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Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Shane Reed on May 27, 2013, 03:30:00 PM

Title: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on May 27, 2013, 03:30:00 PM
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
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Bjorn on May 27, 2013, 05:09:00 PM
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.

  (http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/bjornweb/DSCN0319.jpg) (http://s139.photobucket.com/user/bjornweb/media/DSCN0319.jpg.html)

If you decide on a sleeve get the big one and either way this is a tough project.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on May 27, 2013, 05:30:00 PM
Guess I have my work cut out for me. No pun intended. ;-)
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on May 27, 2013, 06:51:00 PM
Guess I have my work cut out for me. No pun intended. ;-)
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: alaskabowhunter on May 27, 2013, 07:52:00 PM
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.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on May 27, 2013, 08:20:00 PM
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.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: alaskabowhunter on May 27, 2013, 10:34:00 PM
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".     ;)
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on May 27, 2013, 10:57:00 PM
Will Do!
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 03, 2013, 12:38:00 PM
Update,
 Bonus!!! The bow turns out to be a 56" 1957.
50#@26"
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: raghorn on June 03, 2013, 01:08:00 PM
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.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 03, 2013, 01:30:00 PM
 (http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad215/mrgq4126/101_2771.jpg) (http://s937.photobucket.com/user/mrgq4126/media/101_2771.jpg.html)
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 03, 2013, 01:33:00 PM
 (http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad215/mrgq4126/101_2773.jpg) (http://s937.photobucket.com/user/mrgq4126/media/101_2773.jpg.html)
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: raghorn on June 03, 2013, 02:15:00 PM
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.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 03, 2013, 02:23:00 PM
As much as i hate to lose the leather grip, i think your right
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 03, 2013, 03:22:00 PM
Does anyone make a center bolt system to screw  together?
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 03, 2013, 03:38:00 PM
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
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: raghorn on June 03, 2013, 05:41:00 PM
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.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Hobow on June 04, 2013, 12:55:00 AM
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.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 04, 2013, 07:32:00 AM
I have thought about that also. Would sure be a neat looking bow.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: raghorn on June 04, 2013, 10:56:00 AM
Here is a Connexion hinge for sale:
 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=70;t=001715
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 04, 2013, 03:52:00 PM
Thank you Ron. I see someone is already on it. I have reached out to Big Jim to see if he would be willing to take on the project.
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: BigJim on June 04, 2013, 08:30:00 PM
That bow won't handle a bolt as most won't unless they are built specifically for it. As far as not having enough wood for it isn't the problem. risers built of wood can't handle a bolt.
I would also be at least a little concerned that there is no reinforcement in the riser for any takedown.
Bigjim
Title: Re: suggestions needed 57 Kodiak is 56" conversion
Post by: Shane Reed on June 04, 2013, 09:55:00 PM
Jim,
 Thank you for getting back to me.

Shane