Thanks Mitch-
So I followed Steve's (and several other members advice). I also agree, the vice thing scares me a bit. I soaked the saddle, used some newspaper to get a base shape and the wrapped it very tightly with some twine. Let's hope that works. I'll report back.
Sean Flores San Francisco, CA
On Nov 23, 2008, at 7:45 AM, Mitch Harris wrote:
> On Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 8:08 AM, Steve Maas
> <bikestuff@nonlintec.com> wrote:
>> Try wetting the inside a bit where you need to straighten it,
>> enough to make
>> it flexible, but beyond that the amount of water isn't critical.
>> Then clamp
>> it in the shape you want, let it dry completely, and it should stay
>> that
>> way. If it doesn't, try again with more water. After it's in the
>> shape you
>> want, you can oil it; oiling won't cause it to resume its former
>> shape.
>>
>> If the saddle has been oiled a lot, this won't work. You might have
>> to soak
>> the whole thing to get oil out and water in. Sounds like an awful
>> thing to
>> do, I know, but this has worked for me without causing any damage.
>> And,
>> after all, if it doesn't work, you're only out five bucks.
>>
>
> Had good results using the method Steve describes although there are
> other methods in the archives. One way to clamp the saddle
> effectively I've found is using duct tape over plastic or newpaper.
> For example, cover the center of the saddle with a plastic bag to
> protect the leather from duct tape adhesive and then wrap the duct
> tape around the center of the saddle, wrapping progressively tighter
> until the saddle pulls into a tight shape. I've found that getting a
> narrow shape at the middle, like a corset, is the way to restore a
> Brooks shape--get the top flat, reduce side splay. Using tape reduces
> the chance of damaging the leather with sharp edges from a square
> edged clamp or bench vice. Important to let the saddle dry completely
> while clamped in shape, and that can take days.
>
> Mitch Harris
> Little Rock Canyon, Utah, USA