The end of a Legacy

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 12:30 pm

I know Riley has been in Vegas for a convention. He said I should send him an e-mail mid week this week when he gets back.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 1:53 pm

jnicktem wrote:I know Riley has been in Vegas for a convention. He said I should send him an e-mail mid week this week when he gets back.

That is good to know cause I sent him another e-mail and I got no response, so maybe I will send him an e-mail sometime later this week if I don't hear back. At least price of jackets from what he told me, $1200 for the shrunken lambskin and I think $950 for the 747 hide. I am going with the shruken lamb since that is probably the closest to SA I guess we can get. I possibly might get an LC, but he has not given me a price for that jacket yet. Hopefully we will get a response back soon.

IndianaChris

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 7:07 pm

Those are the same prices he quoted me not that long ago. And I just received the Shrunken Lamb Raiders a few days ago! If you end up ordering one YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 7:58 pm

jnicktem wrote:I just received the Shrunken Lamb Raiders a few days ago!

Hope we see a little "spotlight" shining on that latest jacket of yours in a new Thread SOON, Nick!

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 11:43 pm

Oh no doubt Mitch! I am waiting to get some GOOD pictures taken first! This jacket is WAY too nice to take some quick shots of and post them up. I want NICE pictures! Hopefully soon I can get some taken. I plan on getting pictures of my brand new Adventurebilt Deluxe that I received last week as well!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Sep 27, 2010 4:41 am

That'll make for a great team-up... looking forward to those.

Nick I realize that you ordered you jacket prior to Riley making the announcement (that began this Thread), but just thinking about this reminds me how bittersweet it going to be once Members here start receiving their orders and begin posting photos of what will be the LAST of their jackets from Riley and his Team at Tony Nowak Originals...

Anyway, good luck with your photos... I look forward to seeing 'em once you've got some that make you happy.

Chewie Louie · Post by **Chewie Louie** » Mon Sep 27, 2010 2:51 pm

Sorry to hear Nowaks is closing for good. I for one will be preserving my jacket . . . by wearing it. Without question it's what Tony would have wanted. I just don't get putting it away into storage where no one will appreciate it. Unless you want a "pristine" jacket to display it in a private or public collection, I think it would be crime to never let your jacket see the light of day. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know to each their own, but it just doesn't make any sense to me.

"Beat the $H1%! out of it."

Don't worry Tony, I will.

irishjones · Post by **irishjones** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 5:45 pm

This is really sad. I would have really liked to have ordered one of the jackets from the Nowak collection.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 7:02 pm

irishjones wrote:This is really sad. I would have really liked to have ordered one of the jackets from the Nowak collection.

You still can.

KingHamlet · Post by **KingHamlet** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 7:31 pm

BendingOak wrote:
irishjones wrote:This is really sad. I would have really liked to have ordered one of the jackets from the Nowak collection.

You still can.

Can you?
I have been trying to get in touch with Riley in regards to getting a new jacket since early-july and he has yet to work with me. Also still trying to get my jacket I ordered with Tony in Christmas to be worked on.

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:54 pm

What e-mail address have you been using? I have really good luck with: nowakpadawan@aol.com

In fact- I got an e-mail from him about an hour ago.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:12 pm

I believe he's tried that e-mail address numerous times. Am I right, KH?

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 9:30 pm

If it is selective then I don't know why he has been responding to me. There ain't nothing special with me.

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:02 pm

_ wrote:
jnicktem wrote:If it is selective then I don't know why he has been responding to me. There ain't nothing special with me.
Same here, Travis. I'm not even a customer. I helped his dad out in a pinch a couple times and was something of an errand-boy with the Raiders jacket - but I don't even think Riley was around during any of that. I only ever talked to Tony.

But Riley's been quick returning all my emails and has always been very courteous - even when I (sorta rudly sometimes) ask why he's responding to me and not one of these guys dying on he vine.

The guys a talented artist - maybe that's the explanation?

I'm Nick

Maybe his junk/spam folder is super sensitive? I don't know. Only Riley knows!

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:21 pm

Its a real shame that both IndyFalco and KingHamlet have both been waiting since Dec. for a jacket. If I was ordering one, I would would want Riley to take care of those that have been waiting the longest. Is that how its normally done?!?

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:30 pm

De nada _!

Interesting that your e-mails do go to his spam folder... so perhaps if you are not hearing back from Riley try sending him an e-mail from a different account? I use hotmail and it works for me!

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 11:04 pm

I got a response back from Riley and I sent an e-mail last week, so I am not sure about response time or why he has not gotten back with certain people. He told me to pay him once he starts the jacket and gave me what they use for measurements for jackets. Hey jnicktem, what did you do for measurements, did you have a tailor do this or just measure a jacket that fit loosely or fit snug? He also told me that he was not pleased with the new Happy Cow he got and is going to try to get oiled suede in replacement. Would that be a good LC jacket? What other leathers would make a good LC jacket that Riley has. I am already down for shrunken lamb Raiders jacket. Anyway just wanted to update that Riley did get back in touch with me.

IndianaChris

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 11:08 pm

IndianaChris711 wrote:Hey jnicktem, what did you do for measurements, did you have a tailor do this or just measure a jacket that fit loosely or fit snug?

What I did, knowing that I am not good at taking my own measurements... is I took the measurements off of 2 other Indy jackets I have (a Wested and a CS Nowak) and gave those measurements to Riley along with several pictures each of me wearing them. The Wested is kind of big on me and the Nowak was small. So Riley was able to take the measurements of those two jackets and examine the pictures to work out the perfect measurements for me! Riley has Tony's touch at nailing the perfect fit!

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Tue Sep 28, 2010 11:13 pm

No idea... I used Paypal.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:02 am

_, was it the oiled suede reference that's nudging you closer to the edge?
'Cuz I'm no expert on leathers, but I'm thinking that if you're already on a slippery slope, it's gotta be kinda dangerous to have something as smooth sounding as OILED SUEDE under the soles of your feet!

I'm having a similar experience with Riley as what Nick, _ and IndianaChris711 are having:
Either very quick - or reasonably quick - responses to my e-mails and very friendly & courteous each time... My experience has been that he's a real nice guy to deal with.
When I read about IndyFalco and KingHamlet (maybe others?) I'm really baffled...
I don't know what's going on there... but I sure hope they get some satisfaction... and soon.

IndianaChris, I know you were asking Nick, but if it helps to know, I didn't go with a tailor either:
The first time I ordered from TNO (an order which began with Tony himself, but was completed by Riley) I simply had my wife take those same "A-B,B-C,D-E..." measurements Tony was using AND sent along some photos of myself wearing my Wested (just some front, back, left side, right side shots).
I also made a few notes along the lines of "it feels a little snug on me here & there" or "I think a little more length on the sleeves would..." etc, etc.
After that, it was all the magic of what goes on in Tony's workshop... I got the Raiders Jacket I'd been waiting for.

Having said that, THIS time around I'm ordering a Last Crusade from Riley, so I simply reminded Riley of my "A-B,B-C,D-E..." measurements AND sent along some more front, back, left side, right side photos (but THIS time with me wearing my TNO Raiders 747 as reference)

You might also find this interesting, Chris: You asked what other leathers would make a good LC jacket...
When I first contacted Riley, I very specifically told him what a big fan I am of Tundrarider's LC Jacket (made from "Dark Crystal Skull Cowhide with heavy distressing" if I'm not mistaken)... but in keeping with something _ had previously stated, I told Riley "my IDEAL leather for this job would be Veg Tanned Horsehide... but I'm unaware as to whether that's a leather you have in your stockpile (OR whether that would put the price of this jacket in a whole other statosphere)"
He responded with "I don't have any horsehide..... BUT I can definitely do a good job matching up (Tundrarider's) jacket"
So, I'm not familiar with the look, feel, etc of OILED SUEDE... but I can tell you that it didn't seem to be something that immediately came to his mind when I was asking Riley about another leather option for a LC Jacket.

Maybe there's another member here who can offer some insight on this leather option?

Cheers,
Mitch

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:21 am

Hey... you never know... maybe it's not even a real thing.
Maybe we can all start making up names of new leathers...
If I had my way, I'd get MY Last Crusade Jacket in something called "Butter Pecan Horsehide"

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 9:02 am

Mitch, I think they served that in our cafeteria at work last week.

Regards! Michaelson

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 12:29 pm

sithspawn · Post by **sithspawn** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 3:18 pm

_ wrote:Is he taking credit cards? (Says _ while standing on the edge of a slippery slope...)

When he took my order in late May he asked for a cashiers check made out to him. Got the jacket 1 1/2 weeks after I sent it out. The company credit card accounts were still in Tony's name at the time. Don't know if he ever made the change over or not.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 3:47 pm

Mitch LaRue wrote:
but in keeping with something _ had previously stated, I told Riley "my IDEAL leather for this job would be Veg Tanned Horsehide... but I'm unaware as to whether that's a leather you have in your stockpile (OR whether that would put the price of this jacket in a whole other statosphere)"
He responded with "I don't have any horsehide..... BUT I can definitely do a good job matching up (Tundrarider's) jacket"
So, I'm not familiar with the look, feel, etc of OILED SUEDE... but I can tell you that it didn't seem to be something that immediately came to his mind when I was asking Riley about another leather option for a LC Jacket.

Maybe there's another member here who can offer some insight on this leather option?

So I asked for horsehide too, and was offered "dirty oil" I suspect he might be talking about the leather that Indiana G's "weekend with Tony" jacket used. I've Pecarded a suede Indy jacket, to help with the look, but boy, it's not my choice for a hide!

So I believe I've located the supplier for the "American Stallion" hide that Tony had talked about. I going to contact them, and see how much leather I need to order to make it worth their while, and see if Riley will make me a jacket out of leather I provide

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 4:39 pm

You know Baldwin, I might just jump in on that with you

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Sep 29, 2010 9:38 pm

jnicktem wrote:What I did, knowing that I am not good at taking my own measurements... is I took the measurements off of 2 other Indy jackets I have (a Wested and a CS Nowak) and gave those measurements to Riley along with several pictures each of me wearing them. The Wested is kind of big on me and the Nowak was small. So Riley was able to take the measurements of those two jackets and examine the pictures to work out the perfect measurements for me! Riley has Tony's touch at nailing the perfect fit!

Thanks jnicktem, I will just do that, I will take measurements of my wested and pictures and my U.S. Wings and pictures of that. As far as payment goes, Riley said I could pay him through paypal, so you could use your credit card that way. I did mention to him I would have some difficulty paying a $1200 jacket, and he said he would accept payment right when he was going to start the jacket. Ya I have no idea what this oiled suede looks like, Riley said he is sourcing it right now so it may be a while before he has any. I asked him to send me a sample of some of some darker lamb he is getting and this oiled suede. So when I get them I will post some pictures of both. I think I might go with a Dark Crystal Skull hide for an LC, but this oiled suede has me curious.

IndianaChris

Digger4Glory · Post by **Digger4Glory** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 12:31 am

Hollowpond wrote:
Michaelson wrote:Have you ever tried driving a column shift 1950 Plymouth in cold weather wearing a Tauntaun?

Don't EVEN try.

Regards! Michaelson
I don't know, this one is not that bad...

SUPER NERD ALERT...i actually own this

Travis

now that may be nerdy but is is awesome at the same time!

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:36 am

_ wrote:Well, that sound you heard was me falling off a wagon...

Well, I guess there's WORSE wagons to fall off of, Todd...

_ wrote:Well, that sound you heard was me falling off a wagon...
I've contacted Riley about having him make me a replica of the jacket his dad made for Arnold for Terminator. I'm thinking one if his exotic and highly characterized cowhides. Can't wait to hear back from him!!!!!!

That sounds like it'll be an amazing jacket... It'll be VERY cool to see the finished product.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 7:47 am

_ wrote:Well, that sound you heard was me falling off a wagon...

I've contacted Riley about having him make me a replica of the jacket his dad made for Arnold for Terminator. I'm thinking one if his exotic and highly characterized cowhides. Can't wait to hear back from him!!!!!!

Don't forget to say 'Please'

Ian

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 8:27 am

Standing on your same slippery slope...did he take cash or credit card?

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 9:19 am

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:04 am

Baldwyn wrote:
Mitch LaRue wrote:
but in keeping with something _ had previously stated, I told Riley "my IDEAL leather for this job would be Veg Tanned Horsehide... but I'm unaware as to whether that's a leather you have in your stockpile (OR whether that would put the price of this jacket in a whole other statosphere)"
He responded with "I don't have any horsehide..... BUT I can definitely do a good job matching up (Tundrarider's) jacket"
So, I'm not familiar with the look, feel, etc of OILED SUEDE... but I can tell you that it didn't seem to be something that immediately came to his mind when I was asking Riley about another leather option for a LC Jacket.

Maybe there's another member here who can offer some insight on this leather option?

Hi Baldwyn,
I've got a sample of the American Stallion that Tony sent me. Incredibly tough stuff with reddish-brown tones. Very nice stuff. I'm not at he or I'd post a pic
So I asked for horsehide too, and was offered "dirty oil" I suspect he might be talking about the leather that Indiana G's "weekend with Tony" jacket used. I've Pecarded a suede Indy jacket, to help with the look, but boy, it's not my choice for a hide!

So I believe I've located the supplier for the "American Stallion" hide that Tony had talked about. I going to contact them, and see how much leather I need to order to make it worth their while, and see if Riley will make me a jacket out of leather I provide

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:09 am

Sorry for the weird post - evidently my phone doesn't quote well,

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:10 am

Tibor wrote:Sorry for the weird post - evidently my phone doesn't quote well,

I understood it, love to see pics if you can! I have found an American company who supplied Tony with horsehide, and they describe it as a waxy horsehide, slightly distressed. They call it "Brown Mustang." Not much a leap to believe it's the same as Tony's American Stallion. It's $7.30 a sq ft for the stuff, and we'll need 30-50 sq ft for a jacket. The owner said no issue on minimum orders, in fact, he might get a jacket himself. Going to contact Riley to see if he'll use customer sourced leather, and of course what the price will be.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:12 am

At this rate, Riley is NEVER going to be able to wrap up business, is he?

Was that the plan after all?

Regards! Michaelson

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:31 am

_ wrote:Well, he has yet to respond to the inquiry... I may have graduated back to "persona non grata" - or should I say "persona non call-back" instead?

Some of us like to sleep in on the West Coast

Flyderf · Post by **Flyderf** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:37 am

_ wrote:Well, that sound you heard was me falling off a wagon...

I've contacted Riley about having him make me a replica of the jacket his dad made for Arnold for Terminator. I'm thinking one if his exotic and highly characterized cowhides. Can't wait to hear back from him!!!!!!

Leather Jacket addiction hotline, how can we help you today?

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:40 am

Indyzane · Post by **Indyzane** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:45 am

Hello everyone my name is Zane and I'm a Indiana Jones Jacalcoholic.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:49 am

"I'm sorry, sir, all lines are busy at this time. Please stay on the line until a councilor becomes available to take your call....." beep......

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 12:51 pm

I know Riley got slammed from the announcement of closing his doors. I for hope this will change his mind.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 1:05 pm

Me too. I could get my jacket back out to wear.

Regards! Michaelson

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:17 pm

Maybe that's what he's trying to avoid in the first place

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:20 pm

What? Me getting my jacket back out?

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:29 pm

_ wrote:
BendingOak wrote:I know Riley got slammed from the announcement of closing his doors. I for hope this will change his mind.
There's a business here to be made - he just has a few things he needs to tie-down organizationally. I agree - I hope he changes his mind.

Well, there is one more aspect to this. _, when you said that you considered seeing if Riley would want to sell the business, you said the reason you changed your mind was that you would have to find another Tony -- and that meant someone more than just an amazing jacket maker. Even though the business is certainly here (and I'm sure other places as well), Riley may just not be up to that task the way Tony was. And it's more than just communication, it's the particular kind of communication, communication on an individual level in level of business where that's not so common. For the sake of the people who want TNO jackets, I hope he changes his mind as well, but if super-human customer service isn't his thing, it might be best for him that he move on.

-KB

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:33 pm

Unless someone were to take on the management of all public relations for Riley..

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:38 pm

BendingOak wrote:I know Riley got slammed from the announcement of closing his doors. I for hope this will change his mind.

Truth be told, the jacket I've just ordered from Riley (the LC) wouldn't have been my last from him IF he were keeping his doors open...

But I just can't assemble the cash to order NOW that quickly... I'd have eventually ordered one of his Dad's gorgeous Crystal Skull Jackets, but because for me that means another 8 or 9 months with the "nickel & dime jar" I know that ain't happening now... Too bad, though...

_, if it helps to know, I responded to one of Riley's e-mails the other day with a quick question (regarding PAYING the man, mind you) and he hasn't gotten back to me on that one yet either... so, I don't think you're necessarily "persona-non-anything"... YET, anyway

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:42 pm

Indydawg wrote:Unless someone were to take on the management of all public relations for Riley..

This is bringing a little tear to my eye, dawg...
Cuz I'm thinkin' "Yeah, but they'd have to be willing to write in ALL CAPS, God Bless 'Em..."

Man, I do miss that Big Man... there'll never be anyone quite like him, will there?

Of course, I guess that's the thing, isn't it?

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Sep 30, 2010 2:47 pm

Aye...there's the rub...

Riley needs a point man....

If he's reading any of this...I hope he's thinking about it...