Restoring a Ben Pearson Mustang

[BadKarma]

Not sure if this is the right place, but here goes. Came across an older Ben Pearson Mustang in very nice shape except for one thing. Someone had botched a linen fake snakeskin job on it. The rest of the bow is very nice. Got it at a yard sale for $10. Strings and shoots sweet, about a 50#.

I peeled the nasty cloth off, but it has a layer of what appears to be something like Tightbond. Anyone had any luck removing that after it's dried for like years? I had thought about GooGone but I thought I had better ask around.

Thanks guys. It's been awhile, but it's good to be back.

[Crooked Stic]

No expert here but probably start with steel wool or 220 grit If you are gonna refinish it you will probably want to get all the old finish off. I have used 180 grit to get old finish off also.

[BadKarma]

Thanks Stic. I was kinda hoping to keep the finish. The rest of the bow looks pristine, just this crap on the limbs.

[iohkus]

Refinish just the backs of the limbs. I can't think of any other way to get rid of years old dried glue that wouldn't take off the original finish too, AND may even damage the limb construction.

[yaderehey]

I bought a bow that had thick glue on the limbs because someone had put snake skins on the limbs that had loosened and came off.  I was originally going to re-skin it but it had such nice veneers I decided to try and restore it.  I scraped the thick layer of glue off with a cabinet scraper and then did some light sanding.  I put a couple of thin coats of Tru-oil on and finished with some spray poly.  All the work was strictly on the back of the limbs.  I tried to avoid any altering of the edges and belly sides.  It turned out really well.  The other option is putting some new skins on it.  
   I had thought about trying some chemicals to remove the glue, but decided against it.  It's a pretty tall order to ask for something to remove (destroy) the glue on the back of the limbs, but not effect the finish or more importantly the glue holding the limbs together.