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Cal-Leather
- Thread starter Americanaaa Mark
- Start date
technovox
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,236
- Location
- San Francisco
It's been my experience in hunting for vintage Cal Leather jackets that the cafe racers are super hard to find...especially the ones with shoulder and elbow padding. For every 30 or 40 Cal Leather CHP jackets, maybe one cafe racer comes along. And the racing shirts are even more rare.
I've been to the Cal Leather shop in Ventura several times over the years, and met with Gwen, and yes, it is a very small operation. Consequently, I've found that if one orders one of their custom jackets, then be prepared to wait- it can take a while...a long while. But Gwen is extremely passionate about the Cal Leather history... and she is exceptionally talented and very knowledgeable about their jackets.
I've been to the Cal Leather shop in Ventura several times over the years, and met with Gwen, and yes, it is a very small operation. Consequently, I've found that if one orders one of their custom jackets, then be prepared to wait- it can take a while...a long while. But Gwen is extremely passionate about the Cal Leather history... and she is exceptionally talented and very knowledgeable about their jackets.
Last edited:
El Marro
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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- 3,485
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- California
That one is a keeper for sure! Great fit on you with or without the top hat!
Peter Bowden
Practically Family
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- 598
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- united kingdom
Spotted one on Etsy for circa £87!Don't shoot me!
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- 10,273
I was eyeballing it. Great score man. Fingers crossed it is as cool as it looks when it arrives.
Like TechnoV, I've worked with Gwen over the past 4 years now and she's been a pleasure to get to know, do business with. I have a Cal collection of jackets that is getting a bit out of hand... Anyone out there looking for a Cal jacket, let me know, I might be willing to sell a few. I can also help folks sort out the order process at Cal. It's a small operation but those of us that love Gwen, are always willing to pitch in a volunteer a hand.
Hey EM,
I have one exactly like it and it is from the 60s. One of their early 6 panel CR that came with optional shoulder and elbow padding. Mine is also unlined. I had Gwen at CL give mine a good once over and she added the Cal Label back. At the time, Gwen and I agreed to leave it unlined, just something about the raw feeling of the jacket in it's original state. After wearing mine a bit, I'm seriously considering asking Gwen to line it. Wear it and see what you think but the lining gives it some weight and ease of movement that unlined leather doesn't as it tends to hang up on your clothing. Still, it's an amazing jacket and the weight is much lighter than I expected. Makes for a great off bike wearing jacket.
El Marro
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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- 3,485
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This will be my first unlined leather jacket, so I guess I will have to see how I like it. Good to know that the folks at Cal can add a lining if I decide to go that way.
AbbaDatDeHat
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 8,645
Thought i might follow up on my earlier post of this CL Cross Zip. It’s my first and has led me to others. It was so dry and stiff upon arrival i was afraid to even move it. About 3 Pecards later it has presented very well and gained a pound or two. Tried to show some grain shots. Think i’ll call it Angus.
Be well. Bowen
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- 10,273
Stunning jacket.
Powerband
Practically Family
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- 840
That cross-zip goes great with you and the Velvet Underground. A beauty.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
AbbaDatDeHat
I'll Lock Up
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- 8,645
Greetings Powerband et al:
Ha ha. Thanks man. Yeah, Lou Reed could do a cross-zip no sweat!
Be well. Bowen
That is Cal's "LAPD" jacket. Their original design. Really nice condition on that one!
tropicalbob
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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- 3,954
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- miami, fl
One of my favorite combos: a black hat with a black leather jacket. BTW, there's a great biography of Reed that came out recently by Anthony DeCurtis. Honest, well written book.
Perfect fit!
AbbaDatDeHat
I'll Lock Up
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- 8,645
Greetings all:
Thanks Bob, black on black, i agree. Just not all black. The Goth thing kinda soured me on that. All black, only a few can pull off..Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, a few others like Lou Reed. Now he was a dark poignant musician...but man some of his songs brought to life some dark stuff back in the life then.
Be well and thanks. Bowen
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- 16,464
Holy God that's beautiful...
AbbaDatDeHat
I'll Lock Up
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- 8,645
Greetings Monitor et al:
I wanna thank everyone for all the kind words and likes on my Cal Leather posts. I appreciate them all.
Monitor, thanks i agree. I really like that jacket. Sad to say i have an exact twin to it, brown, pristine, with the mouton collar but it’s too small. If only another inch on the sleeves i’d wear the s**t outta it! Arggh
Be well all. Bowen
AbbaDatDeHat
I'll Lock Up
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- 8,645
Bumping this thread just so it doesn’t get lost.
B
B
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- 10,273
Adding a photo to help keep it from getting lost
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