Club Obi Wan

Thanks for sharing that history, _! Good Stuff. Guys, I just wanted to make it clear, that though I told the story about taking my jacket hiking, I am in no way saying what anyone else should do. To each their own. I'm trying to reserve mine for hiking trips and stuff. It's part of my field gear, or as Harrison called it in an interview, "digging clothes." But, as I said, I am in no way saying that's what everybody should do. Personally, I am very glad that there are some that are being preserved by some of our members here. Just wanted to make sure I hadn't muddied the waters. Thanks!

I only had two fairly long talks with Tony, and one REALLY short one, but that small call was the one I'll remember best. It was just before Christmas 2 years ago, and my wife and I were walking out the door to go to a Christmas family gathering. It was getting late, and my cell phone rang. I had Tony's number in my directory, so I saw it was him. I took the call.

The ONLY thing he wanted to tell me was a VERY Merry Christmas, and his wish of a prosperous New Year. He was still at the shop finishing up a couple projects before closing for the Holiday, but was taking time to call folks he had talked to to wish them Holiday greetings.

That still makes me shake my head when I think of that call.

Oh, and good luck as well, _! You'll do fine.

Regards !Michaelson

_ wrote:Getting old *****...

But it beats the alternative. Good luck with the surgery.

I'd like to again express my condolences to the Nowak family for the passing of Tony and the closing of the business. I have a TN Raiders in 747 cowhide and it is easily the best Indy jacket I've owned. I'm sorry I won't have the opportunity to get one of the Nowak TOD or LC jackets -- his were the only versions that ever really piqued my interest.

Just recently, I was able to buy a TN original from another member, and it was made by the man himself. There is no way we could have known, but there was only a 2 year window of opportunity to own one of his Indy jackets. It makes this purchase all the more special. I never spoke with Mr. Tony, but I gathered from other members that he genuinely loved people and enjoyed making each and every one of his customers, his own 'original' version of the coveted Indy jacket. You know, that perfectly crafted, SA jacket that is just beyond our grasp. Perhaps the next order? He has really left his thumbprint on this community. A throwback leather craftsman with that kind of heart is a rarity in this modern world.

I suppose everyone will know when it is time. They said that Ted Williams knew it was time when he rounded second base, looked toward third, and thought it was a long way to get there.

I'll be wearing my Nowaks...

I am sorry to hear this Riley- you are a great craftsman and it's a shame you will not be able to continue the business started by your father.

I just received the jacket you made for me- I will never need another jacket because of this one! It is perfect- and I thank you!

I got in touch with Riley and looks like we got the ball rolling on a jacket so far, maybe another as well. So for those of you wanting to get a jacket from Riley before the shop is closed for good, now is your chance. Just wanted to let people know. I know it might be a lot of money and it may take me a while to pay off these 1 maybe 2 jackets, but I am sure it will be worth it in the end.

IndianaChris

I too am sad to read this news. But, if that's what Riley needs to do, that's fine. Lord be with him, and I hope his family is well and doing what makes them happy.

I'm hoping Riley can get back to me soon about my jacket.

I think there is a body building evet that he is going to because of the biz. Use the padawan e mail to contact him.

Arnold classics without a Nowak jackets. Not a world I want to live in.

_ wrote:

BendingOak wrote:I think there is a body building evet that he is going to because of the biz. Use the padawan e mail to contact him.

Yep - I hope he continues with that line of the business. That goes waaaay back.

I was thinking the same thing today.
Wanted to get one of Tony's Arnold Classic jacket just because of the history.

He gave the my son and my sisters kid each.

Yeah, I agree.

That's what makes the 'store or wear' decision so difficult for me these days.

HIGH regards! Michaelson

Yeah, when I gave Tony my TN-1 at the last QM to have the sleeves shortened a smidgen, he gave me an Arnold Classic jacket "to keep me warm."

Me: "Thanks, Tony! I'll happily return it once my jacket is done."

Tony: "Keep the jacket! It's a gift. You need to keep warm!"

_: "Can't you see the man is trying to give you a gift? Take the @#$% jacket!"

That's pretty much how it went down. I'm not always the best at accepting gifts and can be a little dense in that regard from time to time. I have since "paid it forward" as that Arnold jacket has found a fitting home with a member who truly appreciates what this jacket is. Besides, do you know how funny I look wearing a weightlifting jacket?

binkmeisterRick wrote:Besides, do you know how funny I look wearing a weightlifting jacket?

Kinda' like the weightlifting jacket version of THIS?

Pretty much.

"This is not my beautiful house! This is not my beautiful wife!"

"This is not my beautiful Nowak! "

..."same as it ever was"...."same as it ever was"....

I am fortunate to be able to store some and wear some. I will store what I call my "master copies" one of each Rola, ToD, LC, CS, and a Surragates. It still leaves me a Rola, CS, 2 LC, X-1 and a Surragates for daily wear. I am still thinking of getting another ToD that way I will have 2 of everything.

Wow Han I'm jealous! I just received my Raiders in shrunken lamb from Riley and I am blown away... so much so I am trying to scrape together the funds for one more jacket before TNO closes the doors. Right now I am torn between a Mutt jacket and a Surrogates jacket.

Take it from me SURROGATES jacket.without question. Tony always said he felt it was his best one.

It DOES look like a great jacket! But then the question becomes... which leather? I have leather samples of a lot of their leather... including the Surrogates leather. But I'm not sure if that's the one I want. It seems too reddish or purplish if you know what I mean.

You could 747 then. Vintage goat would rock hard, but the jacket is more suited for thicker leathers, I think. I would stay away from shrunken lamb But just about any of the cowhides would be fine.

I asked Riley if he can source horsehide...I guess he's looked and is still looking.

Han...I just want to know what you do for a LIVING! It sure ain't what I do...

Indydawg

jnicktem wrote:It DOES look like a great jacket! But then the question becomes... which leather? I have leather samples of a lot of their leather... including the Surrogates leather. But I'm not sure if that's the one I want. It seems too reddish or purplish if you know what I mean.

Trust me buddy , stick with the leather used in the movie.

Yeah I probably will. Although I just can't get my mind off of that Mutt jacket... gosh I wish I had the money for both!

Han Jones wrote:Take it from me SURROGATES jacket.without question. Tony always said he felt it was his best one.

I agree the Surrogates is a terrific jacket, it's my favorite !

jnicktem wrote:Yeah I probably will. Although I just can't get my mind off of that Mutt jacket... gosh I wish I had the money for both!

I know what you mean.

Its hard to decide since they are going to be gone soon. I'm working with Riley now on a Surrogates jacket, adjusting my current Raiders, and I want to order another Raiders and CS jacket! Not enough funds, but it would be so worth it!

Han Jones wrote:I am fortunate to be able to store some and wear some. I will store what I call my "master copies" one of each Rola, ToD, LC, CS, and a Surragates. It still leaves me a Rola, CS, 2 LC, X-1 and a Surragates for daily wear. I am still thinking of getting another ToD that way I will have 2 of everything.

That is awesome.

BendingOak wrote:I think there is a body building evet that he is going to because of the biz. Use the padawan e mail to contact him.

Its Mr Olympia this weekend. I was going to go but I thought I'd give the rest of them a chance this year...

Some class acts in that one. Platz, Zane and one of my favorites, Mentzer.

Ian

That was the one in Sydney wasn't it? I have a great signed poster of Arnold on the wall in my home gym in posing in front of the bridge there...

Yeah - 'the Wisdom of Mike Mentzer'! Doh!

Not Arnold's best year but there have been plenty of other strange calls at the Olympia over the years...

_ wrote:Correct me if I'm smoking rope, but wasn't the Mutt jacket Tony's copy of the Bates T1 jacket? I guess what I'm thinking is if you want that jacket it doesn't have a time window on availability like the Surrogates jacket. We're going to Bates as a field trip during the QM weekend. I'd be happy to ask if we can take or get pics of their T1?

Tell me to shut up if I'm wrong...

I've been searching the net for Mutt-style jackets just in case I decide to go for the Surrogates jacket (which I most likely will). Those style of jackets aren't hard to come by... and I even found some decent looking ones made by Schotts. I just wish I had the time and the funds for both jackets- as they are the 2 jackets I would have bought if TNO stayed in business for a few more years. Although I must say I completely understand and respect Riley's decision... I just wish this last call would have come at a time when the funds were more available to me!

Han Jones wrote:Take it from me SURROGATES jacket.without question. Tony always said he felt it was his best one.

Got to agree with you, I've got one of Tony's early 'Surrogates'.......mix with TN magic of the classic styles and the half belt........this may get me a reprimand but got to say it's my go to cold weather jacket over even his CS ......the 747 color, grain and distressing look like 'Bruce' could pick it up for another 'take'......

Hatch wrote:this may get me a reprimand but got to say it's my go to cold weather jacket over even his CS

Actually, no. If folks really think about it, the Indy jacket design is probably the leakest jacket for cold air seepage I can think of. Every seam lets cold air through, so it's best worn layered rather than by itself in cold weather.

That's why my German flight jacket is my 'go-to' jacket when it finally gets cold.

Regards !Michaelson

Heck, for really cold weather, nothing beats a Tauntaun.

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

Don't EVEN try.



Regards! Michaelson

Polar fleece vest and 'Surrogate' get me through the winter....along with occasional nip of 'Gentleman Jack'.....

binkmeisterRick wrote:Heck, for really cold weather, nothing beats a Tauntaun.

Seriously, the drape, the color, totally SA AND warm.

singsingjohnny wrote:

binkmeisterRick wrote:Heck, for really cold weather, nothing beats a Tauntaun.

Seriously, the drape, the color, totally SA AND warm.

YOu can get the next best thing here.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/bb2e/

Yeah, but they smell aweful!!!

Bruce Wayne wrote:

singsingjohnny wrote:

binkmeisterRick wrote:Heck, for really cold weather, nothing beats a Tauntaun.

Seriously, the drape, the color, totally SA AND warm.

YOu can get the next best thing here.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/bb2e/

SWEET!

Aww, man....I just wanted to drop in and say how sad it is to learn that Tony's shop will be closing down soon. I've been "out of the loop" for a while with all things gear related but I did know about Tony's passing. Recently I landed a new job and started thinking about getting a new Indy jacket and of course I was aware Tony's business was still open and thought *maybe* after getting my tax return next year and the few dollars left over from the sale of my Wings vintage cowhide jacket I'd be able to order one. Now it seems I probably won't have that chance. Which is ok considering I understand the situation and Tony's family has to do what's best for them. I did not have the honor of ever meeting or talking to Tony but through reading countless posts from members who did I understand how truly special the man was and how deeply he touched the lives of the people around him. All I can do is wish Riley and the rest of Tony's family the best of luck in all their future endeavours.

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

Anybody had any response from Riley? I emailed him right after he started this thread and no response yet. He's probably busy with finishing things up and taking last minute orders. Though if the price really has gone all the way to $1250, I'm out.

Riothamus

Yes- I had a few emails from him in the couple of days following his post. Some were from his phone I think so I guess he was travelling

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

Oh... My... God. That is AMAZING.

They do a Wampa rug as well http://bedzine.com/blog/wp-content/uplo ... pa-rug.jpg