60s Bear bow finish?

[Apex Predator]

What finish did Bear use in 1965?  I've got one on the way with a missing tip overlay.  I plan to build two new matching tips and finish.  I really hate to strip the entire bow because it looks nice.  I am set up to spray fullerplast.

[d. ward]

Ap you got it.Fuller was the product used then.If you gently wet sand the bow(600-800 grit wet dry)before spraying it should match and stick well to the old finish.One note would be,some 1963-1966's had only one or two cotes of finish.Be careful around your silk screens or you can scratch right into the screening.Keep us posted on how she's going...bowdoc

[Apex Predator]

I was hoping to hear from you!  I haven't received it yet, but will take some before and after photos.  You wouldn't happen to know where I can find just enough material to make this look original would you?  Is it white and brown phenolic?  Here is a bad photo of the intact overlay.  It's a 65 Grizzly.  Thanks.

[d. ward]

Yes I do know where to get the paper micarta for those tip overlays.But if it were me working on your bow.I would beg you to use fiberglass wood or even deer antler (I like the fiberglass best of all)rather then the paper.The tip most likely fell off because the paper got a little tiny bit wet at some point and shrunk.Maybe the tip got hit on something and cracked the finish.Keep me posted on whatever you want to do.I would be more then happy to supply eather burnt orange or red along with the white fiberglass if you want.Just let me know.Now without being a wise guy and I sure don't want to get into a heated debate.But I actually think your bow is a 1964 rather then a 1965 as the 1965 already has factory installed fiberglass tip overlays rather then like the 64 which has paper.They changed the tips in late 1964 to glass..bowdoc

[Apex Predator]

No debate here!  It was advertised as a 1965, and the serial # looked good to me.  I'm no Bear expert though.  Does this help you date it?

I like to use fiberglass, or linen phenolic under hardwood on my bows.  I will probably do the same with this one.

Thanks for all your help by the way.

[d. ward]

Yap she's marked with the 5 most likely right before they changed overlays for the 65 model.Which is the same bow just different tip overlays...but I got a say 1964 because of the paper tips.One thing is for sure those are great shooting models.If you need any help with matirals as mentioned I would be more then happy to send then along at no charge.bd

[akdd]

Here is a pretty good article on dating Bear bows.
http://reviews.****.com/How-To-Date-Your-Fred-Bear-Bow_W0QQugidZ10000000001896218

[Apex Predator]

BD,  Any tips to removing the other tip without sanding the entire thing down to the back glass?  I hate to use heat.

[d. ward]

Well sometimes I kind of work a razor blade under them and then just keep working at it and it will usely come off pretty easy(don't gouge into the fiberglass).But most of the time do to the time involed.I just take them to the spindel sander and grind the old tips off.Leaveing just a very thin last layer of paper and then hand sand it off.Takes about 1-2 minutes to remove the old overlay with the spindel sander.About 10-60 minutes with razor blade.bd