suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion

[Shane Reed]

Just purchased the 57 Kodiak that was listed on the big site that is cut in half. I am looking to convert it to a takedown. I see 3rivers has a sleeve kit for doing this. Anyone have experience in such a project? Is there any other kits available for the conversion besides a latch set up? Who else carries a kit? And if I go for the sleeve style; what size large or small? I just couldm't help wanting to bring this bow back to life. Thanks, Shane

[Bjorn]

Sleeve is inexpensive and works well. It is way harder for a finished bow than a raw stave the alignment when you are using it to join halves of a new bow is tricky.

 

If you decide on a sleeve get the big one and either way this is a tough project.

[Shane Reed]

Guess I have my work cut out for me. No pun intended. ;-)

[Shane Reed]

Guess I have my work cut out for me. No pun intended. ;-)

[alaskabowhunter]

usually they were cut in half for a reason. You may have more issues to deal with than joining the two halves. The '57 Kodiaks are notorious for limb twist and risers that are cracked at the shelf. Just a couple things to look for once you get it. Good luck , I admire you taking on this rescue mission.

[Shane Reed]

Thank you Chuck. I hope that all turns out well. Limb twist can be taken care of I hope. That is if it needs to be. I read the description of where the bow may have been. Not sure how much to believe, but could be a neat item.

[alaskabowhunter]

I never enjoy stringing up a '57 Kodiak. It's always a rodeo. I went back and looked at the auction pics for your bow. I would guess the bow was returned to the factory because of all the stress cracks running through the working areas of the limbs and thus cut so it couldn't be shot again.... easily. Good luck and be careful, "you'll poke your eye out".    

[Shane Reed]

Will Do!

[Shane Reed]

Update,
 Bonus!!! The bow turns out to be a 56" 1957.
50#@26"

[raghorn]

Look at Big Jims site and view his videos as to how to fiberglass a sleeve. With the fiberglass the grip can be shaped as it is layered and sanded and filed after it sets up. If you do the metal sleeve is is a straight grip unless you do a build up of the heel with leather, bondo etc.

Where is it cut at? If it's at the throat then there is not enough wood to work with.

[Shane Reed]

[Shane Reed]

[raghorn]

Perhaps a hinge? Like the Connextion that Robertson had? Or there is the "L" shaped connection that YellowStone Bows used. Perhaps that was the early Treadway?
If it was me I would go with the fiberglass sleeve.

[Shane Reed]

As much as i hate to lose the leather grip, i think your right

[Shane Reed]

Does anyone make a center bolt system to screw  together?

[Shane Reed]

Found a topic that matches what I am looking for. Would like the system as shown in PV's post

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=005784;p=2

[raghorn]

You can do a leather grip over the fiberglass, look at Big Jims videos.

There is not enough wood in that Kodiak to do the bolt.

[Hobow]

Wasn't someone going to make you a new latch out of better steel to replace the previously replaced latch on a Grumley?  

Why not make two latches and use one of those?

That system seems like it would work well enough and it would have more of a period look.

[Shane Reed]

I have thought about that also. Would sure be a neat looking bow.

[raghorn]

Here is a Connexion hinge for sale:
 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=70;t=001715