Nowak Jacket Owners Thread

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:54 pm

About 1 week after treating my TN w/Pecards creme, the effect seem to have worn off. At first, the Pecards made my jacket look darker and extra soft (which I really liked) but now, it's exactly the same as when I first got it. Oh well...

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:46 am

PSBIndy wrote:About 1 week after treating my TN w/Pecards creme, the effect seem to have worn off. At first, the Pecards made my jacket look darker and extra soft (which I really liked) but now, it's exactly the same as when I first got it. Oh well...

The same here with my novapelle, but the effect lasted a couple of months, not a week!

IMO these Pecard treatments are completely useless...

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 8:04 am

Indiana Strones wrote: IMO these Pecard treatments are completely useless...

You have been told over and over again that the color would not hold up after a period of time.

Pecards is NOT a dye, but a leather treatment.

The product is still there, but the Pecards on the surface of the leather (which is cracked from the pre-distressing) has evaporated. If you thought that color was going to remain, you just haven't been paying attention to what some of us have tried to tell you, both here and in the gear care section for years.

Sorry to hear you're disappointed, but what more can be said?

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 9:57 am

Michaelson wrote:
Indiana Strones wrote: IMO these Pecard treatments are completely useless...

You have been told over and over again that the color would not hold up after a period of time.

Pecards is NOT a dye, but a leather treatment.

The product is still there, but the Pecards on the surface of the leather (which is cracked from the pre-distressing) has evaporated. If you thought that color was going to remain, you just haven't been paying attention to what some of us have tried to tell you, both here and in the gear care section for years.

Sorry to hear you're disappointed, but what more can be said?

Regards! Michaelson

No, I'm not disappointed, just realistic. And I perfecly know that Pecard is not a dye, in fact is not a problem of colour: also the protective effect seems to vanish in a few weeks, (after a big elbow grease job...) So I prefer now to leave the jacket as is.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:32 am

No, I'm not disappointed, just realistic

Well, if you're being realistic, why did you comment Pecards as being 'useless'? It's doing exactly what it was created to do on these jackets.

You're wrong on it not working after your application. The product soaks down to the base fiber layer and allows those fractured fibers to slide by each other, keeping the leather from cracking. Its was created to protect and stabablize old leather in museum collections. It usage has since been exanded to application on our jackets and whips.

As untreated leather continues to age, it dries out and eventually cracks. Leather treated with Pecards will continue to age and gain the look of aged leather, but will NOT crack due to the fact that Pecards is in the leather and is allowing the fibers to flex rather than break. It's a completely different product than other leather applications, but folks just don't seem to understand the concept.

Sorry to seem to be snarling. I just get frustrated on occation when certain items and products and misunderstood in what they were created to do and what they are actually doing for the user, and we've tried SO hard to explain the differences.

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:10 pm

Ok, may be that "useless" is not the right word. What I mean is that on a new jacket after all is not so necessary to use Pecard, and that if the product is evaporated on the surface, probably is evaporated in depth too. So we need to apply every couple of months or so to maintain humidity etc.. May be this is needed for a very dried ancient museum item, but I don't know for a brand new one.
If I well remember Tony Nowak said no leather dressing on his jackets is needed, and I think he knows what he says.
Here in COW I found a lot of people smearing tons of Pecard on every new item they grab, and this sounds a little exaggeration.
Just MO.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:13 pm

Oh, I didn't apply the Pecards because I thought that the Nowak needed it to replenish natural oils or anything like that. I just wanted the extra bit of rain protection that the Pecards gives. The darker color is just a pleasant, limited-time, side effect.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:20 pm

Indiana Strones wrote: Here in COW I found a lot of people smearing tons of Pecard on every new item they grab, and this sounds a little exaggeration.
Just MO.

Yeah, that's definitely an exaggeration.

crismans, that's exactly what standard Pecards is made for...extra water protection.

Regards! Michaelson

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:23 pm

If I'm not mistaking Tony Nowak advices not to treat the jacket with Pecards. Just wear it and beat the #### out of it.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:24 pm

Michaelson wrote:
Indiana Strones wrote: Here in COW I found a lot of people smearing tons of Pecard on every new item they grab, and this sounds a little exaggeration.
Just MO.
Yeah, that's definitely an exaggeration.

crismans, that's exactly what standard Pecards is made for...extra water protection.

Regards! Michaelson

........and for making PBJ sandwhiches extra yummy

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:40 pm

Great moustache wax too!

Uh....yeah.... 8-[

Regards! Michaelson

Doug C · Post by **Doug C** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:55 pm

Nowak doesn't know we like our jackets to remain new looking for as long as possible. He probably thinks that being Indy fans we like 'em to age a little, silly man.. I say break out the pecards and start slathering!!

Doug C

Don't Call Me Junior! · Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:08 am

Doug C wrote:Nowak doesn't know we like our jackets to remain new looking for as long as possible. He probably thinks that being Indy fans we like 'em to age a little, silly man.. I say break out the pecards and start slathering!!

Doug C

Whether that's a serious post or not, that's definitely an "interesting" statement. I know when I got my Wested it looked WAAAY too new. My solution - wear it every day and treat it with a some tender-loving-disrespect. No hangers for that baby! Wear it everywhere and throw it on the floor/ground when I'm not! The last thing I wanted was a jacket that remained "new looking"! (it no longer looks new - no artificial i.e. sandpaper, knives, etc distressing needed )

To me there is nothing "new looking" (except maybe the liner) about a TN jacket that has gone through Tony's distressing process. And it's only going to look less new as the days go on!

It would be interesting to know how many people would actually prefer a "new looking" jacket over a beat up one when it comes to the Indiana Jacket. I know there are a surprising number of people that have bought two or more TN's some with the intention of having a "new looking" one and a distressed one. Of the people who only own one I wonder what the ratio of preference is "new looking:beat up looking"...

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:26 am

to answerr your question about new verus old, After thinking about it for a moment I think it's 50/50.

Kaplan · Post by **Kaplan** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:00 pm

So, it's been over a week since I put pecards on my jacket, and it is still dark and less distressed looking. In fact, it still looks like it did in the pics I posted on page 9.

maybe we are using different types of pecards, or we put very different amounts on.

weaponx24 · Post by **weaponx24** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:33 am

yeah ok so i've had my Nowak for about a week and a half now...and i know i said i'd post pics...but i cant stop wearing the #### thing! its amazing! i love it! i'll try to get some on here this week...

Asiana Jones · Post by **Asiana Jones** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 10:47 pm

Purchased a Tony Nowak Indy IV jacket quite awhile ago while visiting him in El Segundo... It was very lightly distressed to add some character. I have been on the boards since last year, but this is only my 2nd post to support Tony. #23/777. He's been trying to talk me into getting a T3 jacket as well because I asked him to make me a black Raiders jacket.

Honestly, I really did like the T3 jacket when I tried it on, so now I have become indecisive...

weaponx24 · Post by **weaponx24** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 5:49 am

thats cool you got #23.....mines #24!

CM · Post by CM » Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:05 am

Michaelson wrote:
No, I'm not disappointed, just realistic
Well, if you're being realistic, why did you comment Pecards as being 'useless'? It's doing exactly what it was created to do on these jackets. :?

You're wrong on it not working after your application. The product soaks down to the base fiber layer and allows those fractured fibers to slide by each other, keeping the leather from cracking. Its was created to protect and stabablize old leather in museum collections. It usage has since been exanded to application on our jackets and whips.

As untreated leather continues to age, it dries out and eventually cracks. Leather treated with Pecards will continue to age and gain the look of aged leather, but will NOT crack due to the fact that Pecards is in the leather and is allowing the fibers to flex rather than break. It's a completely different product than other leather applications, but folks just don't seem to understand the concept.

Sorry to seem to be snarling. I just get frustrated on occation when certain items and products and misunderstood in what they were created to do and what they are actually doing for the user, and we've tried SO hard to explain the differences. :(
Regards! Michaelson

My goodness Michaelson, you speak so pretty about Pecards. I MUST get some. How do I get it in Australia. By the way, those Nowak jackets look yummy.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:32 am

Kaplan wrote:So, it's been over a week since I put pecards on my jacket, and it is still dark and less distressed looking. In fact, it still looks like it did in the pics I posted on page 9. maybe we are using different types of pecards, or we put very different amounts on.

My Nowak has retained it's "new" color as well. I'm sure it will fade over time but I'm really enjoying this change in the meanwhile. To bad it's too hot to actually enjoy it on my body....

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:57 am

Hi Everyone!

I am a new member at the COW but a long time reader of your guys stuff. I just met Tony up at his shop in El Segundo and man, that was such a cool experience. I have met many interesting people from the hollywood community on a personal basis such as Scott Brodeen (famed nautilus modeler), Gale Ann Hurd and Carrie Hein (Producer of Aliens and Newt) and Stan Winston. Tony, by far, was one of the most welcoming and quality guys I have ever met. The trip up there was worth it! He fitted me for my jacket, gave my father, whom I brought along, a free jacket in exchange for hearty pieces of advice (the two really got along) and showed me pieces from his upcoming films like Terminator 4, the new Bruce Willis flick, GI Joe. I ordered Indy Jacket # 50 and I am going to pick it up in a couple of days. I will bring my camera then and post some pics.!!!

But the highlight was when Tony showed us his "secret" jacket. I am not going to say much more than that but those of you went there should know what I am talking about.
hint: it was something seen on screen about 1981

(wink, wink)

Well, it certainly is a honor to be part of the Nowak club and I am now thinking about getting a Mutt Jacket. I cannot wait to post some pics! Till then!

DVD Connoisseur · Post by **DVD Connoisseur** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:48 am

ReturningSon wrote:
hint: it was something seen on screen about 1981 (wink, wink)

The idea of a Nowak "Raiders" jacket is exciting to say the least!

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:34 am

It'd be weirdly awesome to have a Nowak Raiders with a Wested CS.[/quote]

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:17 pm

ReturningSon wrote:.
hint: it was something seen on screen about 1981 (wink, wink)

I can confirm this. I talked to Tony on the phone over the weekend and from what he told me, get ready for the best possible news you can imagine.

Jack

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:23 pm

hahaha... how long will it take??? How much will they be!!?? etc etc... *is impatient*

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:30 pm

Well, if and when he DOES make the announcement, how about starting a new thread. It will get totally lost in this string.

Regards! Michaelson

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:32 pm

Tollan wrote:hahaha... how long will it take??? How much will they be!!?? etc etc... *is impatient*

Well, I don't know the answer to either of those. Michaelson, I agree but don't know how much he wants revealed right now. Personally, I'd like to let him reveal the details when he's ready.

Jack

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:34 pm

TOTALLY understood....but like I said, when it DOES occur, let's start a new thread.

Regards! Michaelson

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:36 pm

Michaelson wrote:TOTALLY understood....but like I said, when it DOES occur, let's start a new thread.

Regards! Michaelson

Understood!

Jack

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:45 pm

"Nowak Hope-to-be jacket owner's" thread

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:46 pm

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:08 pm

wow so many new jackets and so little money what to do what to do,I will have to see that Nowak secret jacket,I bet it will look awesome.

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:40 pm

Well, I guess the secrets out but lets let Tony unveil it, shall we?

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:50 pm

I don't know; I never heard back from Tony about my CS jacket.

Still, that's all in the past, I look forward to whatever secret jacket you guys are whispering about now!

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 2:58 pm

Kevin Anderson wrote:I don't know; I never heard back from Tony about my CS jacket.
Still, that's all in the past, I look forward to whatever secret jacket you guys are whispering about now!

thats odd. Did you try to email him or contact him by phone. Email is not Tony's speciality as he believes he can express him better over the phone. He is basically a one man operation (only has a couple of employees) with numerous movie contracts so I am sure you just slipped through the cracks.

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:02 pm

Exactly! I've had plenty of time to try and contact Tony again. I fully understand he's a very busy man. And I'm happy; now I can look forward to this new 'mystery' jacket with a slightly less empty wallet!
I wonder what hides Tony will work with? It's quite an exciting time indeed here at COW, with so many new jackets on the horizon!

JulianK · Post by **JulianK** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:09 pm

Well, I guess the secrets out but lets let Tony unveil it, shall we?

Good idea.....but I was at Tony's last week and I touched it!!!! Let's just say I'll never wash that hand again!!!

Tony's a great guy. We chatted for over an hour even though he had to be at the studio.

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:12 pm

Come on! Tell! Or were you all sworn to secrecy?
This is unfair!

JulianK · Post by **JulianK** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:20 pm

Kevin Anderson wrote:Come on! Tell! Or were you all sworn to secrecy?
This is unfair!

Actually I wasn't sworn at all. But like others here, I don't think it's my place to spill the beans. I don't know if Tony would care...and somehow I don't think he would but it's not my decision.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:25 pm

Has anyone noticed who just registered today?

I'd think I'd sit back and wait.

Regards! Michaelson

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:26 pm

JulianK wrote:
Kevin Anderson wrote:Come on! Tell! Or were you all sworn to secrecy?
This is unfair!
Actually I wasn't sworn at all. But like others here, I don't think it's my place to spill the beans. I don't know if Tony would care...and somehow I don't think he would but it's not my decision.

Yes, that's exactly how I felt.

Jack

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:26 pm

Michaelson wrote:Has anyone noticed who just registered today?

I'd think I'd sit back and wait.

Regards! Michaelson

Jack

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:16 pm

Funny, looks like a guy with the same name as Tony just registered, how odd!

weaponx24 · Post by **weaponx24** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:09 am

Where's he at??? BRING ON THE MAN!!!

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 3:25 pm

I am gonna pick up my jacket today. I will be sure to take some pics of Tony, his shop and, of course, the jacket!

bigrex · Post by **bigrex** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 2:43 am

Indiana Holt wrote:
jacksdad wrote:Looks like a great time, was Tony a pro body builder at one time, he looks so familar .
yes he was.

I have spoken about that with him on the phone.I had to ask..it cracked him up.

Tony is seen a few seconds in 'pumping iron' -Arnold's training movie from the 70's...

look for it in the beginning in the movie.

Arnold says' hey Big Tony' or something like that

bests
Holt

Looks like Mr. Nowak competed in Mr. Olympia 1965 & 1966

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 2:46 am

My Tony Nowak Original Indy Jacket

Shot with DSC-H5 at 2008-09-13

Well, I gotta say it, this is one of the nicest jackets I own. I own several leather jackets, mostly from Orvis (some have gone upwards of $1,000) but this is my favorite. This is my first Indy jacket but it certainly won’t be the last (I am looking at Peter’s TOD jacket). The leather is nice and heavy. I am slightly smaller than Tony so when he measured, I just tried on his personal jacket so I basically kept those same specs including the distressing. I love the feel and look, nice and indy-like (funny, that’s the only adjective I can use to describe it). Mine is # 50 with the inscription “fortune and glory”.

Shot with DSC-H5 at 2008-09-13
Closeup on D-rings

The jacket, like I said, is a tad bigger than I needed it but it still fits great! The distressing job is really what makes this a piece of art. As Tony said "each jacket is different, made from different cows and each has different shades". The distressing is authentic right down to the last detail (look at the collar, how it is distressed along the edges, just like the movie jacket).

The cotton lining, which looks almost like satin, is great and extremely comfortable and there is virtually no stiffness at all! Truly amazing!

Shot with DSC-H5 at 2008-09-13
Look at the marvelous pocket stiching!

Couple pieces of advice. Do not put pecards or anything on the jacket. If it gets wet, hang it out to dry and if there are spots, fold over them and rub the jacket together to get rid of them. Don't take it to the dry cleaners and always, when traveling, fold the leather in so that the lining is facing out.

A couple of my own observations: Go with the bigger, heavy detuy zipper. I know that goes against screen authenticity but many people will find that their zippers need replacing. A bigger, stronger zipper will prevent this.

Also, whenever you put the jacket on be sure to grab the ends of the collar and pull/stretch the leader around your neck. The will help the collar to form around your neck better. As Tony says "work the leather".

And, I want to share a little something special with you guys. Now, I am not going to unveil what tony has in store but it does have something to do with fine, italian leather, and a 1982 original (wink, wink) however, this will end up costing a little more. But I can honestly say that seeing Tony's work, and meeting him in person has persuaded me to feel that this may not be my last encounter with Tony Nowak.

As to anyone who is on the fence about this jacket, you should really make the purchase! You will not regret it!

Thanks Tony “I Love America” Nowak!!!

Shot with DSC-H5 at 2008-09-13

Shot with DSC-H5 at 2008-09-13
Closeup of collar, note distressing

(Note all of these pics, except for the first one, were taken without flash because it provides a truer look of the jacket)

Shot with DSC-H5 at 2008-09-13
Back of the Jacket

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:39 pm

ReturningSon wrote:Now, I am not going to unveil what tony has in store but it does have something to do with fine, italian leather, and a 1982 original (wink, wink)

He's making a Ricardo Montalban "Wrath of Khan" vest?

SD

IndyBlues · Post by **IndyBlues** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:56 pm

Maybe a Rocky3 motorcycle jacket??
'Blues

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:31 am

Oops, my mistake....not something from 1982 but from 1981 and this is an Indy forum, if you get my drift!

Tony is simply amazed at the reaction his jackets are getting but he didnt give me a reason for not posting yet. He just said "I'm not ready". Well, I am sure in do time, we will see some pretty amazing stuff from him. Stuff that is really most wanted.

Nowak Jacket Owners Thread

Early Nowak #23

#50 "Fortune and Glory" Pics!!

Re: #50 "Fortune and Glory" Pics!!