Can this TeI3 be restored to its former glory?

TheDailyDuffer · October 7, 2012

I pulled the trigger on this TeI3 hoping to do (or have done for me) a restoration job. I regret to say that i may of jumped the gun on this a bit too early, and i didn't notice how badly the top line was messed up. Do you all think that it will still come out ok from BOS or the Scotty Custom Shop?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370661487922?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648

Scroll down for the pictures.

Lupino · October 7, 2012

The pics aren't great but the top line looks pretty banged up. The custom shop prob won't touch it, but if u sent it to bis or any of the others mentioned all over this site I'm sure somebody would tackle it

Shankopattamus · October 7, 2012

Whew! That is a rough one. The insert is so close to the topline of this putter that it would be hard to grind it without hurting the topline. I am usually an advocate for the Custom Shop, but I am pretty sure they will deny it. I think you would be better off trying BOS, or at worst, selling to try and get you money back.

Sorry

hebron1427 · October 7, 2012

Best bet is going to be lamont or sligher. BOS will likely not be able to handle this. Lamont probably wont want to, as i don't think he likes dealing with TeI3 (even though he could probably fix the top line on it). Slighter is probably going to be the only option for someone that actually CAN do the work (only he and lamont CAN) and will do it. however, i can recommend both lamont and slighter confidently.

as for cost...i have no clue. might end up costing you more than it's worth, but it's worth getting a quote

golfluvzme · October 7, 2012

Get ahold of a member here, RookieBlue7. He has done a few TeI3's and brought a few back from where they should never have gone. I no longer do any work on the TeI3's as they are very labor intensive and kicked my butt way too often, LOL.
Rookie might tackle it.
LaMont in AZ

KILLEDBYASHANKEDWEDGE · October 7, 2012

It looks like you might have to build up the top line by welding, if that can even be done. If that is the case, it is not worth the cost.

It almost looks like it has already had the topline ground down, once or twice.

If it is any consolation, the seller offers a 14 day return for this item.

golfluvzme · October 8, 2012

Rookie has done at least one that was this bad. He has the patience to make it look original and I'd give him a shot, before asking for your money back. It was not the seller's fault that you jumped and I get the feeling that you pretty much already accepted the responsibility on that front. No welding will be required and do yourself a favor and wait for Rookie's response. He is a good guy who is getting better with every putter that he turns out.
LaMont in AZ

Roboturner913 · October 8, 2012

Seems like you could fill in those craters with some exoxy or Bondo, redefine the top line, sand it all down nice and neat and paint. Granted, I've never done any kind of club resto job but I've patched enough dents and holes in my old truck and it's not that hard to DIY.

RookieBlue7 · October 8, 2012

I believe it'd straighten out, personally. I've already done one that was crushed worse than that before. They're a pain in the butt to do. I've got one here now I'm working on that had a partially crushed topline, its not crushed that much and the rest of the putter doesn't need much work, save two pretty ugly dings on the face that need reworking. It's a slow go because I haven't had much time to work on it. I worked on it some today in prep for the black ox, and still have a good deal of prep to do while being sick.

But, yes, in summation, I believe that top line could be straightened. I'd be glad to walk you through it if you want to try it yourself. Nothing is too far gone to be saved, IMO lol. Time, patience and a little elbow grease and anything is possible. Course I've also always been a tinkerer and my dad instilled that mentality in me (RIP).

RookieBlue7 · October 12, 2012

For reference, here's one that was crushed as bad as yours is that I'm working on right now. It also had 2 deep dings in the face. Still have some polish work left before getting it off to Black Ox.

Thrillhouse · October 13, 2012

For reference, here's one that was crushed as bad as yours is that I'm working on right now. It also had 2 deep dings in the face. Still have some polish work left before getting it off to Black Ox.

Wow, great work rook!

Shwagin1066 · October 13, 2012

For reference, here's one that was crushed as bad as yours is that I'm working on right now. It also had 2 deep dings in the face. Still have some polish work left before getting it off to Black Ox.

Wow, great work rook!

That is great work, but a lot of metal has been lost, as you can see how close the top of the insert is to the top of the face.

Thrillhouse · October 13, 2012

For reference, here's one that was crushed as bad as yours is that I'm working on right now. It also had 2 deep dings in the face. Still have some polish work left before getting it off to Black Ox.

Wow, great work rook!

That is great work, but a lot of metal has been lost, as you can see how close the top of the insert is to the top of the face.

Can't make an omlette without cracking a few eggs first!

RookieBlue7 · October 14, 2012

For reference, here's one that was crushed as bad as yours is that I'm working on right now. It also had 2 deep dings in the face. Still have some polish work left before getting it off to Black Ox.

Wow, great work rook!

That is great work, but a lot of metal has been lost, as you can see how close the top of the insert is to the top of the face.

It's exactly 1.87 grams lighter than when it arrived to me. I believe it'd been refinished once before, as the topline was already thin. I've got the prep work finished up and am getting it ready to send off for black ox. I'll post a few more pics of it at the state it's in now.

Here ya go: