did an excellent job, but I would also like to give you some credit for helping me decide what mods I wanted and didn't want and on the fit of the jacket. Your post and the photos of your jacket really inspired me to finally order one! Thanks!

hey thanks bro, I really appreciate that. Don't forget Agent5 in that mix, he was more than the better half of that lil creation...he's the true stickler for accuracy , no less, I Am glad it helped you in your quest !

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 1:51 pm

Side straps with x-box stitch (was not done)

Man, I know exactly how you feel. Doesn't it KILL you when you're so close, yet so far away?

Don't forget Agent5 in that mix, he was more than the better half of that lil creation...he's the true stickler for accuracy , no less, I Am glad it helped you in your quest !

Thanks, man. Gotta love credit. I'd say it was a mutual effort for the best we've seen yet. Jose's got one of the best fitting jackets I've ever seen. Job well done there.

Post by **Ken** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:18 pm

I think the jacket looks great - perhaps the length is a bit off but you are one in a million if you get everythign 100% your first time. The main thing is it looks good and looks good on you!

I hope you enjoy it!

Ken

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 8:35 pm

Wested missed out on the same thing with my jacket, but the straps stay in the same position all the time and I'm not the least worried about breaking the stitching.

Shplendid Shir, shplendid...

It's worth noting that Swindy wears a goatskin - oooh, suits you Shwindy shir - but 'strap slippage' (or should I say 'Shtrap Shlippage') generally only occurs on lambskins, for the most part.

bclead · Post by **bclead** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 10:53 am

Man......I am SO jealous!! The fact that the jacket looks AWESOME on you (not to mention the trousers and shirt) only serves to remind me that I don't have my LC Goat and trousers and shirt yet....oooohhh! Really, Jack it looks great on you - wear it all in good health and enjoy....especially for us poor slobs who are still waiting......

.........Bruce

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 11:57 am

Thanks Canyon! It's always nice to get a lovely lady's opinion, especially when it's a compliment.

Thanks Bruce. Don't worry, I had a pretty long wait and I can now honestly tell you that it was worth it. When your jacket comes, hopefully soon, you too can say the wait was worth it!

Regards,
Jack

JAN · Post by **JAN** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 4:19 pm

If you tumble the jacket for approx. 10 minutes on full heat together with a couple of wet towels, the jacket not only softens up, but shrinks about 1/2 to 1 size.

I´ll be damm..

Now this image of what will happen to a poor little lamb tumbeling down a hillside on a hot, sunny day keeps pooping up...

(think failed teletransportation ala The Fly)...

Best regards

JAN

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 4:55 am

ob1al wrote: Shplendid Shir, shplendid...
It's worth noting that Swindy wears a goatskin - oooh, suits you Shwindy shir - but 'strap slippage' (or should I say 'Shtrap Shlippage') generally only occurs on lambskins, for the most part.

-Eshpeschially when shoaping them up becaushe of the foul rogue shtench, but that'sh only before they are made into jacket hidesh. Neverthelessh, let'sh just shay I go for 'goat friction' on all of my misshionsch for MI sixh.

Cheers buddy.

Swindy

Jack Flanders · Post by **Jack Flanders** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:31 pm

My favorite question: What's yer chest measurement and what size did you order?

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:43 pm

Let's see, my chest measurement was around 38 inches and I ordered the jacket in a size 40 regular. I did, however, tell Peter my actual chest size, that I wanted the fitted look, and that I wanted the smallest 40 possible. I was a little worried about the fit, but in my opinion it is just about perfect.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:19 pm

My abreviated opinion? Make absolutely NO determinations good OR bad until you've worn it for a few weeks. Allow it time to take on your form and body characteristics, THEN come back and make a report. I think you'll be even MORE tickled than you are now. Leather jackets tend to do that with use and time. Regards. Michaelson