To restore or not restore? Post your projects
 

Taking a queue from Paul's piece, I thought a thread about whether to restore or not might be in order

Here's one item of mine. Ward's 1901 edition of his book (thanks again Jason), which seems harder to find than the 1888 editions. No back cover, and front damage as you can see. I'm leaning towards a full restoration. Any thoughts or other examples?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/9...3cc0975c_c.jpg

I agree. When it comes to books, an expert, high quality restoration always makes sense to me. Would love to see some "after" photos.

Great book, worth the restoration.

Who restores bats? Here's mine... Wenatchee Valley Junior College, 1965-68 "Yaz" model 125, though probably used well into the 80's.

It is very weathered.... so dry it is peeling apart, but good for a nice local history collection if restored/preserved.

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/...psbd12d6f4.jpg

I know 2 people that do wonders on restoring bats. But I'm going to be completely honest with you and say that it won't be worth it to you to restore this particular bat.

Thanks Nate. Value v. cost doesn't factor into local history preservation very often, but you're probably right. Unsure if I'll find another.

Well maybe it would to you then. To give you an idea, getting it restored would probably be around $500 depending on exact issues. Who knows, could be less. If you want the info, let me know. I could even show you a before and after.

I have absolutely zero artisitic talent, but here is something that I restored totally on my own. Original Shibe Park seats. I had to go from 3 seats to 2 because the legs on 1 of them were too badlly mangled. They look much better in person.

To restore was the answer to my question. With the help of a couple board members pointing me in the right direction (Matt & Nate) I got my Wenatchee Valley College Yaz Model 125 restored by Steve Abramson at BaseballBatRepair in Bangor, PA. This bat was so lifeless and pale it would make a goth fan envious. Now, it has new life breathed into the lumber. Simply a beautiful job and far less than estimates. Final cost $160, and worth every penny!:D

Before....
http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/...psbd12d6f4.jpg

After....
http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/...psd60d9e68.jpg

Brendan, nice ribbon end seats. Do you want to sell them?