Couple of old Bears. Spruce-up underway.

[robtattoo]

I picked up these two beaters today. All I know is that one of 'em's a Super Grizzly 58" & 45#
Can anyone giveme a clue as to the year & value (I really want to know if it's 'worth' restoring)

T'other is some kind of Take Down (I've never seen a bolt-up Bear) It's marked as 60" although it looks more like a 62" & 70# (I think) Again, could someone give me an idea of age/value please. It also came with an 8-arrow spring arm quiver.

Pics.......

   
   

Super Grizz.....
   
   
   
   
   

[robtattoo]

Take Down.......

 
 
 
 
 
 

[Bjorn]

Rob, both bows look pretty good and a 'restoration' would not add anything of value. Enjoy them both and shoot the heck out of them; you may want toconsider not spending any money on them.
I am not familiar with that takedown, and just going by the pictures, if it really is 70# you may want to wear a helmet and a full Kevlar outfit the first coupla' times you shoot it-does not look like it was built to be a super heavy weight bow. No disrespect intended just going by the pics and a word of caution.

[OldSkoolArcher]

I had an 80's Bear TD Hunter in 50#. The bow was decent, I found it would really launch an arrow if you had a long draw length. It seemed like the limb would only "load up" at say 28"+, under that it would fall on it's face. They really don't have tons of value like Rich said. I also heard that those limbs were prone to twist easily, I had no problems with mine, but have read that on more than one occasion.

[Jim Picarelli]

I had a 65# TD Hunter..paid $125. It was my main fishing bow until the lower limb let go. Nice shooter though but it was tough to string

[d. ward]

Good hit Rob 1974 Super Grizzly and the Hunter T/D is around an 1984 I believe.As mentioned both bow are good shooters.The Hunter was Bear Archery made afordable to anyone take down.
The Super Griz is also a super good shooter and well worth using a little Birchwood & Casey gun stock finish to seal it up and enjoy bd

[robtattoo]

Thanks guys!

Bowdoc....the horizontal lines across the limbs of the Grizz. Are they just stress lines in the finish, would you say?
I've just been right through your refinish 101 thread & I'm really tempted to break out the wet & dry paper & try to re-finish her myself. Born the same year as I was built, so it'd be kinda nice to tidy her up a bit.

[Bjorn]

There ya' go Rob! Those are perfect bows to learn on. Follow bowdoc's instructions and don't forget the pics when you are done.

[d. ward]

yap Rob those lines running from edge to edge are in the finish only.Fact is those Super Grizzly's are really good shooters and it may be worth getting new decals from Al for it ???? bd

[robtattoo]

Thanks Doc. I've got the riser & top limb sanded back to the glass & it seems to be cleaning up nicely so far.

How do they hold up to a longer draw? I pull 30" & I don't want to do it any harm.

Do you know if Al's decals would be compatible with Birchwood Casey gunstock laquer?

Who is Al & how do I get some decals from him?

Sorry for the quizzing! Awesome job on Grant's new toy, by the way  

[Whip]

Looks like you found yourself a couple of good fishin bows Rob. Now you can stop abusing that fancy Morrison!

[Whip]

Oh, and the decals come from Al Harford. He goes by Al H here. I have his email addy at home if you need it.

[d. ward]

Al's email is [email protected] he should have the decals for that SG and yes the decals work well with Brichwood & Casey tru oil.Rob I believe bear archery listed thier bows as no draw limit meaning 30 should be OK.That Grizzly would gain about 6 pounds of draw weight at your draw length it should be fine bd

[jcar315]

Any "work in progress" type pictures? Would love to see them. I have been thinking about tackling a "refinish job" on a bow but have been a little leary. This might be the push I needed.

Thanks

[robtattoo]

Sure, I can take a few for ya!

[robtattoo]

Well, I got all the old finish sanded off, pretty much down to the glass. There's still a few, small, stubborn areas but I'm going slow & careful now so I don't remove any glass.

Oh, 'scuse the 'workbench' Best I've got for now & working on a swingseat in 89 degree weather, with a couple of cold beers is kinda relaxing!   :D  

 
 
 
 

This is at the 100 grit stage. I'll give it another sand down to 240 & then get to straightening the twisted lower limb. Oh & please don't think this is any kind of 'proper' restoration, it's purely a spruce up.  :D

[Bjorn]

Good choice.........looking forward to keeping abreast of this one.