Material to "bridge" between jacket & full zipper

[Triangleforge]

I need to get a full-circumference zipper installed in a Vanson Jacket at a local tailor, in order to attach to a set of Teknic leather pants with full & 8" zips. Looking at jackets from Joe Rocket, Teknic and others with full zips, they are attached to the jacket with a strip of stretchy fabric about 2-3" wide. Any idea what type of fabric would be best for that application? Something with just a bit of stretch to it, but thick/tough enough to stay together in the event I really need it to stay together.

My experiments with zipper placement -- mainly, safety-pinning the shorty 8" zipper to the existing Vanson 10" zipper -- show that I really do need the installed zipper a couple of inches lower. If I put them in the same spot, the jacket collar pulls pretty hard against my throat when I'm in riding position.

[Mostrobelle]

I had this done by a leather guy who does a lot of motorcycle work. He made a point of showing me how the zipper is supposed to be sewn in. I just took a look at my leathers... the zipper in the pants is sewn into the leather--not just hanging out on a piece of fabric. The zipper in the jacket is on 2-3" of a pretty heavy elastic material. I don't know what it is. It seems to also be sewn onto leather--not onto the lining. I had the work done by Johnson Leathers in San Francisco. I know that they do work for people from all over the country. There's another guy in Sacramento that's really good also. Not sure where you're at, but I could give you the info for either one of them if you like. They'd be happy to talk to you over the phone.

[Triangleforge]

That's exactly the set-up I'm looking for! Shoot me a PM or post info for the shops you had do the work; I'm in central Arizona, but would be happy to work long distance with someone who comes recommended.

[Mostrobelle]

Johnson Leather
Address: 1833 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (800) 730-7722 (local) (415) 863-8819
http://www.johnsonleather.com/

My favorite guy though is Richard Lee:
415.621.2738

Since you're in Arizona, I'd recommend Richard. Give him a call. He's quick (a few weeks?) and his prices are very good. He works for TigerAngel leathers as some sort of "authorized" independent repair guy. I don't know if you tried posting up on a more local board to you, but if you're short on choices locally, both of these outfits do very good/excellent work.

[Triangleforge]

Thanks! Did check with my local board -- http://www.ducatimonster.org/smf/ind...topic=107550.0 -- but didn't turn up any leads.

My options locally are pretty limited -- one tailor who'll work on leather (recommended by the local Harley clothing shop), but they've got no experience with the kind of job I've got in mind. My other local options are a host of saddle shops; again, lots of experience doing great work in leather, but not exactly on point.

One local option I've yet to explore is to contact the folks who organize moto track days down at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, but if that doesn't pan out, I'll be giving Richard a call.

Thanks again!