Bear "Cub" Bow Restore Questions

[Michael Salter]

I have recently obtained a Bear "Cub" recurve. It is pretty dirty from neglect. I think I can read the serial number as "5R3293", the AMO as "62", and the draw as "46#" but all are very hard to read due to the dirt. There is currently a string on it which measures 56 inches. I have not tried stringing it yet. The front side of the bow appears to be a smooth dark green and seems to just be very dirty. The belly looks like it may have been repainted as it appears to be a speckled medium green with very light green patches around the grip (possible white at one time?). The riser sides look to be a dark wood but that may just be grime. There appears to be a lighter color wood laminate in the limbs.

I want to restore this bow (and use it) if that is possible, but I would love to know a little more about it as well. My questions are: (1) Was this bow available in dark green? (2) Is the speckled medium green/patchy light green on the belly someone's attempt at repainting or original color that has worn off oddly? (3) What is the best way to remove old tape residue and years of caked-on grime without damaging what might be the original finish? (4) Is it possible that the actual draw weight is 46# or should it be 40#? (5) Is the 56 inch string possibly correct?

Any information on the bow or the planned restoration would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Msturm]

I have restored one that was white on the belly and mint green on the back. I recommend Goo gone to get rid of the dirt and grime without getting rid of the finish.  If there an cracks in the riser wood, or big cracks in the glass, post some pictures and people will be able to give you detailed advice on how to deal with them.

There are several good threads here on how to restore older beat up bows. Stock up on lock tight 420.  Good luck.

My Bear cub is 50 lbs and when I got it off of E#@y for 30 bucks,  it was beat to hell. I did the restore and it is now my favorite hunting bow.  

Good Luck!
Msturm

[Michael Salter]

Thanks, Msturm. I'll be trying the Goo Gone. Not sure why I didn't think of that myself since I use it often enough. May also try some warm water and Dawn dish detergent. If Dawn is safe enough to wash birds and animals after an oil spill, it's probably OK for an old recurve.