My TN Raiders Jacket #148 UPDATE: The Jacket Returns

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:56 pm

TheExit148 wrote: AWESOME! I hope its overnight to Canada as well but still

Usually he phones with the tracking #, occasionally he will send it in an email. If he calls and gets you personally ask him if it is next day.

nephilo · Post by **nephilo** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:03 pm

My first jacket takes 5 days from US to germany. The second only 3...

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:32 pm

nephilo wrote:My first jacket takes 5 days from US to germany. The second only 3...

Ah, but by then they knew the way

Regards, Geert

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:52 pm

Just got off the phone with Tony, the jacket will be here tomorrow! I'm so excited

nephilo · Post by **nephilo** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:15 am

Cool Exit!!!

I`m still waiting...........

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 7:04 am

nephilo wrote:Cool Exit!!! I`m still waiting...........

Hopefully you get that call today saying its on the way nephilo.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 1:37 am

Ok, so I got the jacket... its AMAZING! Tony did such a great job, and was so happy to hear when he called!

He said he was worried and I was a tough customer because I was so worried about my measurements. But it worked out in the end. Tony told me to zip it all the way up when I'm in my car and do that for 2 days to break it in nicely. He was just as excited as I was when I told him it was great! Best guy to deal with, such a great guy!
So before the pics, you should all know that I have gorilla arms! Seriously though, the sleeves on my jacket are 26", while I went with the SA 23" front and back so the arms look long. For me personally 23" is the perfect length for my torso (just those long arms make it look funny in the pics, but in person, you can't tell so much). I tucked in my shirt for the pics to show the length relation, but also remember I'm wearing low rise denim with these, so the jacket will look at little different compared when wearing with Indy pants. On with the pics!

TN Raiders I Set
(I tried to just post the pics, but Flickr is being weird so thats why its a set for 3 pics

)

The measurements (if you are curious)
A – B = 23.”
C – D = 21”
E – F = 20”
G – H = 6.75”
I – J = 23”
K – L= 19.25”
M – N= 26”

Small details are the rounded storm flap, zipper track ends short of the collar stand, and it has k stitches on the straps at both ends.
Tony Raiders jacket, is exactly what he says it is; a direct copy of the Raiders jacket, and you can tell when you put it on. Thanks again Tony, you're the man

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 1:45 am

Very nice Exit. Looks perfect.

What made you decide on those specific changes to the jacket? We do see one jacket with a more rounded storm flap, but why the shortened zipper? just curious.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 1:54 am

Originally back when I got my Wested, I noticed the shortened zipper track stopping short at the collar stand. So I checked screens, and found in Yojimbo's pics of his jacket with the Flying Wing scene where Indy says "Marian" you can see the zipper track stops short. Then I saw Chris' #81 jacket had it as well, so with all that info, I wanted it on my jacket.

The next part with my jacket is the collar training, to get it to look like it does on screen, because fresh out of the box they are straight. Needs more character!

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 2:17 am

Yes let it wear in to you. do as tony said wearing it, but for much more than a few days. It just gets better.

nephilo · Post by **nephilo** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:54 am

Congrats Exit!!!!

Your jacket looks totally raiders! Tony get it again!

So lets wait for the brother....

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:43 am

Very, very nice.

Looks like a great fit on you. Let's see a pic with the jacket zipped up.

Post by **Holt** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 11:51 am

yes, looks very nice. congrats.

I personally would have it a tad more baggy. but still very nice.

all TN jackets come perfect.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:32 pm

Thanks a lot guys! I know the Raiders jacket SHOULD be a bit baggy but for my personal preference, I like my clothing etc. to be more fitted then usual.
Tony does something special when he makes his jackets. They do seem to be made for the person, as each one is an individual. I will be traveling next week with the jacket, and going as Indy in Salem MA for Halloween so we will have some full gear shots coming. Up until them, I'm going to be wearing the jacket as much as I can.

PS: The Raiders jacket is crazy as how much it falls off the shoulders when your wearing it. Its definitely something that you need to get used to.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:51 pm

i don't think 'baggy' is quite the right description fr the Raiders jacket, anyway, we don't see yours zipped up but from your photos and from the back it looks just fine as it fits.

Post by **Holt** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 5:20 pm

not baggy baggy like CS but not form fitting either.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 5:31 pm

Baggy probably wasn't the best description, more of a loose fit. Yes Holt for sure my jacket doesn't look like the jacket in the pictures. If it was like that, it would baggy on me though.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 6:11 pm

I was thinking that you had a lot of Ford's Raiders physique going on so you can definitely pull off the look.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:15 pm

crismans wrote:I was thinking that you had a lot of Ford's Raiders physique going on so you can definitely pull off the look.

Thanks a lot crismans! I thought that I had at least Ford's height, but physique wise was a different story. I know I'm definitely thinner then Ford in most aspects though, but again thank you for saying that

nephilo · Post by **nephilo** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:42 am

$\:D/$ $\:D/$ Hey Exit!? I`m the next owner of a fantastic TN Raiders!!!!! $\:D/$ $\:D/$
The first what I`ve been thinking was "That is it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Tony, the legend, got it again!
Pics will come in a own thread...

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:03 pm

Indiana Holt wrote:not baggy baggy like CS but not form fitting either.

If Indy's jacket was supposed to be the same jacket throughout all the movies, then I could definetly see him "growing" into the jacket... from the baggy fit in Raiders, to the slim fit in LC, then in-between again during his older years in CS...

Definetly giving us younger gearheads reasons to buy slightly bigger with Indy jackets, so we can account for later, middle-age bulk!

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:50 pm

So... I have a problem with my jacket, which was kind of my fault. Everything on the jacket, fit great, except the chest pulled really tight when zipped up 3/4 or so. I couldn't move my arms really it was so tight. So zipped up to half way it was fine. This was behaviour pretty much from the start, but I wore it for a week on my vacation to see what would happen after wearing. No change. So I called up Tony when I got home, and explained my situation and why I couldn't call earlier. He did say that the Raiders jacket is tighter across the chest and its normal like that. I told him, its uncomfortably tight, and he had asked for pictures that I've sent to show him. He was totally understanding with making adjustments for me to make sure I was happy and that the jacket fit. I was apologizing for the mis-measurement but Tony said it was ok, it happens all the time. So I shipped the jacket off to him for the adjustment. I must say again, Tony is a really stand up guy, he had no issues, just said ship it back, I'll fix it and ship it back to you. He was more concerned that it didn't fit right then anything else.

Kind of got me thinking... its a 38 jacket, thats what I wear. I started trying on other jackets I own, blazers etc and to my surprise, they were doing the same thing! So I went out, tried on a 40 jacket, and low and behold it fit me perfect! I didn't even realize that I had gone up a jacket size because it happened within a month or so! Can't believe how fast it changed on me. I was seriously wearing my 38 sized jackets fine up until a week or so of ordering my TN jacket. They were snug but that was with a sweater because we had and unsual cold front come in. I placed my order thinking it was a 38 since I was just wearing one a week or so before with no issues, but when it came it was too tight. And now hardly any of my jackets fit right in the chest.
Just wanted to kind of vent to get that of my chest (no pun intended)

Everyone in my family always joked about how thin I was, and it seriously changed within weeks! Even my girlfriend said that it was almost like an overnight change.

So I am awaiting the return of my Raiders jacket with the chest adjustment, which pretty much puts it at HF sizing for the Raiders jacket, other then the waist and arm length. Now back to the anticipation.

PS: I cannot stress enough, save save save and buy a TN Raiders jacket, (or any TN jacket). You will never be disappointed from ordering to wearing. Tony's customer service and product are above everything out there!

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:50 pm

It looked good on you in the photos, but when you get it back you will love it even more.

You sure you don't need a 44 now?

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:24 pm

I spoke to Tony today, and he received my jacket, and opened it up on the phone with me. He came back on, and told me the jacket was CUT

I couldn't believe it! He said that there was a 3.25" slice in the leather and through the lining on the front of the jacket. My stomach dropped. The jacket left my back and was put into the Fedex box, and sent off. It was in perfect condition. So... Tony looks at the box, and sees that there is a label stating that the box was opened by Customs. Customs sliced my jacket during some sort of inspection! So I've opened up a claim with Fedex to get this addressed, and am waiting on pictures from Tony of the damage. Tony said he'll support 100% of the way with the claim to get this straightened out, and will fix my jacket up (Geez it was sent for a chest adjustment, now there's a huge slice in it!).

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:34 pm

Bad luck there! I hope that you can get them to pay for damages, as this is in now way acceptable

Regards, Geert

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:35 pm

Ouch that *****. Sorry to hear that slice in the jacket. Hope you get everything worked out!

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:36 pm

Sounds like some idiot at customs opened the box with a box cutter and wasn't too careful. That or they purposely sliced the jacket looking for something.

I hope Fedex covers the damage, but may put it on Customs if the box itself isn't damaged. Usually items coming into the US are handled by the shipper and only sent to Customs if there is some question about the contents

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:37 pm

I hate to hear this. Hopefully, FedEx will step up to the plate.

Post by **Mike** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:50 pm

Sorry to hear. Boy customs just has it out for your jackets.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:55 pm

It gives"custom jacket" a whole new meaning.

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:18 pm

If anyone can tell you how customs can **** it's me - my first Nowak had the bag taken away! I have posted about it in the past - I am so sad to hear about your jacket - such bad news but I am sure Tony will make it right

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:03 pm

Thanks a lot guys. Just can't believe this kind of stuff happens. Brutal. I hope Fedex takes care of this, because if it has to go to customs, I can just imagine that uphill battle

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:59 am

Neither can I. I'm glad it's you and not me.

Good luck!

Raskolnikov · Post by **Raskolnikov** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:31 am

Man, what a bad luck.
Anyway, you'll have to be patient now. Once you have the jacket in your hands again, it wil be worth it.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:30 am

Where is Indy G when we need him...........he was always ready for a rant on the handling and ineptness and excessive charges of Canadian customs.......

moviematt1989 · Post by **moviematt1989** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:12 pm

I wish Newman would open a postal smuggling ring...except he doesn't work in the rain.

mrkaboom · Post by **mrkaboom** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:04 pm

Thats the MAJOR problem when you buy mail order, firstly the interpretation of what you think your size is as many of us including me have ordered jackets stating our size and the item has been dispatched back matching your exact dimensions but not fitting. In my case with a recent Wested purchase too big. Secondly you fall foul of customs either man handling the item or slapping you with a whopping customs charge.

Either way its a risk which admittedly for the most part is low but nevertheless there are no guarantees. Problem is here that Fedex are not responsible for the issue its customs.

i hope on your part fellow COW member that this works out for you.

If i was able to i would go to TN or Wested and get measured up by them relaying what i wanted and then let them do their magic, alas for me i may now have to settle for non custom wested at £40 cheaper than what i bought but with no recompense as my fault the measurements were wrong. Unless i can find a buyer.

Good luck and again i sincerely hope it works out for you.

MK

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:56 pm

Hatch wrote:Where is Indy G when we need him...........he was always ready for a rant on the handling and ineptness and excessive charges of Canadian customs.......

i'm still here

......i've been busy. instead of "hiding under the plymouth", i'll be "in the back fixing the harley"....which is why i've been absent.

TE148......thats terrible and i'm truly sorry for you. the worst thing about it is that your tax dollars went to pay some dummy to use a box cutter knife that you also paid for to ruin something that you cherish. there should be a procedure for opening boxes like that and sticking the knife right down the middle is probably not correct. i think someone was just being lazy..........which is one of the qualities that canada customs look for when taking on new staff. that of course, and being unswervingly stupid in any social setting.

i hope you make someone pay over there. it's not right. i know tony will fix it, but when he sends it back, he should label the box "do not cut into the box: fragile contents........you stupid customs idiot"

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:07 pm

Indiana G wrote: instead of "hiding under the plymouth", i'll be "in the back fixing the harley"....which is why i've been absent.

Plenty of room in the trunk if you need it!

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Mike** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:11 pm

Did Tony send you pics yet? I'm curious to see the damage.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:42 pm

Mike wrote:Did Tony send you pics yet? I'm curious to see the damage.

No, no pictures yet. Tony said he was away until Friday with business, so he should be able to send them then. Also need a proper receipt to show full cost. This is where it gets tricky since he declared the original shipment as a gift and $50, then when I sent it back declared it as a return, at $50 to match his plus the lady at Fedex said keep it low so he won't have to pay. This is going to be a BIG pain

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:29 pm

If you happened to use American Express they have a pretty good insurance plan built in if it's less than year old....just a thought or check with the card you used in original purchase .....

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:03 pm

Hatch wrote:If you happened to use American Express they have a pretty good insurance plan built in if it's less than year old....just a thought or check with the card you used in original purchase .....

Yeah nothing like that on my card, I don't have the optional insurance, and I work for my credit card company

The problem with that sometimes, is that it COULD charge back Tony which is not good at all, since its not his fault.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:06 pm

Bet Tony can work out equitable arrangement with you....just talk it over with him........good luck...... doubt if Customs is much help if it's like my experience with govt. bureauracies........

theman · Post by **theman** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:42 am

I hate to say it but you may be slightly screwed by attempting to pay less to customs in the first place. Even when I ship stuff as a gift out of country I still insure it for the amount it would cost to replace for these exact kinds of events, although I have yet to experience the agony you are going through.
Customs is totally at fault and should pay for the replacement of your gift no matter what, but just be prepared for what you and Tony have already stated it's worth just in case.
I know when Vanson ships me jackets they always use that "no boxcutter" labeled tape... not that customs would have even paid attention to that either though.

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 6:54 am

girlfriends can be replaced, but a Nowak jacket??? I cant wait to place my order, just a couple more hundreds from payday! Sorry to hear about the customs problem. That is a tuff one!

Take care.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:26 pm

I received my jacket back today from Tony all fixed it up, and now at HF size in the chest. Fits much better now, and not as tight. Looks a lot better! Tony also included pictures of the jacket when it was damaged and man it was bad. It was a giant slice going down the jacket on the stomach. Looked brutal, but Tony fixed it up perfectly. I can't thank him enough, because he is the best. Best customer service experience I have ever had! Thank you again so much Tony for everything!

Now the next part of this is the fight with Fedex or customs depending... Not looking forward to that

PS: Save your cash ladies and gents and purchase your next or first Indy jacket from Tony, and you will never have to purchase another, they are that awesome!

Raskolnikov · Post by **Raskolnikov** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:21 am

Pictures! Pictures of your 'new' jacket!

Congratulations to both Tony and you

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:42 am

I hope things work out for you with the shipper/customs. Fingers are crossed!

Great to hear all is well with the jacket. With a custom like this, especially considering the size error was yours, many other jacket makers would have only given you the option to order another, as long as you paid for it.

Wear this one well, as I know you will. It's extra special now, you have a bond with it and a story.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:16 am

Save your cash ladies and gents and purchase your next or first Indy jacket from Tony, and you will never have to purchase another, they are that awesome!

Unless you're Han Jones.