Nowak Jacket Owners Thread
Moderators: Indiana Jeff, Mike, Indydawg
Howdy folks!
New member here, I've been lurking here for the past month and thanks to KrYpToNiAn1's enthusiasm and pics of his Nowak Indy IV jacket; I couldn't resist to place an order with Tony on May 21 and received my jacket last Friday and couldn't be happier!
As far as sizing goes, after speaking with Tony and taking measurements from my favourite leather jacket that was labeled as a size 40, but actually had the same pit to pit measurements taken from Tony's screen accurate size 44, I ended up ordering the jacket in size 44 with a 24" sleeve and it's just roomy enough to wear a sweater under it in the winter months. From my own experience being 5'8 - 150 lbs wearing size 32 pants, I would think that someone with a true size 44 chest will most likely be busting out of this jacket if they decide to go go with the screen accurate size. My advice would be to order at least a full size bigger than your true chest size and to even consider going 2 full sizes bigger for a more modern fit.
BTW, Tony has been a pleasure to deal with and it's truly a blast to talk to him on the phone.
Cheers,
Chagwa
Proud owner of Nowak Indy IV jacket #667 (the neighbor of the beast)
New member here, I've been lurking here for the past month and thanks to KrYpToNiAn1's enthusiasm and pics of his Nowak Indy IV jacket; I couldn't resist to place an order with Tony on May 21 and received my jacket last Friday and couldn't be happier!
As far as sizing goes, after speaking with Tony and taking measurements from my favourite leather jacket that was labeled as a size 40, but actually had the same pit to pit measurements taken from Tony's screen accurate size 44, I ended up ordering the jacket in size 44 with a 24" sleeve and it's just roomy enough to wear a sweater under it in the winter months. From my own experience being 5'8 - 150 lbs wearing size 32 pants, I would think that someone with a true size 44 chest will most likely be busting out of this jacket if they decide to go go with the screen accurate size. My advice would be to order at least a full size bigger than your true chest size and to even consider going 2 full sizes bigger for a more modern fit.
BTW, Tony has been a pleasure to deal with and it's truly a blast to talk to him on the phone.
Cheers,
Chagwa
Proud owner of Nowak Indy IV jacket #667 (the neighbor of the beast)
- Mannie Bothans
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My sleeves are way too long on me, too.
As a person with a 44inch chest, I wholeheatedly concur.chagwa wrote: I ended up ordering the jacket in size 44 with a 24" sleeve and it's just roomy enough to wear a sweater under it in the winter months. From my own experience being 5'8 - 150 lbs wearing size 32 pants, I would think that someone with a true size 44 chest will most likely be busting out of this jacket if they decide to go go with the screen accurate size. My advice would be to order at least a full size bigger than your true chest size and to even consider going 2 full sizes bigger for a more modern fit.
Owner of #103 (with Harrison's specs).
- bullit
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Hi Guys,
Just recieved my LE #225/777 (as in UK we say dd/mm/yyyy, 22nd May).
Real soft leather, love the look and feel, but i don't know if the sleeves are too long? However after seeing the movie a couple of times (with family etc) i think the look of the sleeves is supposed to be longer and gathered. I'll post some pics soon as.
Just recieved my LE #225/777 (as in UK we say dd/mm/yyyy, 22nd May).
Real soft leather, love the look and feel, but i don't know if the sleeves are too long? However after seeing the movie a couple of times (with family etc) i think the look of the sleeves is supposed to be longer and gathered. I'll post some pics soon as.
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I just placed an order with Tony for my second Nowak # 227 to correspond with my birthday. 1 size bigger, beefier zipper and black on black inscription.
I said I wasn't worried about getting it in a rush because I had another one I could wear. He assured my he would have it out soon. What a guy!
-Nebraska
I said I wasn't worried about getting it in a rush because I had another one I could wear. He assured my he would have it out soon. What a guy!
-Nebraska
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- Indiana Strones
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I also am a new member, but have visited the forums for a while. I have ordered a Nowak jacket #217 / 777. I ordered it on May 28, and should be getting a phone call tonight with the tracking number. Once I get my jacket I will try to get pictures up. I also did the black on black inscription and decided to go with the quote "fortune and glory" on the bottom. As it has been said many times throughout this thread, Mr Nowak is truly a pleasure to talk to.
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In case, you haven't checked out Tony's website lately, here's a little message from him to us:
http://www.tonynowak.com
Jack
http://www.tonynowak.com
Jack
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That's a awesome nod to our little community. Very cool.eazybox wrote:In case, you haven't checked out Tony's website lately, here's a little message from him to us:
http://www.tonynowak.com
Jack
I have my TN jacket, #612/777, and plan on posting some pics soon.
I was wondering, does any of your TN jackets have black spots or lines here and there on the leather? I thought there was a pen mark on a few spots, but it appears to be scars in the leather. I asked Tony, and he confirmed this. Just curious if anyone else has these.
Mike
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Perfectly normal. You're jacket is fine.IndyBlues wrote:I was wondering, does any of your TN jackets have black spots or lines here and there on the leather? I thought there was a pen mark on a few spots, but it appears to be scars in the leather. I asked Tony, and he confirmed this. Just curious if anyone else has these.
Mike
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Are you sure? But what about the non-scalloped pockets???Chewie Louie wrote: Perfectly normal. You're jacket is fine.
Just messin' with ya, Louie. I just wanted to ask if others had these marks, to make sure I wasn't the only one.
Anyway, I finally gathered some pics, and wanted to share.
#612/777 of the LE Tony Nowak Crystal Skull jackets:
FRONT
BACK
COLLAR
SIDE STRAP
BACK SHOT (WORN)
I plan on buying a nicer camera, to take some better pics. I need to get some outdoor shots.
I'm loving this jacket, and I have to concur with what the previous owners have said about their experience buying one of these.
Tony was fantastic to deal with, and would encourage anyone that is interested in one of Tonys jackets, to give him a call. His customer service was above and beyond what I had expected it to be.
One Happy Camper
'Blues
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Thanks G. I'm loving it! I definitely don't have that Indy "build", but I like how it fits me.Indiana G wrote:blues...that's an awesome fit my friend. it hangs great on your shoulders. congratulations and happy belated birthday
LOL, you're right,...maybe it should have read:Indiana G wrote:btw - you sure that its the mileage?
"It's Not the years, it's the Pizza's"
'Blues
Hey Ron, you beat me to it, you little devil!Howdy neighbor!
~Ron
owner of #666
with the blood red lining!
That was the second thing I asked Tony when I phoned him
But it worked out good in the end since I was born in June '67
This is my first Indy jacket and I feel very lucky to own a Nowak.
Here's some pics, the jacket is screen accurate but I'm obviously not...
Cheers!
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Speaking of, here are a few more of mine, taken outdoors in some hot, humid weather.
As promised, I added a few pics of the jacket outdoors, with sunlight.
I really love the cut of the jacket, especially the way it hangs off my back.
Fits great, although I need to shed a few pounds this summer to make it look even better this coming Fall.
Also, I think I may add a bit more distressing here and there. I'll probably wait until I've worn it some, so I can see how easily it distresses on it's own. I've done several jackets, but I'm curious what Tony used to do his distress work. Anyone know?
'Blues
As promised, I added a few pics of the jacket outdoors, with sunlight.
I really love the cut of the jacket, especially the way it hangs off my back.
Fits great, although I need to shed a few pounds this summer to make it look even better this coming Fall.
Also, I think I may add a bit more distressing here and there. I'll probably wait until I've worn it some, so I can see how easily it distresses on it's own. I've done several jackets, but I'm curious what Tony used to do his distress work. Anyone know?
'Blues
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I have a question for all the recent receipents of the Nowak jacket. I was wondering what your turn around time was from the time he called you to start working on your jacket to when he called and gave you the tracking number. I had talked to him on June 11, and I thought he told me that he would call by Friday the 13. But it's now the 17th and I haven't heard from him. I'm getting so stocked and anxious to have this jacket, but I want to see what the average time between has been before I call and ask for an update, especially considering how busy he is right now. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Teds, his initial projection indicated that I should've had my jacket late last week. He left me a VM on Saturday night and said he had some final questions. I returned his call yesterday but got his VM so I'm waiting for him to call back now.
I expect to have my jacket by late this week or early next week at the latest. At least that's what I'm hoping for.
I'll keep you posted on this thread.
Tony
I expect to have my jacket by late this week or early next week at the latest. At least that's what I'm hoping for.
I'll keep you posted on this thread.
Tony
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I'm wondering if Tony will change one thing about the way he finishes these jackets?,....the big leather patch that is under the "Tony Nowak Original" label.
I've noticed that you can see (and feel) the leather patch through the outside of the jacket. As you can see here, it's not a problem yet, but I guarantee it will show through in time, especially if it gets wet.
Over time, this will become a distressed rectangle showing through the outside of the jacket. I may remove mine, before this can happen. I hate to remove it, but I also hate the idea of having a rectangular wear mark on the upper yoke of the jacket.
Thoughts?
'Blues
I've noticed that you can see (and feel) the leather patch through the outside of the jacket. As you can see here, it's not a problem yet, but I guarantee it will show through in time, especially if it gets wet.
Over time, this will become a distressed rectangle showing through the outside of the jacket. I may remove mine, before this can happen. I hate to remove it, but I also hate the idea of having a rectangular wear mark on the upper yoke of the jacket.
Thoughts?
'Blues
You know, I hadn't thought of this before you mentioned it, but my first thought was that I'll take it off. I agree that I'd like to keep it there, but if it's going to affect the wear/look, yeah... it's gone.IndyBlues wrote:I'm wondering if Tony will change one thing about the way he finishes these jackets?,....the big leather patch that is under the "Tony Nowak Original" label.
I've noticed that you can see (and feel) the leather patch through the outside of the jacket. As you can see here, it's not a problem yet, but I guarantee it will show through in time, especially if it gets wet.
Over time, this will become a distressed rectangle showing through the outside of the jacket. I may remove mine, before this can happen. I hate to remove it, but I also hate the idea of having a rectangular wear mark on the upper yoke of the jacket.
Thoughts?
'Blues
- John
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Demaroth, I think it's an issue that should be addressed BEFORE the problem arises. The jacket STILL has his signature in it.
Maybe folks placing orders now can ask Tony about this. The label without the leather backing will be fine. It's just the leather backing is folded over, so it's a good 1/8 inch thick on the border.
'Blues
Maybe folks placing orders now can ask Tony about this. The label without the leather backing will be fine. It's just the leather backing is folded over, so it's a good 1/8 inch thick on the border.
'Blues
Agreed. And holy cow, that's thick.IndyBlues wrote:Demaroth, I think it's an issue that should be addressed BEFORE the problem arises. The jacket STILL has his signature in it.
Maybe folks placing orders now can ask Tony about this. The label without the leather backing will be fine. It's just the leather backing is folded over, so it's a good 1/8 inch thick on the border.
'Blues
- John
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Actually, it may be only 3/32", but still pretty thick.
Anyway, just wanted to give a heads up. I'd hate to see people complaining a year down the road, when they have this spot on the back, that they can't cover up. I mean, it may not happen, but I know in my case, it will. Just check your jackets out, gents.
'Blues
Anyway, just wanted to give a heads up. I'd hate to see people complaining a year down the road, when they have this spot on the back, that they can't cover up. I mean, it may not happen, but I know in my case, it will. Just check your jackets out, gents.
'Blues
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I talked to Tony just a few minutes ago, after having read this thread, and I asked him about it. He said that he didn't believe that it would be a problem with this jacket. I guess we won't know for sure, until someone puts some mileage on one of these jackets.IndyBlues wrote:Demaroth, I think it's an issue that should be addressed BEFORE the problem arises. The jacket STILL has his signature in it.
Maybe folks placing orders now can ask Tony about this. The label without the leather backing will be fine. It's just the leather backing is folded over, so it's a good 1/8 inch thick on the border.
'Blues
Ok, so good news / bad news time...
Good news: I got my jacket today, and it is AMAZING. Everything the previous owners have said totally did not prepare me for this. Holy cow. (No pun intended.)
Bad news: The measurements I gave Tony were wrong. <sigh> I used my suit jacket as a basis, and we sized up a bit. Yet, the chest is too tight and the arms too long. (Also, oddly, my name didn't get embroidered into the jacket. But that's not a major thing.)
Good news: I spoke with Tony, and we're going to figure something out. I told him that I know it's all on me, and I'm fine with that. (It's just my stupid Indy jacket luck.) We're going to work out a time for me to drive up to LA, bring the jacket back and get measured up. Then we'll get the jacket made right and go from there.
Bad news: I'm going to be waiting a bit longer for my jacket.
I'll get some photos up within the next day or two, however. It's an amazing jacket and fits well if I tuck in the sleeve ends a small bit and don't zip up.
I'm not sure how Tony will want to fix this (modify this one, or replace with a new one), but if I buy a new one, I'll have one to sell cheap to anyone who wants it. Height-wise, it's perfect for someone who is 6'2", and under 200lbs. Just something to keep in mind, people...
- John
Good news: I got my jacket today, and it is AMAZING. Everything the previous owners have said totally did not prepare me for this. Holy cow. (No pun intended.)
Bad news: The measurements I gave Tony were wrong. <sigh> I used my suit jacket as a basis, and we sized up a bit. Yet, the chest is too tight and the arms too long. (Also, oddly, my name didn't get embroidered into the jacket. But that's not a major thing.)
Good news: I spoke with Tony, and we're going to figure something out. I told him that I know it's all on me, and I'm fine with that. (It's just my stupid Indy jacket luck.) We're going to work out a time for me to drive up to LA, bring the jacket back and get measured up. Then we'll get the jacket made right and go from there.
Bad news: I'm going to be waiting a bit longer for my jacket.
I'll get some photos up within the next day or two, however. It's an amazing jacket and fits well if I tuck in the sleeve ends a small bit and don't zip up.
I'm not sure how Tony will want to fix this (modify this one, or replace with a new one), but if I buy a new one, I'll have one to sell cheap to anyone who wants it. Height-wise, it's perfect for someone who is 6'2", and under 200lbs. Just something to keep in mind, people...
- John
Last edited by Demaroth on Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Just got off the phone with Tony. He's such a hoot to talk to. He's VERY passionate about what he does and he's absolutely thrilled with the enthusiasm of Indy fans.
I COULD tell from reading between the lines that some of the people calling him seem to be insisting on using the phrase "the original jacket"...as opposed to the original DESIGN.
When we were talking about it, he laughed and said "It took 30 cows to make 15 jackets....in fact, in the video with Bernie talking you can see several jackets hanging up. Which one of those is the "original" jacket?"
I answered, "I would say they all are".
He said, "Exactly. And everyone of them are different...even though they are actually made from the same design."
And I guess this ought to be common-sense. But apparently a lot of people are calling Tony and saying they want one that "looks just like THE original jacket" as though such a single item exists.
Anyway, he's starting on my jacket within the next 48 hours and said it would ship "same day" via FedEx. so, if all goes well, I might have my jacket on Monday!
Tony
I COULD tell from reading between the lines that some of the people calling him seem to be insisting on using the phrase "the original jacket"...as opposed to the original DESIGN.
When we were talking about it, he laughed and said "It took 30 cows to make 15 jackets....in fact, in the video with Bernie talking you can see several jackets hanging up. Which one of those is the "original" jacket?"
I answered, "I would say they all are".
He said, "Exactly. And everyone of them are different...even though they are actually made from the same design."
And I guess this ought to be common-sense. But apparently a lot of people are calling Tony and saying they want one that "looks just like THE original jacket" as though such a single item exists.
Anyway, he's starting on my jacket within the next 48 hours and said it would ship "same day" via FedEx. so, if all goes well, I might have my jacket on Monday!
Tony