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    • David Fudala
        January 2, 2015 at 12:01 am
        Post count: 224
        #5840

        Guys,

        I have a 1966 Bear Kodiak that was given to me by a close friend. It has worn on me to the point that it is my favorite bow to shoot. However, due to the extensive use I put it thru now, it is starting to show the old tell tale cracks in the glass. I don’t want to lose the bow to fatal damage but I also don’t want to retire it. Can these older bows be restored?

        Thanks!

      • Stephen Graf
        Moderator
          January 2, 2015 at 12:20 pm
          Post count: 2429
          #45719

          If the cracks are longitudinal (running the length of the limb) that isn’t fatal damage. Glass that doesn’t have scrim (cross weave added to longitudinal fibers) tends to do that after a time.

        • David Fudala
            January 2, 2015 at 11:54 pm
            Post count: 224
            #46261

            Thanks Steve,

            Ya. The cracks are longitudinal and I understand what you mean by the linear glass not being woven. My concern I guess is, now that it has started, has it put a definitive lifespan on the bow? And if so, can it be stopped or repaired?

          • Stephen Graf
            Moderator
              January 3, 2015 at 12:50 pm
              Post count: 2429
              #46866

              I don’t think there is anything you can do about it. The cracks themselves won’t shorten the life of the bow.

              But remember… Every bow ever built will fail eventually if it is used. Them’s just the facts.

              If the bow has value to you other than as a weapon, then (regardless of the cracks) you may want to hang it up.

            • Charles Ek
              Moderator
                January 6, 2015 at 1:52 am
                Post count: 566
                #49695

                You will search a long time before you find free resources that exceed Restoration 101 and How to Refinish a Vintage Bow.

              • William Warren
                Member
                  January 7, 2015 at 1:18 am
                  Post count: 1384
                  #50724

                  I have two older Bear bows and they both had those cracks in the glass when bought them used, one in 1978 and the other in 1982. They shoot fine. I consider them part of the “patina of age” 😀

                • Greg Ragan
                  Member
                    January 8, 2015 at 9:33 pm
                    Post count: 201
                    #52791

                    As stated the “regular” stress lines should not be a problem….but if you did want a makeover there is a guy named Rich Lopez that specializes in restoring old Bears. I believe you can find him at droptinetraditions.com.

                  • David Coulter
                    Member
                      January 9, 2015 at 10:51 pm
                      Post count: 2293
                      #53971

                      Bought a new bow, a Pilgrim, for a Christmas present. It has a few scuffs on it. Not enough to bother sending it back, but what should I use to polich it? Thanks, dwc

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