Club Obi Wan

I own a Nowak CS (426/777) and got the gold inscription on the inside panel. Since my purchase I've seen a number of them with black inscriptions and really like the subtle look of that. Has anyone changed the color gold to black? If so what did you do? I'd prefer a DIY solution and not send it to have it relined.
I took a black permanent marker and colored a gold period. That seems to work but I'm not sure how "permanent" that would really be. Would it come off onto other clothes? Any ideas?

lantzn wrote:I own a Nowak CS (426/777) and got the gold inscription on the inside panel. Since my purchase I've seen a number of them with black inscriptions and really like the subtle look of that. Has anyone changed the color gold to black? If so what did you do? I'd prefer a DIY solution and not send it to have it relined.
I took a black permanent marker and colored a gold period. That seems to work but I'm not sure how "permanent" that would really be. Would it come off onto other clothes? Any ideas?

I can understand your reasoning regarding a more 'subtle look,' however, if this is the only Nowak CS you have seen with the gold and I were in your shoes, I would think it special and treasure it! Just my two cents! Could you post a pick? W>

I wear the jacket daily and when taking it off in public the writing seems to stand out too much. Whenever I lay it down the majority of times it falls with the inscription showing. I'd rather not it be like an advertisement. I've seen many in gold so it's not rare.



more pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35223822@N ... 7045459256

At the time I got mine, Tony gave me the choice of either gold or black.

I choose black, but have seen several gold over the past few years, so as has been stated above, it's not that uncommon.

Tony removed the inscription for me not long afterward (the inscription panel caused my jacket to gate open due to the stiffness of the extra embroidery) and placed my number and the info inside my inner pocket, making it even more un-obstructive.

I think it was the perfect solution, at least for me. He was sharp at coming up with those types of solutions.

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:At the time I got mine, Tony gave me the choice of either gold or black.

I choose black, but have seen several gold over the past few years, so as has been stated above, it's not that uncommon.

Tony removed the inscription for me not long afterward (the inscription panel caused my jacket to gate open due to the stiffness of the extra embroidery) and placed my number and the info inside my inner pocket, making it even more un-obstructive.

I think it was the perfect solution, at least for me. He was sharp at coming up with those types of solutions.

Regards! Michaelson

At the time I got my jacket (jan 09) he also offered gold or black. I went with gold thinking why on earth would black on black be an option. After I saw the first one I thought now that looks good with the duller letters on the satin lining. I had the urge to send it back but didn't and now Tony is gone and I've heard not so great things with the new guy and his prices.

I still think some type of die in small amounts would do the trick. I just don't know what type of thread this is and if it would hold. I know what you mean about the panel stiffness and could be what I was trying to explain about the lining always showing when I lay my jacket down.

You could try using a black Sharpee to color the thread. I've done that to some trousers that got a few bleach spots on them and it works as a temporary solution, but after a few washings need to be touched up again.

Depending on how 'thick' the embroidery is you may not be able to get all the gold thread and will end up with a mottled appearance.

Finally, you may end up with ink transfer onto your shirt, especially if you get wet/sweaty.

RIT dye could work as well, but that will depend largely on the kind of thread used. I would assume it's cotton thread since it's not actually holding the jacket together. If it's polyester thread the dye won't take well. You could also have trouble with color transfer as I described above, but less likely than with a marker.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

I wouldn't want to change that inscription. It has the 'Indy IV' in the font Tony was asked to leave out later on in
future jackets. My two didn't have that logo, but one did use the gold embroidery. It looked great
against the brown of the leather, but my inscription was only a few lines long, so it didn't stand out as much
as 8 lines might!
Don't try to dye it or do anything silly to it, would be my advice. If you really hate the gold, send it back to Riley
and have it relined and embroided with the black (or dark grey looks nice) thread.

I totally hear what you're saying when it comes to how conspicuous the gold lettering can be. I've had at least one stranger notice it and ask me what it was. I explained that the jacket is a reproduction of an Indiana Jones jacket made by a guy who made them for one of the films. "Hey that's really, really cool", he said. "I didn't even realize it was an Indiana Jones jacket probably because yours isn't so beat up." He then calls a buddy over to check out the inscription so now I'm showing it to a small audience in Starbucks. Overall I enjoy talking to people about a hobby I like but I can definitely see the benefits of a darker inscription. (My other jackets have darker but not black inscriptions but not because I asked.)

Having said that, I think that, as others have suggested, anything other than having the lining redone and the inscription restitched will give less than satisfactory results and will diminish the craftsmanship of what you currently have. Of course the only snag there is the rumor that Riley may charge for this followup service whereas I know Tony more often than not would not depending on what the problem and cause of the problem was. I've abusively ripped stitching, totally my fault really. (I was running through the jungle and...well, no not really. I snagged a hand warmer pocket as I was moving some equipment by a server rack that was open in our headend) I didn't even show it to him but he saw it. "What's this?!?!". I told him and then argued that "it just adds character, Tony" and he pulled the jacket from my hands and MADE ME let him fix it.

Out of other cases of followups to Tony outside of my own, I know of at least one person that had the zipper issues that I have had. Mine was addressed by Tony ("your jacket comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee") but I heard that Riley is asking for a nominal fee to cover this service and told this other person so. The customer services aspects of business aside (it's nearly impossible to separate the two sometimes) and speaking strictly from a business by the numbers standpoint on a certain level I get that. Riley is running a business and feels that he needs to charge for these services to meet the business goals he has set for himself. It is run by him now and not Tony.

I know that you prefer a DIY solutions but I say give Riley a call and see what he can do for you or if he has any suggestions. Maybe he will more closely match Tony's customer service in this case contradictory to what the overall word lately has been. It doesn't hurt anything to ask.

Keep in mind that this wouldn't be a 'repair' as such, just a cosmetic alteration. I'd hardly expect Riley to do it for free (though, yes, Tony would have).
Relining a jacket (properly) is a big task.

Yep, I totally got you. I would be very surprised if such a task were to be performed free of charge or at a price point that the average dog is willing to pay (given the premium being charged by TNO for the current offerings to the general public). My point is merely one should at least make an inquiry before abandoning an idea or possibility all together. Put it all out on the table and weigh all the pros and cons before making decisions. Around here the modifying of one's awesome, premium Indy jacket is not typically something one should take lightly.

Couldn't agree more. Me, I'd leave it as is.

It's a piece of history. I'd leave it.

I also recommend leaving it. It might seem like a good idea to change it now, but there is no going back, and I'm certain you'll kick yourself later for doing it.

Weston

I wouldn't touch it! Priceless jacket you own I'm sure it would cost a small fourtune to have it replaced. $200 if not more trust me!