My strike plate has a spot where a piece of tape was removed that left a rough spot (not tape residue, it actually removed the leather finish). The rest of the plate is in nice shape and since it appears to be an original I don't want to replace it. Can this be buffed out or am I stuck with the way it looks? Or am I making a big deal about nothing and should just replace it with one of the reproduction plates?
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/bctgrad/IMG_0148a.jpg)
Thanks,
Brian
I would retain the original at all costs. You may want to try some tan shoe polish to try and disquise it or go to Tandy leather to see if they have anything.
Don't chuck that sideplate Brian.I got this '59' grizzly and it had some bad tape marks on the grip leather.I used some "Basics" acrylic,artist tube paint in "sienna" color and painted over it.
Basics is a budget acrylic paint.I bought it at Michaels craft store.Our Wally World used to sell it.The sienna in other brands is not the right color.
It may sound wierd to paint leather but understand that this paint soaks into the leather and dries as a very flexible vinyl like film.I have restored sideplates and handle leather on '54' and '57' Kodiaks and this Grizzly.It blends in well and wears well.I imagine it makes the leather water resistant.Acrylic paint,though water based,doesn't rehydrate once dry.
I wish I had a before picture of this bow to show you.I made the sideplate and colored that with the same acrylic.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/1959Grizzly016.jpg)
Remember,that grip leather was badly two-toned before the paint.The acrylic is so easy to apply.Brush it on or wipe it on.After it dries,you can buff it with a paper towel if you want.The stuff is opaque.That's how it covers the dark and light.It fills in the dry looking areas too and makes them match the surrounding leather.It doesn't change the look or feel of the leather.It just evens everything out but keeps that aged color.
Here is what the stuff looks like.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/1959Grizzly004.jpg)
Oh yeah-RAW sienna,not BURNT sienna,which is much darker.
That bow is too pretty to be in original condition. If it is, DON'T TOUCH IT.
If it has been refinished, then I see no problem with replacing the arrow plate, although it does not look that bad.
Jack, it is all original.
Here's the story: http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=004132
I plan on using the bow. Should I remove the strike plate, put it in a safe place and use a reproduction when I shoot it?
Brian
That strike plate doesen't look bad at all,but if it's making you crazy try that raw siena looks like it worked well for JimB. jmho
I agree with the "leave it as is" advice. I do have a few that I'm going to try the basics sienna on though.
Trap
Yep, I'd leave it too.
That site window is just GORGEOUS!!!