Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[LunaSilver]

Thanks for sharing! what dye do you use? And what type of cutter gives that crisp and sharp edges?

ETA: Do condition the finished strap with lots Leather CPR, as raw vege tanned leather is not oiled and require conditioning prior to use.
The dye will have some colour rub off, multiple cpr applications can help minimize that too.
I just used the cheap Feibing’s leather dye, they are ok for raw vege tanned leather if you are ok with some colour veriation. @Coachaddict4020 & @LadaZuri suggested some good quality dye in the past, but they are expensive.

I didn’t buy belt straps, instead I cut the straps out of a large piece full side cowhide. It is definitely easier to just buy belt strap, if you can find it in long enough length. I traced the strap ends pattern onto the leather, then cut out with a sharp utility knife. You need keep the blade in vertical position so the edges not in angle. A bit pratice on some thick scrap leather will help.
Photos are Olfa brand utility knife for cut out the strap ends, and rotary knife to cut long straight edge.

 

[LunaSilver]

Thanks for sharing all the information and your IG

You are welcome Lake

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Hey all,

I have done around four rehabs so far and would like some advice. The weak spot in my rehab game so far (aside from totally ignoring hardware so far) is the reshaping. I put towels inside to reshape, but I would love to hear tips and tricks for reshaping. Like, how to get it so the bottom of the bag doesn't sag??

Thanks!

I use bubble wrap instead of towels. I cram them in there tightly to create the shape, (I've got big puffy bubble wrap with giant bubbles and tiny bubblewrap--and I mix and match to stuff it) and then I push inward from the outside until I like the shape. Sometimes I'll grab the bottom of the bag's edges with my fingers and pull and stretch to get it to sit upright. Treat that bag like an army recruit and tell it who's boss. (You are.)

 

[VintageEnthusiast]

Quote my own post to share how I made this strap. I recently posted it on instagram.( I am still just learning about how to use instagram).
Also made a red strap for the Rambler, and a burgundy one for the Shoulder bag.


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They look fantastic - I wish I had your talent!

 

[VintageEnthusiast]

So unhappy today - I spent quite a lot on an early Spectator bag to rehab but the rehab has not gone well. The reinforced bottom has rumpled in one corner, and despite many treatments of CPR the bag has not regained its original color - it still looks very faded on and under the front flap, and the front flap is not flat! I have tried re-dunking just the flap, but no help there. Important lesson learnt - not all bags will rehab well following a dunk and CPR so don't spend too much. Since joining this forum all have gone perfectly well up until now.....

 

[robynH]

Hi everyone, I’m getting ready to start on my first rehab and I’m really nervous! I’ve tried to learn by reading here and I want to make sure I’m on the right track. Bath with Dawn, rinse, stuff with towels to shape. When it is damp, apply CPR, and later when it is dry Blackrock leather & rich? I’m hoping to restore a vintage crescent that is pretty gross, it is obviously well loved. I guess I need metal polish as well for the brass on the crescent. I thought I might try this process first on my 9132 which I feel like is in really good condition. I appreciate any tips!

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Hi everyone, I’m getting ready to start on my first rehab and I’m really nervous! I’ve tried to learn by reading here and I want to make sure I’m on the right track. Bath with Dawn, rinse, stuff with towels to shape. When it is damp, apply CPR, and later when it is dry Blackrock leather & rich? I’m hoping to restore a vintage crescent that is pretty gross, it is obviously well loved. I guess I need metal polish as well for the brass on the crescent. I thought I might try this process first on my 9132 which I feel like is in really good condition. I appreciate any tips! View attachment 5628318View attachment 5628319View attachment 5628320

I add several applications of leather CPR, and maybe more than one blackrocks at the end, too. Judge by the feel/look of the leather. I had one vintage piece, I probably gave it about 8 or 9 CPRs. I'll share a before pic and an after if I can find one. For brass polishing, I use brasso, however there are lots of recommendations in here.

 

[robynH]

I add several applications of leather CPR, and maybe more than one blackrocks at the end, too. Judge by the feel/look of the leather. I had one vintage piece, I probably gave it about 8 or 9 CPRs. I'll share a before pic and an after if I can find one. For brass polishing, I use brasso, however there are lots of recommendations in here.

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Connie, that is amazing!

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Connie, that is amazing!

I really do love leather CPR. I think it's a fantastic product, and it works magic.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Again, I'm taking on another "this item was treated badly" rehab. I do like a challenge!! I'm not sure what those black marks are...the wallet has not arrived yet.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

OK, here's a question. Maybe this is more a "vintage chat" question than a rehab question. Do the little sticking out doohickies to attach the strap face the bag or away from the bag. ?? (This is a station bag.) Edit: This is one of my rehabs in process. I replaced the main turnlock piece...and that was SO HARD to get it back on inside the pocket. Edit comment #2: All 4 of those bottom front corners were ripped.

 

[Narnanz]

Di you mean the clasps?...I think it's just personal preference

 

[whateve]

Again, I'm taking on another "this item was treated badly" rehab. I do like a challenge!! I'm not sure what those black marks are...the wallet has not arrived yet.

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The thinner leather on wallets doesn't rehab as nicely as bags, and it is hard to get it to not rumple if you dunk. If you do dunk, I would probably use weight on it while is dries. That verdigris looks terrible!

 

[whateve]

OK, here's a question. Maybe this is more a "vintage chat" question than a rehab question. Do the little sticking out doohickies to attach the strap face the bag or away from the bag. ?? (This is a station bag.) Edit: This is one of my rehabs in process. I replaced the main turnlock piece...and that was SO HARD to get it back on inside the pocket. Edit comment #2: All 4 of those bottom front corners were ripped.


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I'm not sure it matters

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

The thinner leather on wallets doesn't rehab as nicely as bags, and it is hard to get it to not rumple if you dunk. If you do dunk, I would probably use weight on it while is dries. That verdigris looks terrible!

It does! And thank you!