So I purchased a Joe Rocket jacket and pants that zip together. Somewhere I read that if they zip together, they're good enough for a beginner or maybe even intermediate track day. But I didn't read the fine print for the track groups out in the Pacific North West. As it turns out, for the sites I've checked, the zippers have to wrap completely around. Unfortunately, the zipper in my jacket and pants combo is a little 6-inch shortie on the back between the jacket and the pants.

So what to do?

- I can purchase a new suit, but it's not cheap, and I'd rather put the money towards a track day or three
- I can try and get away with a shortie-zipper but they may turn me away
- I can look at getting a sewer of industrial garments and have them put a zipper in for me that fits completely around


Do you folks have some advice for me?

If you decide to get a full zipper sewn in, I've used barnacle bill in the past and he does great work at a great price.  Alot of people at the track use him for repairs. 

http://www.racingleather.com/

Great advice Napster!I've checked out his website - and it looks like he does great work. I'm going to ask some of the local race-jocks in Washington state if there is an equivalent service here nearer where I live.  But this seems like a viable option.

Thanks.

I don't know what Bill will charge you, but any chance of returning it? Or if it's pretty brand new, maybe sell and buy a set that does have the full zipper. The wera racing forums have a great gear FS section. I wouldn't try to get away with it, likely you'll get turned away or have to rent a suit at the track, or maybe they won't notice and you'll get a bad belly rash if you lowside it! 

Thanks for the comments folks. I've checked around the Seattle area and it looks like there is someone who does this kind of work for the local Nesba chapter. I met up one someone who's affiliated with the group and he said the wouldn't let me on with a little 6" zipper. I would return the jacket and pants if I could - but I've been wearing them for a couple of months and there's no way that they'd accept a return. (I originally thought that the shortie-zipper would be enough). I should have done more research     Here is the the name of the tailor - it's Victoria A on 156th and Crossroads in Bellevue WA.

Any tailor can do it, they won't be sewing into leather.

Just bring a full circumference zipper and it's like $10. I might actually have a spare, since my A* pants came with one and my jacket had one too

Nice!! Thanks for the information - I never thought to pre purchase the zipper so that all they have to do is sew it in. I figured I'd go to a known tailor for this type of job since there might be some unique reinforced stitching involved. But what do I know?  Thanks for the helpful tip.