Starting Indy & Info Thread

[Panzer]

Alright so after a few moths of have my jacket and read everything from threads here, Michelson ch 4&5, Indygear, and more.
There are so many choices for everything and trying to figure out what to go with is quite a challenge. I'm hoping my progress thread can also act as a good resource anchor with reviews and such of different parts of Indy items and gear. I know I (and others) could certainly benefit from the knowledge held by members here (especially those who happen to be members of Club Obi Wan).

So I won't duplicate the great info of vendors Indygear.com already has but will try to add a few things to it. Feel free to chime in if you have other sources or comments about products.

Where my research started
IndyGear.com

A few additions (I need to get this organized and then will post as I find them)

Todd's Costumes

So I'm hoping to get people's inputs on gear they have and their experience with certain vendors. I've got a ways to go with my setup, but hopefully some of the concentrated advice here can get someone else even further as well.

 

[Panzer]

End goal: Raiders era Indy (If not a little prior since I'm young)
My Gear Breakdown:


Jacket: Custom Wested Leather Jacket

Hat:

Shirt:

Pants:

Shoes:

Holster:

Whip:

Gun: Working on that one right now.

Weapons Belt:

Bag:

Feel free to add if I forgot something.

Photos so far:

 

[Panzer]

So first advice I'm looking may be the most iconic part to the costume and so I want to get it right. The hat! There are several suppliers out there with such a wide range prices. I'm looking for a nice, durable, accurate hat that I can wear daily if need be. There are several filling this role. Notably:

The Federation IV. A good hat that people seem to like and my original choice, but the strong Aussie dollar has made the price and shipping go higher then I would have preferred.
Akubra Barmah Fedora Panama Hats Indiana Jones Hats

Next is Todd's Costume Coyle's. A nicely priced hat with a good look, but considered by some not the most fit for normal use.
Todd's Costumes, Props, and Collectibles - CoylesDowntownerFedora

Hornet's Hats Adventurer. Haven't heard too much about this one but what I have seemed rather positive. Would be interested in more input.
Hornets Hats - Top Hats Panamas Dressage Bowlers Wool Felts Fur Felts Casual Hats Tweed Hats Tweed Caps

Lastly on my list is the Swerford Fur Felt Fedora. Supposedly made for Indy fans to match dimensions and such of our beloved fedora. This may be the one for me, but I would really like to hear more from experienced folks.
http://www.topsecrethats.com/Popular-Hats-and-Caps/Swerford-Fur-Felt-Fedora

So feel free to chime in with your feelings on hats whether they be on this list or not. For me though I think my hat lies in that list unless there is a similar priced and better alternative.

 

[encased]

I have a few hats including an HJ from a number of years ago. I also have a few vintage hats that Steve Delk reblocked as we both liked the same ones. A couple I bought from his own collection. I also have 2 Peters Bros. which are bulletproof.

It all depends on what you like. Plus you don't want to feel bad if you decide to mess them up or sit on them. I'm about to let some of mine go as I need to focus on some other items.

Wade Egan makes really nice bag straps. i have a few different ones from him. My other straps are from Noel Howard along with my shirts, pants and bag.

Bullwhips, I have David Morgan and Joe Strain. I might need to let one or 2 go and just keep the display one. David retired so his are hard to come by.

A lot depends on what you want to spend.

 

[Panzer]

Thanks for the input I'll put some research into those. Ideally I'm hoping to do a durable and accurate setup with the only specific parts being >$100 the hat and Jacket. So several really good items are out of my grasp. For now, as I like to think of costumes and such as something that get upgraded over time. For now I may go with Todd's whip for the price and since I have never handled one before so it will probably stay on my belt for the most part. Someday I'll go for the pricier whips.

Also here is the link to the aforementioned items that I could find:

Wade Egan Leather

David Morgan Whips

Joe Strain Whip

 

[DarkHelmet]

After 27 years of being Indy every Halloween that I dressed up, I am finally investing in SA Gear.

Got my Alden 405's
Got my Todd's shirt
Going to pull the trigger on a Todd's Raider Jacket as soon as he gets XL's back in stock, then will eventually get a LC jacket from Wested.

Also going to go with his pants when those are offered.

Going to get an Akubra Fed Deluxe

Even going to get myself S&W Model 22 1917...(not to costume in) but I can carry it here in Indiana if I wanted, in a screen accurate Indy Holster.

 

[encased]

No problem. Wade is awesome to deal with. I have 3 Wested's. 1st one is a dk brown lamb from 97 before he made the authentic color available. 2nd is goat in the authentic as I wanted a slightly heavier option in the closet. 3rd is dk brown goat I picked up from someone and I threw it on the mannequin.

Noel Howard's items were pricey and became even more so after his passing. The most accurate you'd find.

The whips are great if you know how to use them. I have an 8', 10' and 12' and each handle very differently. If you have never handled one i advise against trying on your own as you can severely hurt yourself. If you do decide to try go for a shorter length as you have more control.

One of my favorite hats is the Optimo. Look them up. A floppy hat with great feel and shape.

What are the specs on your jacket? Looks good. I see you have the inner leather facings. I like the jacket without them as it changes the drape and adds a lot of weight. You going for Raiders? TOD?

 

[Panzer]

Optimo Hats

Thanks for the compliments on the jacket. It is incredibly smooth, excellent leather. I'm finding it hard to want to weather it up, so I'm looking into some temporary weathering if I decide to. I wish I remembered the exact specs of my jacket, I'll have to see if I can track down some documentation on that. This one was a gift so I don't remember exactly what was done. I am going for a Raiders setup, which seems to be quite popular, but it is my favorite of the 3 movies hehe.

Darkhelmet, do post photos and reviews once you have your items in hand. I to am looking into Todd's pants once they come in. The Magnoli ones are a bit more then I'm hoping to go. Very cool on going for the real steel revolver. I'd fancy getting one too if I didn't have my eyes set on an FNX right now.

 

[Dave Ward]

As you’re slimmer built like me, I might caution you against the Todds shirt. It’s made well enough, but the size small fits baggy around the waist and the epaulettes don’t sit right, seeming as if they’ve been made for a much bigger shirt. Just my 2c.

 

[Panzer]

Well now that you mention shirts I was looking into getting the WPG shirt. I like their selection of sizes available. Anyone here with knowledge of their shirt?

WPG Shirt

A dollar less then Todd's and comes in a nicer selection of sizes, we may have a winner for me.

 

[Treadwell]

The WPG is a much thicker material (less screen accurate, but more durable if that's your preference) but you will have a much bigger problem getting a slim-looking fit than with Todd's. WPGs are tents.

 

[Panzer]

The WPG is a much thicker material (less screen accurate, but more durable if that's your preference) but you will have a much bigger problem getting a slim-looking fit than with Todd's. WPGs are tents.

Thanks for the input, yeah I'm really not looking for thicker living in Florida. Which shirt would you suggest for the tall and skinny?

 

[Treadwell]

WPG and Todd's are the only ones I've had. I don't know if the other sources are slimmer. Might have to just figure you'll have to get it tailored no matter the source.

 

[Panzer]

Hmm I might just have to go with the Magnoli Clothier's shirt. I've heard great things about it and it is made to order. It's a bit over the price point I was hoping for, but I'll survive. I need to figure which hat to go for though, that's the next thing I'm looking into ordering.

MC Adventure Shirt

 

[Dave Ward]

The Todd's shirt, the epaullettes seemed too long for the shoulders, creating a sort of arch or raised bridge effect. You could probably sew these down.

And as for the fit, it sort of billows out around the waist, making the beer belly version of the "pants tent". Again, if you were keen on this shirt otherwise, you could probably make sure you keep it tucked in tightly.
It's a nice shirt and the customer service is great, but I think it was designed for larger fella's and doesn't quite translate when scaled down.

 

[Panzer]

Thanks Dave, I may just spring for the Magnoli to get a better fir and hopefully more accurate shirt.

 

[Panzer]

It has been a very long time since I made this and so much has changed. Figured I'd pop in and provide an update though. From here I went and did most of my research at Club Obi Wan. While my setup isn't quite 100% where I want it to be I', quite happy with it and will upgrade it over time. Thus far I've received excellent reactions with it all though.

Album

Hat: Steele & Jones
Jacked: Custom Wested
Shirt:Made by a friend
Pants: Forgot which store I got them in
Boots: Sabago (have to look up which model)
Satchel: Magnoli Clothers
Satchel Strap: Wade Egan
Belt and whip holder: Todd's Costumes
Holster: Wade Egan
Gun: Resin purchased from friend
Whip: 8ft 8plait (I know the plait count should be higher to be accurate, but I was on a budget) Kangaroo hide Raiders whip by Jeremy McEachern


So the next big step I'd like to take with this setup os weathering. Now I don't have the heart in me to permanently weather my jacket and hat so I'm looking for something temporary, with rather easy cleanup preferably. I've heard taking chalk and crushing it inside of a sock is a good way to get a good nice and dusty look. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Indy Magnoli]

For temporary distressing of the jacket, get some Fuller's Earth. It'll make it look old and dusty, but then can be brushed off after use. I think Todd's sells it in small quantities.

Kind regards,
Magnoli

 

[sweeper]

I'm Not sure but could it be that the pants Looks a little Bit to green?

 

[ChaseKiefer]

Great Costume! Definetly nailed the Raiders look. :thumbsup

Fuller's Earth is going to be your best bet when it comes to temporary weathering.

If want a light weathered look on your jacket you can get a fine sandpaper (400 grit or higher) and lightly rub the seams to age them. For the other parts (shirt & pants) I would recommend lightly rubbing them in the dirt. Hope this helps.