I need a new zipper for my Air Force parka..............

[Will Carry]

This old USAF parka and I have been through some seriously cold weather together. I bought it at Friedman's Army Surplus in NashVegas in 1979 (when Nashville was a big, small town) The problem is that the zipper has rotted out and needs to be replaced. The local seamstress says it is too thick to use with her sewing machine. Since then, I have tried an upholsterer, a curtain maker, and a tent maker. None of them want to replace anything.  As a last resort I will sew it myself and screw it up. That is why I am asking TGO for any advice. The man in this picture was captured on my ring camera. I don't know who it is but he is strikingly handsome. 

 

Edited yesterday at 05:26 PM by Will Carry

[papa61]

I have a commercial version in blue that my dad bought in the early 70's when we still lived in Toledo. Needs the fur replaced from overheating in the dryer. My Mother was an excellent seamstress and wouldn't attempt it. I have the equipment to do it but not the skills. Find a saddle maker/leather worker with experience. And let us know if you find someone, I might find a piece of fur and get mine fixed. Yes, warmest coat I've ever seen. I don't care if It looks ancient, it's freakin' warm.

[Will Carry]

Thank you papa61. I will try a saddle maker! 

[gary_boom]

You might try a cobbler.

[BigK]

I'd swing by Tandy Leather and talk to them. There's still a pretty strong word of mouth there. I've seen some REALLY thick leather sewn with a machine. They might know a customer who does that kind of work.

[Defender]

6 hours ago, Will Carry said:

This old USAF parka and I have been through some seriously cold weather together. I bought it at Friedman's Army Surplus in NashVegas in 1979 (when Nashville was a big, small town) The problem is that the zipper has rotted out and needs to be replaced. The local seamstress says it is too thick to use with her sewing machine. Since then, I have tried an upholsterer, a curtain maker, and a tent maker. None of them want to replace anything.  As a last resort I will sew it myself and screw it up. That is why I am asking TGO for any advice. The man in this picture was captured on my ring camera. I don't know who it is but he is strikingly handsome. 

 

No help for you, but reminded me that I truly regret getting rid of the USAF parkas and other cold weather gear years ago. I had the parkas in long and short jacket styles and mukluks for my feet.

[DJTC45]

Here's a website that sells the miliary zipper, I don't know why a good alteration shop couldn't help you out.

 

https://go-armynavy.com/u-s-military-69-replacement-zipper-5-pack/

[BigK]

12 minutes ago, Defender said:

No help for you, but reminded me that I truly regret getting rid of the USAF parkas and other cold weather gear years ago. I had the parkas in long and short jacket styles and mukluks for my feet.

My dad came home from National Guard cold weather training one year and had some incredible gear, like mukluks, some of the warmest 2 layer gloves I've ever worn, and best of all, an arctic sleeping bag. I was a teenager at the time and he let me wear it on cold mornings deer hunting. The sleeping bag was a blessing at Boy Scout Winter Camp. I was the warmest one there.

[Grayfox54]

You might try checking Seamstress/ Alterations on Craig's List. Surly somebody out there can help you. 

[leroy]

Check here.  

 

leroy...