Wested D-Ring

[Glenville86]

Well - today I put my Wested lambskin jacket in the donate bag I keep in the basement.

Problem with this jacket is the leather straps constantly come undone from the thin D-Rings. Have a few other Wested jackets with the same rings but different leather that never do this. Sure I could do a workaround but have plenty of jackets.

Anyone else have this problem with the Wested lambskin with the D-Rings?

[Michaelson]

I change D rings out with rectangular rings like they use(d) on G&B Expeditions on every jacket that comes through the door, regardless of hide. They work perfectly with lambskin or the heaviest cowhide.

Just change the rings for a set that works, that or put the jacket up for sale here and let someone else do it. Folks are always looking for good jackets.

Back in 2003, Peter used to offer those slides when others were having the same issues and were trying to purchase them directly from G&B (then Flightsuits). Here's what he said then:

Slides are on the way
One box of gunmetal 1" slides.
Cost £12 or $18 per 1000 yes 1000
That is less than 2 cents each or set for under 8 cents a set.
Twice the price of D Rings but do not ask me for a 8 cent reduction on your next jacket.
I will use them instead of the buckle type I use now which are really expensive at 10 cents each but then I only use two so I save 12 cents a jacket.
How am I going to spend all that money. I know I will save up for three months and buy a can of Budweiser.
Cheers Folks
Peter

You may find the entire thread interesting, as you'll see what was once old is still experienced today....

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... ar+buckles" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I guess they no longer offer that alternative.

Regards! Michaelson

[Glenville86]

I looked on the web and found one place that sells them. Not sure of the quality. Place is http://www.strapworks.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

Will let you know how they work out.

[Michaelson]

Cool thing about that post above is Peter gave you the dimensions too, so you know exactly the size you need for a Wested jacket!

Regards! M

[Indiana Jeff]

Way back when I got my a USW Legends with the really sharp buckles I got rectangular rings to replace the buckles based on recommendations here. I know a specific website was suggested at the time to get the rings, but in a brief search I can't find the posts where I replaced the buckles.

I'll keep looking and update here if I find it.

Found it!
As with most things around here, the suggestion came from Michaelson to buy from, wait for it...strapworks.

http://www.strapworks.com/Metal_Loops_p/ml.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is the original thread. http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... lit=buckle" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;




Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Glenville86]

The slides arrived today. Problem is the back of the D-rings have an opening to remove them. Slides are solid. Only option I can see is to find a way to cut through the center of the slide or take the jacket to a sewing shop as the leather loop would have to be opened and then sewn on after attaching the slide...…...

[Indiana Jeff]

Curses!

In that thread I copied that had information about strapworks, I mentioned I had to call them to figure out which slides to order so they were split to open them up. Some are solid, others are split.

If you go the route of a tailor, be sure to ask if they have worked with leather before. Not all tailor do and members have had poor results as a result.

I would think cutting them wouldn't be too difficult. The key would be filing/sanding the cut to take off any sharp edges or burrs.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[drewgarcia618]

Not to hijack your thread Glenville, but I want to ask a question about all of this really quick.

I just ordered myself a USW Cape Buffalo. After having seen the buckles on the goatskin USW I bought my grandfather for Christmas, I too am gonna switch the buckle out for D-Rings. Give it a new Last Crusade look considering its for the storm flap snaps and all. What size rings should I order, or should I wait and get the jacket to measure it in person? And what’s the best way to remove the buckle without damaging the leather? I figured snipping the middle bar may work, but as would just sawing through it all. I wanna do this with the least damage to the leather possible.

Glenville, I hope you can fix your Lambskin Wested, it’s likely a beautiful jacket.

[Indiana Jeff]

I would suggest waiting until you have the jacket in hand to be able to measure the straps and be certain.

On the Legend I had, I snipped the center bar and carefully removed it from the jacket. In this thread I show a picture of the buckle after it has been removed. The middle of the center bar is thinner making it relatively easy to snip. http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... lit=buckle" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[drewgarcia618]

Thanks Indiana Jeff!

Everyone on this site has been so helpful, I’m glad I joined instead of going in blind to all of these things.