Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[Michelle1x]

I impulsively bought this ergo mini satchel and treated it with vinegar solution to remove the mold, until I noticed there’s a deep crack on the handle. I don’t know if leather glue can fix it so I might try leather filler, but I’m bit scared to sand it and repaint the bag, I hope I didn’t ruin this bag

not sure about the broken handle but the bag itself doesn't look too moldy to me? Bad mold leaves pits in the leather and/or can't be covered up with CPR + a little paint. If you can dunk it and cover it up with a little touch up, it isn't that moldy, that's my approach anyway.
Lots of 20 year old bags have mold I have discovered. If you left them all behind you wouldn't have much.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

How do you clean the satin interior and signature fabric?

I use a heavy duty upholstery cleaner foam spray. Spray it on, let it sit a minute, scrub lightly with a toothbrush, and wipe off with a damp wet towel.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

A little update with miss ergo, I haven’t got any time to fix the crack but she’s looking much better after getting conditioned. The discoloration and the dark spot kinda ick me though, I need to hold myself from repaint the whole bag

Are you using "leather CPR?" It's great, and I think would help. Then finish with blackrock leather 'n rich.

 

[cw99999]

Showing some before and after of my Blazer bag.

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Showing some before and after of my Blazer bag.

Looks beautiful! Now I want one.

 

[whateve]

Showing some before and after of my Blazer bag.

One of my favorite styles!

 

[cw99999]

My little wall of finished rehabs!

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

My little wall of finished rehabs!

You should showcase each one for us!!

 

[cw99999]

You should showcase each one for us!!

I gotta tidy up a little so I can take some pics. But I will!

 

[Aquamansion]

Looking for your thoughts and/or advice:

I purchased this 6460 after authentication in that sub-forum. I received it this weekend and I'm very happy with the condition of the leather which has great character IMHO, and little more than some scuffs and watermarks. The lining is remarkably clean and odor-free as well. This is my first rehab of a lined bag.

It does need thorough conditioning. I've seen contrasting opinions here and elsewhere on dunking lined bags. Given that the lining is as clean as it is, I am considering starting off with saddle soap instead of a dunk then following that with Leather CPR. I'm not concerned about darkening the color of the leather. In fact, I'd be happy to make the leather a little less yellow.

The handles have some really grimy areas - presumably from hands. I'm hoping those will also clean up to some degree with saddle soap. I'm not sure if dunking just the handles would be of any benefit or if that would just risk drastically changing the color from the bag itself.

I appreciate any input or suggestions you may have. Thanks!!

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

Pretty much done with my gallery bag rehab. I reattached the strap, glue-ing in place with a leather piece, and used some filler/edgekote on the edging scrapes. A few days ago, I thought I was done and photographed the bag. Terrible, blotchy, stained. So, it was definitely "blavy." Now, it's black. I used kiwi leather dye. With the pull-ed out flap photo, you can see the old color vs. the new external color. It's close. I think it looks better black. Three before photos (the non-attached strap, and 2 of the "gouges."), and a few afters. I just put on blackrock, so I think it's still looking a little shiny/sticky. I need to let it dry more and buff it again. I think this is a very cool style bag.

 

[GrippySocks]

I'm so excited, I scored big time today with a 1970s Basic Bag. I've been absolutely dying for an 80s or earlier Coach for so long but I can't afford any of the ones I find online, so imagine my shock when I found this scarlet beauty at the thrift shop today. $30!!! It even still had the original hangtag! Someone pinch me.

There's honestly not even much rehabbing to do, she's in fantastic shape and just needed a soak & a bit of brasso. After pics once she dries

 

[whateve]

I'm so excited, I scored big time today with a 1970s Basic Bag. I've been absolutely dying for an 80s or earlier Coach for so long but I can't afford any of the ones I find online, so imagine my shock when I found this scarlet beauty at the thrift shop today. $30!!! It even still had the original hangtag! Someone pinch me.

There's honestly not even much rehabbing to do, she's in fantastic shape and just needed a soak & a bit of brasso. After pics once she dries

Gorgeous! What a great score!

 

[whateve]

Looking for your thoughts and/or advice:

I purchased this 6460 after authentication in that sub-forum. I received it this weekend and I'm very happy with the condition of the leather which has great character IMHO, and little more than some scuffs and watermarks. The lining is remarkably clean and odor-free as well. This is my first rehab of a lined bag.

It does need thorough conditioning. I've seen contrasting opinions here and elsewhere on dunking lined bags. Given that the lining is as clean as it is, I am considering starting off with saddle soap instead of a dunk then following that with Leather CPR. I'm not concerned about darkening the color of the leather. In fact, I'd be happy to make the leather a little less yellow.

The handles have some really grimy areas - presumably from hands. I'm hoping those will also clean up to some degree with saddle soap. I'm not sure if dunking just the handles would be of any benefit or if that would just risk drastically changing the color from the bag itself.

I appreciate any input or suggestions you may have. Thanks!!

If it were mine, I would dunk but there is always a risk. I don't really think it is that risky. The creed may swell up with water and if you don't take pains to dry it quickly it might become unreadable. Still I think the leather would look a lot better after dunking and conditioning. Pull the lining out and let it dry right after the dunk and maybe use a hairdryer on the creed. I don't think you'll get as good results with saddle soap.

 

[Thriftycoach]

I found a beautiful early 90's Swinger 4040 in black, only problem is that it was without the strap. Any ideas on where to locate one? It looked so sad at the resale shop so I took it home, gave it a bath, reshaped it as it dried, rubbed some Bick 4 leather conditioner all over, Brasso on the brass and it is lovely again. These babies are so soft! Thank you for your help or direction for me.