Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[katev]

Thanks Kate - I'm much better these days.

BTW - here is how it looked before I got it! http://www.ebay.com/itm/130735820372?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Amazing difference, great job!

I haven't seen that model before, did it originally come with a long strap?

 

[Nekolassa]

No strap and I have it in a book of coach bags through American express Fall 1990 preview! Hyacinth authenticated it as the diplomat briefcase and if you do a search, you'll see that the style was re-released after the 90's!!

 

[katev]

No strap and I have it in a book of coach bags through American express Fall 1990 preview! Hyacinth authenticated it as the diplomat briefcase and if you do a search, you'll see that the style was re-released after the 90's!!

Gorgeous!

 

[Porter4]

I just sent an abbreviated version of my general process for rehabbing a vintage glove-tanned bag to a TPFer, so I am copying the information here for future reference:

Process for rehabbing an unlined vintage, glove-tanned cowhide Coach bag (not suede or pebbled or other special, exotic, or delicate leather*):

- If the hangtag is missing, call Coach Coach Customer Service to request a free replacement

- Make sure the bag is clean inside, vacuum it out if it needs it

- Give it a nice long sudsy bath in Ivory or Dawn or Woolite

- Rinse well and let it drain in the sink for a bit

- Stuff it with old towels or clean rags, shape it and set it on a towel to dry (turning occasionally)

- Wait 24 hours and then remove the towels and let it continue drying

- While it is still damp apply a moisturizer like Apple, Leather CPR, Lexol, or Leather Therapy

- Over the next few days, if the leather feels dry or rough or seems to dry out quickly, give it a few more applications of moisturizer. Don't let the moisturizer build-up in the seams and crevices

- When it is dry apply Black Rocks Leather N Rich: use sparingly, work on small sections at a time, wipe off the excess and then buff.

- Give the bag at least 24 hours "to let the leather rest" and give it a second application of Black Rocks if it still looks faded and scuffed.

- Polish the hardware with an appropriate metal polish (e.g., Wenol or Brasso). If the hardware and/or the leather touching the hardware has turned green, search this thread for information on removing verdigris.

- If there has been edging loss from the sides of the straps, touch them up with matching acrylic paint, let the paint dry for 24 hours

- Wear and enjoy a beautifully rehabbed bag!

Note: This is just the process that I have used successfully with several bags - that doesn't mean it is a universal method that will work well on every bag. If you are a new rehabber or if it is an unusual bag and/or has a special problem, it is a good idea to post detailed pictures here to ask for advice from multiple rehabbers. It is also wise to spot-check products in an obscure area before applying it widely to the bag. Good luck, rehabbing is fun but addictive!

*This doesn't mean that delicate, exotic, pebbled, suede or lined bags can't be rehabbed, but they may need special treatment - ask rehabbers here for advice before you begin!

Thank you for sharing this. I have copied and pasted into my word doc of all the great stuff I have found on this board for rehabbing!

 

[chowlover2]

Hi!
As many of you know, my Dad passed last May and in the last few months, I have been helping my mother get into an apartment - I wish this on no one. Well, she's in her apt. and now we're renting the house. So while I am somewhat back....I still have much more to do.

Anywho, I managed to sneak a little rehab into my life and boy did I need it, check it out, my $72 eBay find rehabbed. http://www.flickr.com/photos/76058330@N03/

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Take care util next time.

p.s. I still lurk when I can

Oh and Jen - wonderful job on the Cashin, she looks amazing

We've missed you, am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I've been through it myself and know what you are going through. And the downsizing from a house to an apt is a huge job. On the other hand, the bag looks great!

 

[Nekolassa]

We've missed you, am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I've been through it myself and know what you are going through. And the downsizing from a house to an apt is a huge job. On the other hand, the bag looks great!

Thank you- for both replies!

 

[starr4]

Hi Ladies-
I haven't posted in a very long time but you gals have inspired me to rehab a few Coach bags I found on Ebay. Without seeing your before and afters pictures and all the great advice on how to rehab a bag, I would've never taken a chance. When my hubby saw me dunk my first rehab bag, he looked at me like I was nuts

Anyway, I'm hoping your expertise can help me.... it's about a vintage Gucci rehab.I hope no one minds that I'm asking on the Coach forum, but it seems no one rehabs a Gucci bag. I figured since I've rehabbed Coach bags, I'll go for it and the price was right!!
I won it from Ebay, it's a Gucci tan canvas handbag sorta of a LV speedy style,but the canvas is not coated, it's very hard to describe the feel of it. The canvas is very stiff and really dirty and the leather trim and the handle are very dirty also. Not even sure if the handles are venchatta leather. The interior has a suede lining ,it does have some flaking but it's not too bad. The seller did inform me that it was dirty, stiff etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.... I really want to dunk her soo bad BUT I'm a bit nervous would love some advice before I do it LOL. Thank you for any advice you can give me.

Here is the link :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180937773096?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

 

[m3rma1d]

Warning: The next coupla posts are gonna be really pic-heavy! Here are my official "Before" pics of my "new" (you know, to me) old NYC-made Crescent Bag!! I wanted lots of pics to show the condition she's in... Can't WAIT to see what rehabbing does! She's missing the hang tag, but that's ok I'll get another. The outside is squished like crazy (reshaping shouldn't be hard)... She's got a weird water/stain line along the bottom on the front and back. The inside is perfect, no pen marks at all to deal with YAY!

 

[m3rma1d]

Inside and creed... LOVE that "Made in New York City, U.S.A." line!!!

 

[m3rma1d]

Aaaaaaaand she was only in my posession for about 5 minutes before she got into the bath! (Woulda been immediately, but it took about 5 mins to wash a few dishes to clear the sink out for her LOL)

 

[chowlover2]

Aaaaaaaand she was only in my posession for about 5 minutes before she got into the bath! (Woulda been immediately, but it took about 5 mins to wash a few dishes to clear the sink out for her LOL)

She's gonna look great! Are your nails polished like butterfly wings? They look cool!

 

[4213jen]

Hey Nekolassa, sorry to hear about your Dad, but glad things are evening out for you now and that your Mum is settled in her new place.
I love your briefcase, and have been watching a few of them on Ebay, so snap, great taste! You did a great job on it too. I think I'm beginning to much prefer the older, well loved bags. The leather is just so much nicer when it has some age on it.
I am still loving your Cashin too. When I'm not using her, she is proudly displayed on my wall. It's a hard life down under!
I look forward to seeing some more of your rehabs soon

Hi!
As many of you know, my Dad passed last May and in the last few months, I have been helping my mother get into an apartment - I wish this on no one. Well, she's in her apt. and now we're renting the house. So while I am somewhat back....I still have much more to do.

Anywho, I managed to sneak a little rehab into my life and boy did I need it, check it out, my $72 eBay find rehabbed. http://www.flickr.com/photos/76058330@N03/

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Take care util next time.

p.s. I still lurk when I can

Oh and Jen - wonderful job on the Cashin, she looks amazing

 

[4213jen]

I'm loving your pictures, and your nails too. I'd be interested in hearing how much you can fit into your bag after you have rehabbed it..... waiting impatiently for the after pics!

Aaaaaaaand she was only in my posession for about 5 minutes before she got into the bath! (Woulda been immediately, but it took about 5 mins to wash a few dishes to clear the sink out for her LOL)

 

[GoStanford]

I hate using new bags too. I don't want to be the one that dirties it. I think I feel the same way about a lot of things. It is like when you get a new car. It is almost a relief when you get the first scratch on it because then you don't have to be as careful anymore.

I am not afraid to dunk anymore. I have gotten bags that are in perfect condition except for being misshapen and I am so glad that I dunked and reshaped them. I think you should go ahead and dunk. What color is your tote?

Late response - my tote is black. Based on my first and only rehab experience with a Rambler's Legacy I think a bath could help, especially since the glue is now flaking off in big pieces behind the inner zip pocket. I was so excited to have a brand new bag that is no longer made, but I can't use it like this with the glue flaking. I am just worried that soaking it will result in some structural problems.

 

[Jessi319]

Hi!
As many of you know, my Dad passed last May and in the last few months, I have been helping my mother get into an apartment - I wish this on no one. Well, she's in her apt. and now we're renting the house. So while I am somewhat back....I still have much more to do.

Anywho, I managed to sneak a little rehab into my life and boy did I need it, check it out, my $72 eBay find rehabbed. http://www.flickr.com/photos/76058330@N03/

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Take care util next time.

p.s. I still lurk when I can

Oh and Jen - wonderful job on the Cashin, she looks amazing

So good to see you back, or, as much as you can be!! And I'm jealous ...I LOVE THAT BAG!!!!