Author Topic: Grizzly gets a facelift! (FINISHED) (Read 1660 times)

Apex Predator · « **on:** November 19, 2008, 09:46:00 AM »

I am working two projects at once right now. I'm building a bow for a customer and also working a 1965 Grizzly.

This old Bear Grizzly is gonna be a beauty. I bought her on auction. She was missing a tip overlay. Back in the day Bear used paper phenolic overlays, which were not very durable. I am replacing both tips with linen phenolic overlay. I could shoot FF on her when I am done, but won't.

Here are a few before photos.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2008, 09:51:00 AM »

I used to know of a source for the Bear silkscreens. Can anyone help me?

Anyone have any good ideas on removing the coin? I remember someone with a good suggestion, but can't remember how to do it! I guess my memory isn't what it once was.

Here is one of the new tips in the rough stage.

ron w · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2008, 11:22:00 AM »

Thats going to be a nice shooter, I love them old Grizzes.

TimZeigler · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2008, 11:46:00 AM »

I think Rich and Don use the hot bolt trick to get the coins off. Not sure of all the required steps but the end results is a bolt that is stuck to coin is heated up to loosen the glue holding the coin, then the coin pops out with some movement of the bolt. Check with them in the Collectors forum. Tim

The Gopher · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2008, 11:05:00 PM »

should be a beauty and a shooter, can't wait to see it finished.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #5 on:** November 25, 2008, 07:53:00 AM »

I removed the coin using a method recommended. Heat a hex bolt head and hold it against the coin to transfer some heat. Then stick the bolt head to the coin with a gob of hot melt. After it sets up some, but still warm, gently wiggle it a little and the coin lifts right out with no damage.

SIXFOOTER · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2008, 10:48:00 PM »

Very Nice. I am watching thid with thoughts of refinishing a coule of old bows. Keep Posting

ron w · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2008, 09:32:00 PM »

Been awhile, hows the project coming. Like seeing the old girls fixed up.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2008, 07:13:00 PM »

Haven't had a chance to work on this one lately, but will get to it in a few days.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2008, 11:02:00 AM »

Well, found some time to work on this one some more. I have her almost finished with 150 grit. I have just a few more spots that need some old finish removed from. I couldn't find any decals, so I am attempting to salvage these. I tape over what I want to save and sand right up to the tape. I will remove the tape before final sanding with 220 grit. The only problem I see is a slightly yellow appearance of this 43 year old finish. I think it will be fine.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2008, 06:52:00 AM »

Some more work this morning. After removing the finish I found the start of some very mild stress lines. I decided to try and seep some super glue along the cracks. I don't know how the pros do it, but figured this was my best option.

While the super glue dried, I worked on cleaning up the coin. A little heat and the hot melt came right off. The hard part was removing the old Fullerplast that Bear had sprayed back 43 years ago. This stuff is tough! I first tried to soften it in acetone. No joy. I then took it to the kitchen sink and scrubbed it with dish soap and a scotch bright pad. That got most of it. I was able to pick the majority of what remained out with toothpicks. A good buffing, and she will be ready to glue back in.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2008, 07:25:00 AM »

Well, bad news! The upper Grizzly decal didn't fair so well. It mostly pulled off with the duct tape. The lower one is gonna be a winner. When I spray the new Fullerplast, it will be hardly noticeable.

I desperately need a Grizzly decal!!!!!

Apex Predator · « **Reply #12 on:** December 20, 2008, 07:38:00 AM »

I sprayed the riser, tips, and limb edges with three pore filling coats. I then sanded it all off and sprayed again. Here are the pores that I am trying to fill. Hopefully tonight it will be ready for final spraying.

PV · « **Reply #13 on:** December 21, 2008, 12:32:00 AM »

You've got some grain to fill :(
Don't know if you've tried this but I found I used fewer fill coats with fuller when I wiped it on unthinned rather than spraying the fill coats.
Looking good!!

Apex Predator · « **Reply #14 on:** December 23, 2008, 07:21:00 AM »

This one finished out very nicely, even though it's missing the Grizzly decal. I'm happy.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #15 on:** December 23, 2008, 07:28:00 AM »

BenBow · « **Reply #16 on:** December 23, 2008, 07:57:00 AM »

Great job. She looks good.

Holm-Made · « **Reply #17 on:** December 23, 2008, 08:43:00 AM »

Looks really good. How many coats did it take to fill the pores of that Zebrawood? Zebra is really poreous. Chad

Focusource · « **Reply #18 on:** December 23, 2008, 09:20:00 AM »

I have enjoyed this thread very much. Fred had such a great eye. The bow and graphics work so well together. The restoration looks great.

Apex Predator · « **Reply #19 on:** December 23, 2008, 09:34:00 AM »

Chad I sprayed three coats twice, sanding it all off each time. I sprayed 5 finish coats.

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Author Topic: Grizzly gets a facelift! (FINISHED) (Read 1660 times)

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