help! I need to replace the lining on my Wested...

Indiana Alan · Post by **Indiana Alan** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 4:21 pm

I purchased a lambskin Wested a couple of years ago and it is now one of my most prized possessions.

It's in great shape except for the silesia lining and a very small tear (2mm) at the bottom corner of the opening of the right handwarmer pocket. The tear isn't noticeable and I could probably go without repairing it, however, I am a police officer and my off-duty holster has worn away the entire right side of my lining where it rubs near the side vents. I desperately need to have the lining replaced and would like to have the new lining reinforced in that area as well.

Does anyone have any suggestions on who I can trust to do quality work on my Wested? I live in Akron, Ohio (USA) and have already checked with US Wings, but they don't do liner replacements.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 4:24 pm

I'd suggest you contact Dave Marshall at Flight Suits (Gibson and Barnes) and ask what they charge, as they DO replace liners. Their number is 800-748-6693. I call Wings back and ask to talk to Sgt. David Hack directly. Tell him your problem, as well as the fact you being a police office. He may try to help, as they're just down the road from you in Stow,Ohio. Regards. Michaelson

Indiana Alan · Post by **Indiana Alan** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 5:06 pm

Thanks, Michaelson. I'll give US Wings another call and then try flight suits. I've also been thinking about sending it back to Wested's, but didn't want to be without my jacket for too long. Anyone have any idea how long it would take for Wested's to turn around something like this?

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 5:09 pm

They're usually pretty quick, but with the Holidays bearing down on us, I'd not expect to see it before next year, so try those other two first before you send it back to Peter. Just my opinion here. Like I said on Wings, ask for David Hack. He's a member of the International Police Chief Association too, so that may be a card you want to 'play'. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

Indiana Alan · Post by **Indiana Alan** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 5:44 pm

I called Flight Suits and they won't work on anything except government jackets or jackets they manufactured.

I e-mailed Wested's to see what they will charge to do the work. I guess I'll just have to be without my favorite jacket for a while.

ij1936 · Post by **ij1936** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 6:05 pm

Send it back to Peter at Wested. They'll fix it right up!

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 6:11 pm

I hate to disagree. But, unless you have more influence with these companies (FS & USWings) than I have, or at least more persuasive powers than I do, they WILL NOT work on jackets other than their own; and that includes minor alterations including replacing linings, adjusting sleeve lengths, replacing knit sleeves, waistbands (on military jackets), and zippers, sewing on squadron patches, etc...

Flight Suits will give you a couple of places that will do so however that specialize in that type of work with their own dying facilities and grain matching, etc. I listed two of them awhile back, but as yet to hear from a friend who chose one of them to have his jacket worked on except to say that they had run into trouble because of trying to repair the sleeve of a “diseased skin.” The owner of the shop is looking for a replacement knit that closely matches the original and will also have to replace a portion around the inside of the cuff with a hide (skin) of similar grain which he will do at no extra cost since it was his recommendation that it could be done.

That was one reason Dave Marshall mentioned to me why they do not work on other manufacturer’s jackets. There is always the unexpected, and should something go wrong, they simply aren’t set up to handle the trouble of making it right.

A local shop, or Wested itself may be your best alternative.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 6:19 pm

Thanks, Rixter. I guess it's that 'unexpected' thing that can sneak up and bite you in the posterior one never considers. Good points and information. Regards. Michaelson

Paul_Stenhouse · Post by **Paul_Stenhouse** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 6:27 pm

I sent my jacket back to Peter at Wested to have the lining replaced with the lining for the Expedition jacket. I didn't tell Peter where the material came from as I didn't want him to balk at doing the work (them being a competitor and all that). My satin lining that came with the jacket was ripped in about four places from wear.

Peter did an excellent job replacing the lining, and it's as tough as ever now. I think the cost was pretty minimal and I got it back in about 2 weeks. Less than $35 when it was all said and done. As far as I know, it's one of only two jackets that have this 'special lining' in them.

Tailors around my area wanted to charge between $75 and $150 for the job.

Best Regards,

Paul Stenhouse

Indiana Alan · Post by **Indiana Alan** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:26 pm

Thanks for the tips. I've been reluctant to have a local shop work on my precious Wested. I've decided to ship it back to Peter and am waiting to hear from him regarding shipping instructions.

FLATHEAD · Post by **FLATHEAD** » Tue Nov 25, 2003 7:59 am

If the tear is only 2 mm, can you just use a needle and some
same color thread and fix the tear yourself?

I have done this on a few jackets myself, and if your careful,
and use the same color thread, you can't even notice.

If the tear is on the inside, where no one can see it, you should
try it yourself first before spending the money on a getting a
whole new lining.

Think about it this way. If you try to mend it yourself, and you
don't like the way it comes out, you can always remove the
stitching and send the jacket to Peter for fixing like you are thinking
now.

You are in a win/win situation here. If you do mend it yourself,
you have saved yourself some big bucks in shipping and replacement
charges.

If you don't like the way it comes out, you wanted to send it
back to Peter anyway, and even if you mess it up somehow, whats
the difference? You were going to get a replacement anyway.

Try to fix it yourself first. You may be surprised at how nice it
can come out if you take your time!

Flathead

help! I need to replace the lining on my Wested...

help! I need to replace the lining on my Wested...

Thanks

drat...