Adding armor to a non-armored jacket

[jesse v]

Hi all,
I have a First Manufacturing (yeah I know) leather jacket that is not armored, but I was thinking about adding at least elbow armor, . The jacket has a removable thermal liner, and under that is a permanent mesh lining.

Would it be feasible to attached the armor with Velcro? Soft side on the jacket, prickly side on the armor...? This would allow placement adjustment as well as removability.  It seems that Velcro, attached with Gorilla Glue, and fully covering the pieces of armor, will actually hold their position better than with a built-in pocket sewn onto the mesh lining (like most armored jackets are). AFAIK, the armor just has to stay in place during the jacket's normal use, up until the point of impact...It doesn't necessarily have to hold it's place for the rider to slide on, as if anyone would be sliding on their elbows anyway.

A product like this perhaps:  http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/armor/elbow_shoulder_knee:_installs_in_apparel/joe_rocket/ce_motorcycle_armor_for_jackets_pants_and_suits.html

If anyone has any experience with this, or better ideas, or reasons why this is a bad idea altogether, I'd love to hear.

[mxvet57]

Give Alexa a call.  http://www.spyderleatherworks.com/index.html

[1moreroad]

I did this for several years with velcro tape and knee pads in a pair of leather overpants.  I never crashed, but the pads did not move with normal wear and tear for a few years.  I've never had a problem with armor in pockets, though -- usually the pockets are sized tight enough that the armor doesn't move.

Is it a thick enough leather jacket with good seams to begin with?  There is a big difference between, say, Alpinestars and Wilsons.  No sense in adding armor to a jacket that will shred.  Looks like First Manufacturing makes a range of jackets.

Alternatively you could buy an armored shirt like this: http://www.bohnarmor.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=BGCRA or a compression suit.

You'll need elbow and shoulder armor plus a back protector.  Here's an alternative: http://www.highvelocitygear.com/jacket_armor.htm  I have no experience with the company.

[Mastros2]

I would suggest getting the armor that attaches to you and not the jacket.  It should stay put if you have a get off where the armor that attaches to the jacket may move around.  

Also, it will be a lot easier to adopt this type of armor to another jacket. Maybe something like this or the whole suit 1moreroad recommended?
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/armor/elbow_shoulder_knee:_worn_on_the_body/alpinestars/reflex_motorcycle_elbow_guards.html

[LENSMAN]

I have an armored zip on shirt from Bohn (actionstations) It has good shoulder, elbow, and a decent backpad. That will work if there's enough room in the jacket. If it's hot, sometimes I'll just wear  that and a long sleeved T-shirt over it.

[Kootenanny]

I have a pair of "Draggin Jeans," and the (optional) armour for them is held in with only a couple small strips of Velcro.  

I'd want shoulder and back armour too, though.

[ConPilot1]

I'd say for the time, effort and expense you're going to put into modifying a jacket, just go buy a proper armored jacket.

MSS sent me an email they have Tourmaster T-3 jackets for 188 bucks with a discount coupon.

Lots of good used jackets on the market as well.