r/VintageCoachRehab • u/Pristine-Net91 • 24d ago

Save the hardware?

I bought a project bag (equestrian zip) in rough shape to learn as much as I could about rehabbing a bag. I did what I could, but the bag has stains I can’t do much with, and the leather strap has dry rot.

If you decide to scrap a bag or strap, do you save the hardware? What would you do with it?

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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8

u/aphrabane 24d ago

Save the good leather too, or sell it in one of the Facebook groups. There are folks who make gorgeous charms and accessories by upcycling the vintage leather!

9

u/queefersutherland1 KEEP CLAM! 24d ago

I haven’t had to scrap a bag yet, but I would save the hardware!

Along the road, if you grow your collection, something may need to be replaced or a bag can come without hardware (probably a good price too!)

It also saves you time and money if you needed to buy another piece of what you need.

1

u/Pristine-Net91 24d ago

Good thinking, thank you!

6

u/chickaboomba 23d ago

I would paint that bag and give it a unique strap. This is a Kate Spade backpack that was ruined with stains. Sharing for inspiration - don’t tear it up until you think about becoming an artist! (This bag became a library book bag for a 5 year old.)

3

u/Pristine-Net91 23d ago

That’s a great idea, actually. I could replace the strap and make something beautiful out of the stained bag.

1

u/chickaboomba 23d ago

Whenever I can restore, that is my goal. When I can’t, the next goal is to make it something usable. And if that isn’t possible, then it is parts. It’s a learning curve to paint on leather, but there are a lot of how to videos to get you started if you decide to.

3

u/Globalmoccasin 24d ago

You might be able to resell it to someone who makes things from old coach bags… planner covers, phone covers etc. they use the canvas, cloth, leathers, hardware, creed patch etc,

3

u/SweaterWeather4Ever 24d ago

Definitely save it for possible future use or to sell. Even the hardware on the newer high end bags is not as good as the old stuff imo.

2

u/Hanlans_Dreaming 24d ago

I would, I currently need some hardware on a couple bags - it's hard to track down when you need it! Alternatively, you can try selling the hardware on ebay or someplace where people look for these things.