Driving Suit Repair?

[Greg Amy]

I have a Sparco SFI multi-layer suit that has a stitched seam coming apart. In addition, I need to have some patches sewn on and I'd like some embroidery done.

Can anyone suggest some place that can do the repair and upgrades (and maybe even clean it up for me) while still maintaining the SFI rating?

[chuck baader]

Grega...will be glad to clean it for you...BUT....any work done on the suit must be done with nomex thread, most important the embrodery. Finding someone who can do all of this might be a chore. Might check the Sparco web site and query. Chuck

[Quickshoe]

Greg,

I understood that all embroidery in a race suit should be through the outermost layer only.

How old is this Sparco with a failing seam?

[Knestis]

Everything posted here so far is right on. You might try some of the smaller suit manufacturers stateside to see if they do repairs (like Competition Systems, Design500 in Seattle). You might also check with any Air Force know-whos, to see if a tailor near an airbase might be equipped for Nomex repairs. How about manufacturers of flight suits or EMT uniforms?

K

[Richy Gonzalez]

I'm not sure about embroidery but I having my suit repaired by www.WineCountryMotorsports.com. That's who Sparco USA told me to contact.

------------------
Richy Gonzalez
GB Racing - #24 ITA CRX
LAMIN-X Protective Films


[This message has been edited by Richy Gonzalez (edited November 19, 2003).]

[Greg Amy]

I understand the limitations, that's why I elected to not take it to Helga The Local Seamstress <grin>.

The suit's just over 18 months or so old, I bought it new in the spring of last year. One of the seams where the different colors of material come together is pulling apart, as if one of the threads is broken (not a tear in the material). I noticed it at the ARRC as I was getting out of the car after the race. I probably snagged and ripped a thread on a shoulder harness or something like that.

Thanks, all, for the suggestions, I'll definitely follow up on it.

Greg

[JohnRW]

Pegasus sells Nomex thread in several colors. Armed with that, you can find "Thelma the local seamstress" for your repairs. I've had good experiences with 'local tailoring and repairs" in all my flame-proof racing jammies.

If you haven't managed to get trapped in their spiderweb of mail lists...try a web search for "Pegasus Racing". Great People...

[Silkworm]

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/

Thx for the tip about the thread, didn't know they carried it.

Regards,

PaulC

[This message has been edited by Silkworm (edited November 20, 2003).]

[apr67]

My personal belife is that you should not sew your patches on with nomex thread.

Why? Patches are not fire proof. So sew them on with COTTON thread, the thread will burn and the patch will fall off. Much better than haveing a self fueling fire on your chest where your SCCA patch used to be.

And only sew through the outer layer of nomex Although this is minor because any burns you got from the cotton thread buring would likely be so minor that they would seem to be bug bites.

Alan

[RacerBill]

Grega:

Try Speedway Monogramming
4601 W 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
317-241-0912

They are right across the street from the the Indianapolis Motor Spedway, and do a lot of work for the teams. I have had work done there.

The last person I had d embroidery work done by was Al Unser Jr's mom, Wanda Devlin. She did a lot of work for team's also, but she sold her business to her partners, and I can't remember the name of the business, it may have been Stiches Two.