I'm a new member, so glad I found some people with the same afliction.
I just got a Southbeach MM1 jacket. (Just couldn't justify the cost of the abbyshot, at the time. Second thoughts now).
Kind of happy with it the leather is alright, the fit is good, the zip is a bit worring feels like it will break off or jam. The shoulder pads WTF were they thinking?
These have got to go, any one know of a suitable alternative in Australia?
I have a southbeach MM1 jacket and agree with you. It's good quality for the money, but you also get what you pay for. I'm always careful with the zipper...
As for the leather shoulder caps - I think they're leather because Southbeach makes everything out of leather. That's what they know and what they do. Their Road Warrior shoulder pad is leather. Even the Captain America shield they make is made out of leather!
I've heard people talk about replacing the shoulder caps on the jacket with proper plastic ones, but I don't know if anyone has done it yet. The trick would be finding some plastic pieces that are already just the right size and shape. After that, drilling holes in them and riveting them on should not be that difficult. It would also be a bonus if the caps were black plastic so that scratches won't show much. The ones from Abbyshot get easily scratched from what I hear. (then again, Max has a lot of scratches on his in the movie so maybe that's not a bad thing).
Some hardware stores sell kneepads that have plastic caps, and if you're lucky you may find some that are correct. I haven't had any luck with that myself, but so far I've only checked Home Depot (here in the U.S.).
1st problem was the shoulder pads do need replacing, im looking at what to use for that also, havnt found anything as yet, ideas please?, but will leave
as is if nothing else turns up, most people recognize it anyway especialy with the badges on it
the zip only lasted a few wears, i plan to get a new zip in soon, they arnt all that dear to get done. its still good to wear undone anyway,
the mrs put a new zip in my old 30year leather jacket so she may give mine a go, even though she said would be better just to get a shop to do it
Try these from Grainger. They are Westward brand 6NE68. I have a set waiting to go on a thrashed dumpster found jacket.
They look a bit bigger than the MM1s but still work.
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There is a raised "rim" around the edge to protect the stitches from damage. You can sand that down if you want
Karol, I'm not sure if you cover this on your site (can't verify 'cause it's down), but I just realized that Max's left shoulder cap has disappeared between MM1 and MM2. Odd, but maybe not surprising.
Max has no shoulder caps at all MM2 and beyond. I don't mention it on my site - I guess I always considered it pretty obvious. Wouldn't hurt to say something for all those who are new to Mad Max costuming I suppose.
Yeah, unlike some other things (like his pants and boots) Max's jacket does not stay the same or just get modified between MM1 and MM2, it changes completely. It's a different jacket, and even his serial number badge is different.
They came out pretty good, but there are a couple 'cons' to using them. They are made of white HDPE plastic, which doesn't take paint very well. They also have a raised 'CLC' logo molded into them which will need to be sanded off.
Overall, I think the jacket came out pretty good for a first attempt. I modded a regular UNIK motorcycle jacket by removing the epaulets and belt and adding waist tabs. I left the extra pockets but I tucked in the flap on the key pocket and removed the snap. The other zippers don't stand out too much. I also removed the collar snaps. Finished it up by adding the shoulder caps and a set of Abbyshot badges.
I'll be wearing the costume at DragonCon so some of you will be able to see it. Just look for the really tall guy in the MFP uniform.
Doug
A fella, a quick fella, might have a weapon under there. I'd have to pin his head to the panel.
Here in Oz I have been on the hunt for proper shoulder pads, found these but are little pricey, they are smooth and maybe the right size with a bit of trimming, whats your thoughts???????????
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Last edited by dusty hills on Sat Aug 22, 2009 12:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
If it's all the same to you....I'll drive that tanker!
WTF were they thinking?
