2pc leathers - central zip has broken. Options?

growse · 1 Jun 2013 at 16:33

Some time ago I bought a 2-piece hein gerick leather suit second hand. I took a punt on it because it looked in good shape, was only £50 and seemed to be my size.

Since then, I've worn it perhaps 10 times. When it's on and zipped together, it's comfortable and fits fine. However, doing the central zip up was always a bit of an effort, although was fine once it was done.

Today, as I was doing it up, I got halfway, reached round and the initial part of the zip just failed and pulled apart. There's quite a few bent teeth, and the metal part that you insert into the zip at the start is broken off and missing. In short, the zip is completely shot.

What can I do now? If I get the zip replaced, can I rely on it to be safe and not split again if I do have a spill? Or is it likely that whatever caused this zip to split will cause any other zip to split, and I need new leathers?

wazza300 · 1 Jun 2013 at 16:35

off to a clothing repair and get a new zip sewn on,what happened to sketchleys?

growse · 1 Jun 2013 at 18:09

They became 'Johnsons' apparently. There's one in a Sainsbury's near me, and their website says they do leathers repairs at all their branches. Will go down there tomorrow and see how much it'll cost.

wazza300 · 1 Jun 2013 at 18:11

yeah they should sort it out for you,if not lookup for those that alter leathers, most bike shops should put you intouch with one

growse · 2 Jun 2013 at 18:07

Went down there today. They wanted £100+ and said it would take up to 6 weeks. I walked out.

Might just go and buy some new ones on the weekend. Expensive yes, but no arsing around like this.

Sin_Chase · 2 Jun 2013 at 18:10

Try an independent business! Chains suck on the whole with regards to one off things like repairs.

wazza300 · 2 Jun 2013 at 18:12

that's ridiculous

yh try those that alter leathers or tent makers they could probably sew a new zip on cheap,or a granny that's a dab hand on the sewing machine

jon.bda · 2 Jun 2013 at 18:15

Sin_Chase said:
Try an independent business! Chains suck on the whole with regards to one off things like repairs.

Last jacket i got repaired was at a shop that was a wedding dress specialist...as the orange one says, 'cheap as chips'

SPG · 2 Jun 2013 at 19:08

http://www.dobbsleathers.co.uk/index.htm

A colleague used this lass, but i guess it depends on how much you paid for them in the first place. Every summer it feels like i need a alteration outwards damm getting old

growse · 2 Jun 2013 at 20:01

wazza300 said:
that's ridiculous

yh try those that alter leathers or tent makers they could probably sew a new zip on cheap,or a granny that's a dab hand on the sewing machine

If you fell off doing 130mph on a track, would you place your trust on your leathers holding together with a random tent maker with a sewing kit? I'm not sure I would.

SPG said:
http://www.dobbsleathers.co.uk/index.htm

A colleague used this lass, but i guess it depends on how much you paid for them in the first place. Every summer it feels like i need a alteration outwards damm getting old

I'm going to drop these people an email and see what they can do for me. They're quoting 55 for a waist zip replacement, which is a bit more like it.

VoG · 2 Jun 2013 at 22:28

growse said:
Went down there today. They wanted £100+ and said it would take up to 6 weeks. I walked out.

Might just go and buy some new ones on the weekend. Expensive yes, but no arsing around like this.

Talk about try it on!.

http://www.leather-workshop.co.uk/pricing.php quote £55 - £65 to replace the connecting zip, so how the hell those grasping cretins came up with £100+ is beyond me.

growse · 2 Jun 2013 at 23:40

Yes - seems opportunistic. That or they don't really want the business.

I've also found these guys who seem local: http://www.bysonleather.co.uk/ - how quick they can turn it around is going to be a factor - I've got a trip on the 12th which I need something for, so here's hoping someone can do it for then.

wazza300 · 3 Jun 2013 at 00:19

growse said:
If you fell off doing 130mph on a track, would you place your trust on your leathers holding together with a random tent maker with a sewing kit? I'm not sure I would.

yh true,i was just thinking out loud of places you could try,aslong as they run the same amount of sewing across it it should hold fine

Souleh · 3 Jun 2013 at 09:14

Rip off. Find someone who alters race suits for a living and they will patch up a bit more honestly

duc999 · 3 Jun 2013 at 10:20

Give Karen at Zak leathers a ring (google it). She looked after my race suit following an off and its good as new !

growse · 3 Jun 2013 at 12:42

Dobbs leathers got back to me in the end and said they should be able to fit me in. Here's hoping!