Where can I buy zips?

PardonTheWait · 28 Apr 2007 at 20:17

I'm after a specific zip,and I'm having real trouble finding it, or at least being sure I've found it. I know nothing about this stuff, so I'm struggling a bit.

Basically it's to zip my motorbike jacket and trousers together. They ALMOST match up,but the width of the zip on the trousers (as in the width of the teeth)is too much so they don't,so I'm just going to replace the trousers zip.It's the right length and everything, so should be an easy swap,my sister will be able to do it.

I really can't find the right zip online though! It's a YKK vislon, and says 8VS on it. On the YKK site it lists this as a size for them, so that's the size, and I need an 8"/20cm one,but I can't find one anywhere. I need it open ended too. I can find closed ones, and ones that are open, the right length,but I have no idea what gauge they are, it doesn't say.

Does anyone know about this stuff? I know Crystaline is a dressmaker, is anyone else knowledgable, and could recommend me a shop that could help me out? I don't care if it's online, by phone, post, anything, I just want this zip

I feel like a girl, I'm going to go and chop some wood and butch up a bit.

If anyone can help,it'd be great

Alan! · 28 Apr 2007 at 20:29

PardonTheWait · 28 Apr 2007 at 21:02

Alan! said:
Hmm,

wouldn't it just have been easier to buy a jacket and trousers from the same manufacturer?

I'd think the easiest thing to do is rather than trying to find a match for a specific zip, remove both "half" zips and replace with an entirely new zip.

Good biking!

Apparently buffalo and spada usually zip together! I don't want to take either back though, they're just what I need.

The zip's not a massive problem, it's just for a couple of quid it'd be a nice thing to have. My sister does a lot of sewing and alterations and stuff so if I give her the right zip she can change it. Easier to change one, too, but if I can't find it I will just change both. I'mgoing to take the jacket to an haberdabberflabberdashery place tomorrow I reckon, see if they can match it.

G-MAN2004 · 28 Apr 2007 at 21:44

Australia

Muban · 29 Apr 2007 at 09:36

Just for reference it's usually far easier to replaces zips on jackets than on trousers. It varies with each design though, might be better to ask your sister to take a look first so she can decide which is easiest. Are there any fabric retailers near you - normally these shops are really helpful and if they don't have anything in stock can order it in for you.

knip · 29 Apr 2007 at 09:39

Timpsons replaced the zip on a pair of my boots recently, and they had a book full of the zips I could choose from. Have you got one of them near you? It took about a week and cost me about £20 but was worth it because I love them boots.
Just an idea.

PardonTheWait · 29 Apr 2007 at 16:45

There's a place in town I'm going to pop to tomorrow, see what they've got

I'll show Nicole the jacket and trews, but I'm sure she'll be able to, she's pretty handy with sewing and whatnot.

Cheers