The Conversion Corral

[Chepstow]

Very impressive, Geldoc.

indeed a sharp collection of hats!

 

[Cattus Petasatus]

I'd like to convert "something" to a Spanish American War or Philippines style campaign hat. Any recommendations as to which brand/style would be easiest to convert? Thanks in advance...

Worf

I used an Akubra Snowy River. I'll post some pics tonight when I get home.

In the meantime check out this thread, http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...the-Campaign-Hat-Corps&highlight=campaign+hat

 

[Worf]

I used an Akubra Snowy River. I'll post some pics tonight when I get home.

In the meantime check out this thread, http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...the-Campaign-Hat-Corps&highlight=campaign+hat

Thanks, I've read through that thread in it's entirety at least twice. I was hoping to short-cut the process for a third LOL!

Worf

 

[bond]

Just an update to my new PB Milan that I finally re figured to my ideal style.
First pic shows it with brim at 2 3/4 which I changed to 2 1/2 by unwrapping and the re gluing to the brim edge . Also re steamed the crown shape to 3 1/2 in rear and 4 1/2 in front with a more pronounced diamond shape. Shane left me a 6" crown to work with so I was able to get a nice deep crease that holds its shape nicely . Also gave the brim edge a upturn like a pencil roll. I am liking the results now after working on this all wk . Ribbon is off a vintage Borsalino Milan and is hard to see but its a nice flash type of blue,silver,and gold.

 

[ManofKent]

Great work again Bond.

 

[bond]

Thanks manokent . Even though the changes were subtle they made all the difference now as the hat fits my face/head better aesthetically speaking. It's funny now I realize even as little as an 1/8 less or more on the brim can make or break a hat for me.

 

[Geldoc]

Subtle but elegant. Nice one, Bond.

 

[Doc Glockster]

Converted Stetson Austral.

This answers the question as to whether the crown is too short to convert to a telescoped crown. I actually have two Australs. This one is a size larger (7 3/8) than I normally get (7 1/4). This allowed me "extra room" to wet the crown and tease it into a telescoped crown. It actually took me several minutes to knead and work the crown from the open shape into a telescope. The felt stretches and flexes pretty readily when you wet it enough, and I'm pleased with the results.

I removed the ribbon hat band and replaced it with one from an old Bailey hat because I thought that gave it more of a "southwest look". I removed the Bailey nameplate and filled the hole with a Union kepi button from my parts box. Note that the kepi button is the type with two prongs instead of the type that has to be sewn in. The hat band was not sewn together, so I used a metal "staple" to join the ends. I may replace it with a different hat band later. I also tried the hat with a hat band from an old Stetson Revenger. That combination looked good as well. My other Austral in 7 1/4 is bone stock except I wet the crown and gave it a concave bash instead of the convex one, and I replaced the ribbon hat band with a handmade engraved leather one. I may post pics of that one eventually.

I'm beginning to like the Austral as a good, all-around hat for old west conversions. I tried out my telescoped hat with curled brim sides as well, and wore it for a few days like that. All in all, I like the wide, flat brim the best.

I currently have yet a third Austral on order which I plan to leave just as it came from the factory.

The first image is of a Stetson Austral as it comes from the factory. The second and third images are of my conversion. People have remarked that my conversion now looks like a "Clint Eastwood" hat.

 

[Alive'n'Amplified]

Nice job, Doc!

 

[Doc Glockster]

Nice job, Doc!

Thanks. Since I took those pics, I've actually been able to coax a pinch front out of the crown.

 

[DOGMAN]

Like your Milan,Bond.Good work on your hat also, Doc.

 

[bond]

Thank you Dman. Here is a beautiful vintage Borsalino featherweight in a rare color Bronzino or bronze. I resized it up and replaced the sweat only. Everything else is original. What's unusual for this one being a featherweight is that it still has a 5 1/2 open crown and a full 2 3/4 brim with a nice thin edge binding.
Just a super hat and one of the finest examples of a vintage borsalino that I have come across .
Before and after pics

 

[Lotsahats]

:eeek: :eusa_clap That's a beauty, Bond!

 

[ManofKent]

:eeek: :eusa_clap That's a beauty, Bond!

+1 - nice job

 

[TheDane]

A disclaimer before blood-dripping surgery images would be appropriate. We have young readers!

That's really a great job, Bond! :eusa_clap

 

[John Galt]

Very nice job on that Borso!


"Faint hat never won fair lady."

 

[hatophile]

Great job Bond!

 

[bond]

Thanks for the comments guys!

 

[Doc Glockster]

Stetson Austral Conversion, Part II.

I liked the way the other one turned out, so I decided to experiment with my other Austral. I had gotten tired of the flat brim banging into everything, so I decided to shape this one. I went with what I call "Sixties TV Show Cowboy Hat" for the curling. That's where the upturn in the brim is more prominent toward the front as it was in most TV westerns of Once Upon a Time. That has more to do with Hollywood than the Old West, but I think it looks cool.

This Austral lent itself to a simpler telescope bash, so I went with that. When all was said and done I noticed the hat's remarkable resemblance to a Stetson Revenger, so as a finishing touch I used a hat band that I salvaged from an old Revenger that had gotten damaged.

I used a full bottle of Kahl's hat stiffener to get the brim stiff as a board like I like it, and I was done.

 

[Geldoc]

Nice one, Bond.