Original or restore? "Now with Pics"

[bluegill]

Friends,

I just picked up sight unseen 2 Super Kodiaks a ‘67 and a ’72. I know in the long term I will sell these bows. Should I restore or keep the factory finish? What is more desirable? The 67 is clean other than hunting marks and stress lines. The 72 has 2 holes in the back of the riser (sight window) and hunting marks. Both are in good shootable condition. Ideas??

Thanks Sean

[Bjorn]

If you are going to hunt with them they need a good finish-you may as well restore them. The bow with the holes won't attract a lot of collectors, so original finish is not critical. The 67 you may want to leave alone.

[oldbohntr]

Similar question to whether or not to restore a cherry '57 T-Bird, or not.   No one would.  But, would you restore one that has potential to be beautiful again?

I would never refinish a bow that has a good original finish.  Bowdoc's polish does wonders for the little scuffs, etc.  But, if a fine old bow has breaches in the finish, holes, deep scratches, lots of stress, I don't enjoy looking at that...and it doesn't bring $ when you sell it either.  I've done quite a bit of spot repairs and refinishing that came out fine, but when a really good bow that's pretty much irreplaceable needs to look that way, I send it to bowdoc.  This isn't the antique roadshow where someone is going to tell you the item has more value with the "patina" left on it.....and, I wouldn't care if it was.  Years ago, I picked up a trashed 57#,1959 Kodiak for $75(actually, a good one was worth more then than they are now!)  I almost gave up on it, but there were some differences in the riser colors showing through the mung that was all over it.  Had a clue that was sapwood and that it might be a nice one. I sent it to bowdoc and it turned out to be one of the prettiest bows I've EVER had!  I have no problem saving a deserving old bow with a first class refinish.  It's not a question of reducing the value - you only do it to the special ones that need it!   I don't hesitate to pick up a bow done by Donnie...or to pay a good price for it.

I've only kept two Super K's from 30+ years of collecting.  Just compared them. One is a 73# that Fred gave to a friend he hunted with in 67, and was basically never used.  One is a 60#, 1969 that bowdoc redid some years ago(and it did need it!).  They both look new-most couldn't tell the difference.  Gotta say, they both have the same value to me.

[bluegill]

Thanks Friends,

I can't wait to get them in my hands later this week.

Sean

[d. ward]

I for one would say if the bow is mint original condition its the top of the list as value.The bad thing is most vintage bows were finished with a product or products that had shelf life and believe me the one year shelf life has more then expired on 99% of vintage bows finishes.If you look them over really really good you'll see there are not many in original mint condition.Thats what makes the few vintage bows that are in original mint condition top of the list for value bd

[bluegill]

Thanks again,

I hope to have the bows in hand and I'll share some pics when I can.

Sean

[bluegill]

As promised her are the pics of the two Super Kodiaks, both are in good straight shape just the expected hunting/handling marks.
 
The ‘67 is in good condition 60“ 45# @ 28”, The typical lateral cracks and a few spots on the palm of the riser.  

 
The ‘72 is 50# @ 28” and 60” long, It has two holes on the back of the riser (sight I am assuming), and a little thin spot on the shelf from where the plate had been removed. Belly decal, factory bushing up front and brass coin. Ser # KZ11800
 
 
They both shoot great, still the best factory produced bows IMHO.

Sean

[damascusdave]

Originally posted by bluegill:
Friends,

I just picked up sight unseen 2 Super Kodiaks a ‘67 and a ’72. I know in the long term I will sell these bows. Should I restore or keep the factory finish? What is more desirable? The 67 is clean other than hunting marks and stress lines. The 72 has 2 holes in the back of the riser (sight window) and hunting marks. Both are in good shootable condition. Ideas??

Thanks Sean

Sell these bows to buy better old bows, maybe. Sell these bows for any other reason would border on insanity. Shoot them just the way they are and enjoy.
DDave

[damascusdave]

BTW those are not lateral cracks, but rather vertical stress lines, absolutely cosmetic.

If they annoy you get some sticky backed polar fleece and cover them up.

DDave

[Steve95]

If you plan on selling them soon, I would not refinish. If you plan to shoot them, then I would seal/ refinish them. You can do a good job without removing the decals and the factory ink. Just glue cracks, lighty steel wool, spray. This protects the bow. Nice bows, good luck!

[stagetek]

I wouldn't hesitate to re-finish both of them.

[bluegill]

Thanks for the feedback on this. I guess I need to decide what I am doing with them first.  

Sean

[C Kerley]

I like really clean looking, new looking bows, and from what I see I'd probably refinish them.  I have a tendency to refinish most of what I buy, but I also buy beaters with that in mind and I very seldom sell one.

But I agree with everyone too, if you're thinking of selling them don't touch them.

[LONGSTYKES]

Shoot them the way they are, reasonable shape for their age ( Unlike some of us). Just enjoy they are quite striking Don

[d. ward]

its your call but if I were the new owner I would for sure at the very least (if they are going to be shot outdoors) spray over the original finish.The real problemo is the exposed corewood along the edges of the limbs.If that corewood gets wet once or twice it can cause some real damage bd

[Steven_CO]

Is there anything that can be done about the lateral cracks?

[d. ward]

yes Steve you can use a small syringe and fill them with loc-tite 420 bd

[Steven_CO]

Thanks bowdoc