Thoughts on backing and refinishing a '66 Kodiak

[tomsm44]

Just curious what everybody's thoughts are on this.  I've refinished several bows that didn't have much collector value, and I backed one with snake skin earlier this year with good results.  

I had originally been against refinishing the Kodiak because it's a little more collectible, but I'm starting to think otherwise.  First off, the finish does have some wear and tear on it, I'd rate it at 75-85%, so it's not exactly collector grade.  I also think a new finish would protect it better in the long run because there are a couple small spots where the finish is worn completely off, the bottom tip being one of those spots.

Second, it's the main bow I've hunted with this year, and the original finish is pretty shiney.  I really like the satin finish I've used on the ones I've refinished for hunting, and I think it'd look good on this one also.  

Third, I don't have any intentions of selling it, so collector value doesn't really carry much weight with me anyway.  

I really like the way the bow I backed earlier with snake skin turned out, and if I do refinish this one, I may try to back it as well.  I'm thinking copperhead would look good with the reddish brown wood and brown glass on the '66 Kodiaks.

So let's hear what everybody thinks.  Do I refinish a classic, or do I keep my grubby hands off of it?

Thanks,
Matt

[Orion]

A 66 Kodiak really doesn't have much collector value IMO.  There are a lot of them around.  They sell for $200 to$300 depending on condition.  You refurbishing yours would probably add to the value.  I say have at it and have fun.

[tomsm44]

Thanks.  $200-$300 is pretty steep for my budget.  Most of my bows are down in the $65-$125 value range.  Might make a good project for this spring or summer.

[Ray Lyon]

I'd refinish if it's a working bow. Not a fan of snake skins personally but that's your choice. I also like satin finish.

[mangonboat]

What Ray said.

[McDave]

I have 3 Kodiacs, one from the 50's, one from the 60's, and one from the 70's. The one from the 60's, a dog leg 45#, 60", is the best shooter of the bunch. If I were you, I would keep it as a working bow and finish it in either satin or flat, minus the skins.

[Sixby]

Honestly I have gotten more on the average for the old Bears I have auctioned that I refinished and declared so than I have for really nice origonals. If you do a decent job I see no problem/ Just avoid sanding any of the decals off and the original lettering. I just go over them lightly with 400 grit. One time. Don't push it . LOL. I have sold several hundred old Bears so have a pretty fair base of experience . Take good pics if you decide to sell and declare what you have done.

God bless, Steve

[warpedarrow]

I would refinish any working bow where the finish is compromised.  Almost all of the mid sixties Bear bows have crazing in the varnish, even the target bows that have led a sheltered life.  Save the screen prints or sand them off, you can get new dry transfers to replace them if needed and the job looks much better if the entire limb is sanded and ALL of the old yellow finish is removed.  I try to save the handwritten specs on most jobs as it is a pita to rewrite them as nicely as was done at the factory.

To me putting skins on an old Bear is the equivalent of putting a set of longhorns on the hood of a Yugo.  It just doesn't fit.

[tomsm44]

Sounds like the general consensus is yes to refinishing, but no to snake skins.  Not decided for sure yet, but I'll take that into consideration.

Honestly, I wasn't ever a fan of snake skins either from the pictures I'd seen, but I killed a big timber rattler this past summer and decided to give it a go just for the heck of it.  I had an old Red Wing Hunter with black glass, which I'm also not a fan of for hunting, and a shiney finish, so I put the skin and a satin finish on it.  I actually liked the finished product a lot more than I expected to, and it all but disappears in the woods now.

Thanks again guys.

[ron w]

Refinish it to protect it......hunt and shoot it, and if you like snake skins go for it. It will be different and stand out in a crowd......enjoy it.

[Sean B]

The 66 is actually my favorite Kodiak. I have an original in mint condition. Yes, refinish it, but NO to the snake skins!!

[Sam McMichael]

I would refinish it but not with snake skin. Also, I like glossy finish, even on hunting bows.

[YORNOC]

Skin it, and enjoy it.
Bear made a bazillion bows. I have refinished at least 50 myself and another always turns up. They were a production bow, don't sweat it.
If it were bought as a collectible, you would have never shot it.
If you want to spray it with hideous goopy camo paint, do it! Its yours. Its made to hunt....doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, do what makes you feel good.

[crazynate]

It'd say refinish it. Wouldn't worry about value. Sometimes it makes them go up anyway