FACTORY CAMO

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Is factory camo worth leaving on a bow? I have a couple grizzlys with factory camo on them and was wondering if it is worth leaving on. I like the wood look better but if I decide to trade or sell them would I be better off leaving them alone?

[MJB]

My opinion leave them factory camo. If down the road you decide to sell or trade. They wouldn't be original. Besides did I say I like factory camo    

[TRAP]

I think it's a matter of personal preference.  

I have a 61 Grizzly with factory camo leaf pattern.  I think it's damn cool the way it is but I'm sure it's prettier underneath.  

For me at least, I have other pretty bows so I'll leave it like it is.

Trap

[hotfootTG]

If you choose to remove the camo, be prepared for a surprise. 50-50 chance that the camo covered up some cosmetic flaw in a bow that would otherwise have gone out the door au-natural.
Al (Als Decals)

[Horney Toad]

It might look better, but it will lower the value somewhat.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

one is '68 looks like zebrawood under wear spot on grip other is a leather grip with a star stamped into it no serial #. If I took camo off Bowdoc would do it, does that make a differance?

[TRAP]

SNSB, the leather grip you just bought on the auction site is a 61 Grizzly.  I'm pretty sure they were all factory camo.  

In the case of the 61 Grizz, I dont think it matters who does the strip and refinnish.  I think it will be less valuable as a collectable bow if you remove the Camo.  

But it's your bow and it may be worth 3 times as much to you to have it redone.

Your choice, Trap

[ckruse]

My favorite factory camo is also the 61 Grizz with the cool leaf stencils. I wouldn't mess with one of those except maybe to touch up edges etc.

From what I'm told since that particular bow was going to be camo'ed for the year model, they used varying different butt ugly glass on many of them. Bowdoc can tell some interesting stories about what's hidden under that paint on occassion! CKruse

[kurtbel5]

Cam
What do you use to touch them up with? I have one,I was thinking of outlining the leaves in black,if you can tell me a better way, I'm all ears.Its kinda rough, but still a shooter.
         Kurt

[PAPALAPIN]

Michael

I don't know that I agree with everyone that removing the camo would deminish the value.  If you remove all the camo, there is no way to tell that it was once a camo model.  Under the paint you will find the same lettering as a non camo model.  

It may or may not be a blemished bow.  Even if it is, the slight blemish is sometimes imposible to find.  Sometimes more apparent.

In any case the factory paint has protected the finish all these years.  Under it you will probably find a really nice finish.  Most probably better than a non camo model will look like after 50+ years of abuse and exposure to the elements.

I had two Camo Kodiaks.  A '64 and a '65.  I cleaned the '65 to the original finish and it was gorgeous.  I used acetone to remove the paint.  It did not effect the finish under the paint.  I worked in small areas , used a little acetone on a reg, and lots ofrubbing. No abrasion iorsanding It came clean.

I would challenge anyone to tell that it was once a camo bow.

So hte question is, what has better collectors value.  A Camo Bear, A non Camo Bear, or a Camo Bear that has been "unpainted" and looks like an original non caom bow with a great original finish?

I still have the '64 Camo model and i will leave it as it is since it is the last one I have and I have 3 other '64 Kodiaks anyway.

[TRAP]

In the case of a 61 Grizzly where the entire run was Camo it will be pretty easy to tell the camo has been removed.  Micarta tips and big grip will give it away.

Who knows you may get lucky and find a gorgeous bow underneath.

You said earlier in the thread you liked wood more.  There's your answer.

Either way it will shoot great like the other 62" Grizzlies and you wont want to sell it anyway.  If I remember corectly that is a 50#.

Great bow (quiet and smooth) no matter what color it ends up.

Trap

[ckruse]

Kurt, all I've used is just camo paint in the correct olive drab base color to touch up nicked edges and and angles on the limbs etc.

Jack, I think your logic is correct for the special order camo bows of various years. They grabbed a production bow and sprayed it. The 61 Grizz was a dedicated camo bow for the year. I don't know that there will be ANY finish under the paint. That would be a better question for Don or Rich. CKruse

[PAPALAPIN]

I will bet my Jack Howard JET that there is a finish under the paint.  Just paint would not give the wood protection like a good finish.  I doubt that Bear would put out a bow without the proper protection, rather than just paint.

Just my thoughts.

HMmmmmm!!  A "61 grizzley without Camo!?!  Seems like it would be unique and almost one of a kind.

Actually I did not know that the '61 Griz was only sold in camo.

Once again, I have learned something new here.