I have been fixing up the '55 Kodiak Special and have the tip fixed. Did the first string up and immediately noticed it was out of tiller. It shoots OK and is the noted 58# @ 28" but it measures 5/8" positive tiller. Upper limb is weaker than lower. The usual positive tiller for most bows shot split fingered is about 3/16".
Here is the picture - upper limb at the right
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/55016.jpg)
I believe I can re tiller this bow by carefully sanding the belly glass on the lower limb to balance it better. This would lower the draw weight by 2-4 lbs and require refinishing.
The dilemma is this; should this 54 year old piece of Bear history be left as is for a collector and posterity? Or, should I rework it back into an effective hunting bow and use it?
Not much time or $ invested so far and trying to decide which way to go. What do you think?
I will watch the replies too. I have a '58 Grizzly with very similar measurements, and it also shoots just fine for my split finger shooting.
Well if it were mine,I would lieve it as is and still enjoy shooting it.I've seen alot of those specials polars and grizzly's from the same years look the same.I have a 1959 Grizzly that shoots just super.It also makes about the least noise of any bow I ever seem or shot or heard or you know what I mean.I do shoot spilt finger.bd
Shaun , if you do retiller dont sand the belly glass but rather narrow the sides of the lower limb, mainly the mid limb section
Every mid to late 50's Bear bow I own or have owned has been tillered like that. Most have been slightly under 1/2" positive. I haven't seen as many bows as others around here, but have had over 30 of 'em pass through my hands in the last year and a half. I'd leave it alone.