My Peter Quill / Star Lord Short Jacket mod

[JonnyT]

After seeing Guardians Of The Galaxy I, like so many other people on here, immediately wanted a Peter Quill / Start Lord jacket. Not the long trench-coat from the opening title sequence, nor the Ravagers jacket from the battle of Xandar, I'm talking about the short red jacket he wears throughout the majority of the film, this one:



Now at the time when I was looking into buying one there wasn't anything that came close to screen accurate. However, after a bunch of searching I eventually settled on a leather jacket from a seller on eBay. The seller had a bunch of options including vinyl or real leather, stock size or custom made. I wanted a jacket that would last and the cost of the leather one was actually quite reasonable so I went with that option. Furthermore, to have one custom made to my measurements was only an extra £15 so I decided to treat myself.

So for just over £110 this is the jacket that arrived (from Karachi, Pakistan of all places):



Pros
I really like the colour of the jacket. I was worried it would be too bright red
It's not far off from the screen used version in terms of style so it's definitely in the right ball park
It smells amazing (what is it about new leather smell?)
It fits like a glove (it should do, it was custom made)
It was very reasonably priced

Cons (things that need changing)
No arm patch or valve and therefore also no embossing/wet molding on the sleeves
Wrong type of zip
The cuffs are straight cut rather than curved
No screen printed pattern on the body of the jacket
General shape is more box-style than fitted
Straps at either side of the jacket are just a bit too long and stick out slightly

All said and done it's a really nice leather jacket for just over £100 so you can't say fairer than that, but I wanted more screen accuracy, so here's what I've done so far and the plan going forward.

First off I bought a replacement zip from RPF member "Staar Lord Maan" on his zipper run thread here. I was able to order it to custom length and what arrived was awesome:



My only criticism of this zip is that the material it is mounted on is too bright red for my jacket. But I'm sure that can be knocked back and toned down a bit? (Suggestions anyone?)

So, new zip and jacket in hand I went along to a local leather garment specialist. The guys I took it to actually specialise in motorcycle leather repair and alteration so I figured they knew what they were doing.

While I was having them replace the zip I figured I'd ask about maybe taking the jacket in at the sides and making it more fitted. They were more than happy to oblige and even made a suggestion regarding the straps on either side of the jacket by the waist. They suggested sewing them to the jacket rather than having them loose as they would more than likely get caught on things like door handles etc. Ultimately damaging the jacket.

So after just five short days this is what I got back from the leather guys:



And I've gotta say I am absolutely chuffed with the alterations. I wear this jacket all the time at the minute. I love it. They were even nice enough to keep some of the leather they removed from the side and make a zipper pull. I know the pull is not screen accurate yet but at least the leather is there and won't take too much to sort out.

Initially the metal for the zipper was very bright and shiny but I've already found that after wearing the jacket most days for a week the shine has dulled a bit which is desirable.

I intend to have the cuffs of the jacket altered at some point, but my wallet can only handle one thing at a time.

Next on the list is the arm patch and valve.

I bought mine here from RPF member TheRocketeer. They took a bit longer than expected to arrive but when they did I was very pleased with them. They are very well made and finished:



Now, the current thing holding me back is the small matter of wet molding the leather on the arms of the jacket around the valve and the patch to look like this:



I asked and the motorcycle leather repair guys that I took my jacket to for alteration and they don't do this kind of work. I have absolutely zero skill in leather work or sewing so I'm kinda at a standstill. I know how it is done, there's a bunch of guys demoing how they went about doing it, like Staar Lord Maan's build thread here, but I just don't have the confidence to start cutting into my jacket (which I have really grown to love) and potentially cocking it up.

If any of you have any suggestions please let me know. I'm based in Farnborough, Hampshire in the UK.

 

[Staar Lord Maan]

Pardon the hijack, but....Click this.

I just did a bit of wet-work with the leather, myself. My first try. I hope this helps
Also, thanks for the Zipper run plug! How'd you like that Knowhere Craft Corp packaging? hehee...

Also...learn from other's mistakes...take a look at THIS if you happen to rub too hard on the leather while working those creases...

 

[JonnyT]

See, you clearly have the skills to pay the bills. The stuff you have done looks amazing. Even the accident and repair work you did looks great. I'm just terrified about ruining my jacket.

I'm fairly sure I could get the wet molding right but it's the likes of unpicking and re-stitching the lining etc. Plus I don't want the first time I try wet molding to be on my jacket.

I'd much rather just pay some of who knows what they are doing. These are skills I really want to learn but not on my new jacket, especially now it looks so bad ass with that awesome zip! :cool

By by the way, I'm totally loving the whole Knowhere Craft Corp stuff. I had a little geek-gasm when I opened up the package.

Pardon the hijack, but....Click this.

I just did a bit of wet-work with the leather, myself. My first try. I hope this helps
Also, thanks for the Zipper run plug! How'd you like that Knowhere Craft Corp packaging? hehee...

Also...learn from other's mistakes...take a look at THIS if you happen to rub too hard on the leather while working those creases...

 

[JonnyT]

So, my latest update is a quick and easy fix.

I had previously mentioned that the red material the teeth of the zip were mounted on was a bright red, whereas my jacket was more maroon.

I had a bunch of people recommend different techniques to darken it down, but I eventually took a chance and ordered some leather polish in the same colour as my jacket.

I then set about rubbing it into the exposed material of the zipper with a cloth stretched over my finger, working it into all the little spaces and then rubbing off the excess. I'm really pleased with the results:

Before:


After:


As as you can see the end result is pretty awesome. It's just a case of getting into all the little areas. I might get a toothbrush on the job.

The next thing I want to tackle is the zipper pull. More on that later.

 

[Staar Lord Maan]

Hey, let me know if you plan to switch out the brown strapping material they have in the inside of the elbows...I have the screen accurate gray elastic if you need some...
Actually, I picked up 1" Polypro belting before I knew it was elastic banding, so you have a style choice, here.
...say the word and I'll send it to ya!

 

[MrSouthpaw]

I have this same jacket. I had them use only non-perforated leather, didn't want the holes.

I keep going back and forth over modding it, or framing it with my Stan Lee and William Shatner pics (wore it when they were taken) and getting a new jacket.

 

[JonnyT]

Hey buddy,

Yeah swapping out the straps is definitely on my list of things to do. In fact one of the arm straps got caught on a door latch recently and came loose so it's climbed the priority list.

I'd love some of the screen accurate elastic please. That would be awesome!

Hey, let me know if you plan to switch out the brown strapping material they have in the inside of the elbows...I have the screen accurate gray elastic if you need some...
Actually, I picked up 1" Polypro belting before I knew it was elastic banding, so you have a style choice, here.
...say the word and I'll send it to ya!
View attachment 518621

 

[JonnyT]

I didn't know you could ask for it made without the holes. In retrospect I probably would have gone for that option.

If I were you I'd mod the jacket. It's a cool jacket and I wear mine most days when the weather allows (it's Summer at the moment so it's often just too hot).

I always get very positive comments about it whenever I wear it. Some people recognize it as from GOTG, others just think it's a cool jacket.

I have this same jacket. I had them use only non-perforated leather, didn't want the holes.

I keep going back and forth over modding it, or framing it with my Stan Lee and William Shatner pics (wore it when they were taken) and getting a new jacket.

 

[MrSouthpaw]

I didn't know you could ask for it made without the holes. In retrospect I probably would have gone for that option.

If I were you I'd mod the jacket. It's a cool jacket and I wear mine most days when the weather allows (it's Summer at the moment so it's often just too hot).

I always get very positive comments about it whenever I wear it. Some people recognize it as from GOTG, others just think it's a cool jacket.

I feel like I live in the only town in the country where nearly no one watched Guardians. No one recognizes the whole costume or the jacket. I may have to mod it, just because. But I still want one of those newer jackets with the screen printing and whatnot.

As far as summer-wear....

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=224276

A member here Bloop converted a jacket to the vest. That could very much be worn in the summer, especially since the back is open-mesh.

 

[JonnyT]

That's really cool, I don't know of many people doing the vest as it got such little screen time. It's definitely a cool piece. I feel like I'd need a motorbike or something to pull that off though.

These guys do the most screen accurate version of the jacket I've seen so far, but it's not cheap and you'd still need to mod it with the arm patch and valve.

Nice if you've got the wedge for it though :thumbsup

I feel like I live in the only town in the country where nearly no one watched Guardians. No one recognizes the whole costume or the jacket. I may have to mod it, just because. But I still want one of those newer jackets with the screen printing and whatnot.

As far as summer-wear....

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=224276

A member here @Bloop converted a jacket to the vest. That could very much be worn in the summer, especially since the back is open-mesh.

 

[MrSouthpaw]

That's really cool, I don't know of many people doing the vest as it got such little screen time. It's definitely a cool piece. I feel like I'd need a motorbike or something to pull that off though.

These guys do the most screen accurate version of the jacket I've seen so far, but it's not cheap and you'd still need to mod it with the arm patch and valve.

Nice if you've got the wedge for it though :thumbsup

If you can wear the jacket, you can wear the vest....:cool

Yeah, I'm very aware of the IM jacket. I have some concerns about the bicep-area geometry. I think the bicep-straps should sit more horizontally. Otherwise, that jacket looks like it jumped off the screen.

There is also the $350 short-jacket sold here by DannyL in the project runs. It's pretty good too. Not quit as accurate, you have to do some work. But half the price.

 

[JonnyT]

I guess I could pull off the vest...D

The Danny jacket is another pretty sweet option and a lot less heavy on the wallet, that's for sure.

Let me know if you decide to buy another jacket and which one you go for. I'd be interested to hear your honest opinion.

If you can wear the jacket, you can wear the vest....:cool

Yeah, I'm very aware of the IM jacket. I have some concerns about the bicep-area geometry. I think the bicep-straps should sit more horizontally. Otherwise, that jacket looks like it jumped off the screen.

There is also the $350 short-jacket sold here by DannyL in the project runs. It's pretty good too. Not quit as accurate, you have to do some work. But half the price.

 

[Chris27989]

JonnyT where did you get your jacket from on ebay? I live in the UK as well and am struggling to find a nice one for my build..

Thanks Chris

 

[Staar Lord Maan]

Kevin Gossett - did a fantastic review of that very jacket, here---> (Post 149 of the Danny 'Jacket' thread). He's got a few great close ups of it on that thread...
Also, jarvislatteier did a color mod he did using some bleach. his post can be seen here ---> (Post #204 of the same thread) His images are sideways, but are displayed in proper format on my Zipper run. Hit the 'page down' key a few times to find it here ---> (on Post #1)
With regards to Bloop's vest, He didn't use a Star Lord jacket to start, rather, he found a used ladies red leather jacket and just banged it out the hard way; and might I add...quite impressively! His thread can be found here --->(Star Lord vest - UPDATE - Oct 31st: Vest completed, plus full costume).

I guess I could pull off the vest...D

The Danny jacket is another pretty sweet option and a lot less heavy on the wallet, that's for sure.

Let me know if you decide to buy another jacket and which one you go for. I'd be interested to hear your honest opinion.

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I modded the livin' daylights otutta' mine and I got it from this place, here, albeit, it's not as 'maroon' as JonnyT's.
Be prepared to get your hands dirty putting the embossing placards into it as well as changing out those brown straps...

@JonnyT where did you get your jacket from on ebay? I live in the UK as well and am struggling to find a nice one for my build..

Thanks Chris

 

[JonnyT]

Hey Chris,

I bought my jacket from a seller on eBay. The Sellers name is PremiumLeatherItems. I was trying to find you a link but I've just had a look at their account and they now have nothing for sale.

I could be wrong but I suspect there are a number of sellers in the UK who all get their jackets from the same place. I ordered a Daryl Dixon vest from a different eBay seller recently and as it happens both my Star Lord Jacket and the Daryl Dixon Vest came from Pakistan.

If you search eBay for "Guardians Of The Galaxy Peter Quill Star Lord Chris Pratt Slim Fit Jacket - BNWT" you will get a bunch of sellers all selling the same jacket, with the same options of real leather,synthetic leather, standard sizing and custom made. They're all about the same price too.

Modding it will be where the fun begins!

@JonnyT where did you get your jacket from on ebay? I live in the UK as well and am struggling to find a nice one for my build..

Thanks Chris

- - - Updated - - -
Staar Lord Maan very cool post, thanks for taking the time to put that together bud :thumbsup I'll have a read in my down time and see what the score is.

 

[MrSouthpaw]

With regards to Bloop's vest, He didn't use a Star Lord jacket to start, rather, he found a used ladies red leather jacket and just banged it out the hard way; and might I add...quite impressively! His thread can be found here --->(Star Lord vest - UPDATE - Oct 31st: Vest completed, plus full costume).

Yeah, it's very impressive and I will probably attempt the same method. The end of that topic came just as the very first vest came up for offer. An ugly thing that both of us agreed was inferior to his work.

@JonnyT
If I do get one of the new jackets I will definitely post my opinion. But I can already tell you I am impressed with both and would probably be very happy with either.

 

[Staar Lord Maan]

Yeah, I saw that ebay auction too...I had a look at the back view and was all 'nope - that's supposed to be webbing'....so wrong....

Yeah, it's very impressive and I will probably attempt the same method. The end of that topic came just as the very first vest came up for offer. An ugly thing that both of us agreed was inferior to his work.

 

[MrSouthpaw]

Yeah, I saw that ebay auction too...I had a look at the back view and was all 'nope - that's supposed to be webbing'....so wrong....

Right. There is the one I linked to in @Bloops topic, that was the first for offer. Then another company came out with a vest with the ugliest greebles ever. They used round-headed studs for all the greebles, and that one is visible on ebay too.

There is a relatively new vest on ebay now for $139. Overall it looks good and would probably impress people who are not aware of Star-Lord details.

The detail problems are wrong greebles, they cut slits into the vest to run the suspender-straps instead of inserting horizontal strips into vertical slits and gluing or sewing them in, and the back is solid. Also, the valve is a crosshair shaped thing instead of an actual valve, and it doesn't have the piece under leather around the valve. Like what you did to your jacket arms. And the shoulders aren't quite right.

If you want a look at it, just go to ebay and search for "Star Lord vest" and it should be the first one that pops up.

 

[Staar Lord Maan]

Yeah, that's the one I was referring to...albeit, the leather is nice.

 

[MrSouthpaw]

Yeah, that's the one I was referring to...albeit, the leather is nice.

Ah, okay. The first available model I posted near the end of Bloops topic, they didn't even run the suspender straps to the back.

The $139 model has come the closest to getting the suspenders correct, save the way they did the suspender loops.