I picked up a 51# 1958 Grizz - I'm on a bit of a late 50's Bear craze currently - that needs a bit of repair. I knew the glass had lifted slightly at the string groove and I didn't think that would be a problem to fix, but looking the bow over it appears that there's a little water damage to the wood. Just figured I'd check in with guys who have repaired more of these than I've seen before I do much of anything.
Most of the discolored wood is just on the surface. I lightly sanded to confirm that. I also braced the bow low to check if the lams were seperating - not that I could see - and pulled it to half draw a few times. No knot on my head, so it's looking good so far.
What I'm planning on doing - if y'all agree - is to sand the finish off the bow on the lower 8" of the limb or so (well beyond the discolored sections) and saturate it with as much CA glue as it'll hold, wrap/clamp the area tightly, let it dry and repeat one or two more times. rub a few coats of truoil over to seal. Sound about right?
Other than this, there's not a mark on the bow. The strike plate looks like it may have had a dozen arrows pass over it and I'm hoping to be hunting with this one for a few years. I'm still amazed at the difference in craftsmanship between the late 50's bows, and the post '75 bows! Absolutely incredible!!