Scotty Cameron is a famous name in the world of golf putters. The company has been producing high-quality putters for over 25 years, and their products are trusted by some of the best golfers in the world. Scotty Cameron putters are known for their precision, craftsmanship, and excellent design. They are also popular among golf enthusiasts who collect and restore vintage putters.
What is a Scotty Cameron Restoration?
Restoration is a process of repairing and reviving an old or damaged item to its original state. In the context of Scotty Cameron putters, restoration involves cleaning, polishing, and repairing the putter head, shaft, and grip. A Scotty Cameron putter restoration can be done by a professional or as a DIY project.
DIY Scotty Cameron Restoration
Restoring a Scotty Cameron putter can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. It requires some basic tools, materials, and skills, but the process is straightforward and can be completed in a few hours.
Tools and Materials Required:
- Scotty Cameron putter
- Rubbing alcohol
- Soft cloth or towel
- Sandpaper (600-grit, 800-grit, and 1000-grit)
- Steel wool (0000 grade)
- Metal polish
- Brass brush
- Grip solvent
- New grip
- Epoxy glue
- Putter cover
Steps for DIY Scotty Cameron Restoration:
Step 1: Clean the Putter Head
Use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth or towel to clean the putter head thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime, or oil from the putter and prepare it for the restoration process.
Step 2: Remove Old Grip
Use a grip solvent to remove the old grip from the putter shaft. Once the grip is removed, clean the shaft with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.
Step 3: Sand the Putter Head
Use 600-grit sandpaper to sand the putter head gently. This will remove any scratches, nicks, or imperfections on the surface. Repeat the process with 800-grit sandpaper and then with 1000-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth.
Step 4: Polish the Putter Head
Use metal polish and a soft cloth to polish the putter head. Apply the polish evenly and rub it in a circular motion until the surface shines. Use a brass brush to clean the grooves and remove any debris.
Step 5: Sand the Putter Shaft
Use 0000 grade steel wool to sand the putter shaft gently. This will remove any rust or oxidation on the surface. Repeat the process until the shaft is smooth and shiny.
Step 6: Install New Grip
Apply epoxy glue to the putter shaft and inside the new grip. Slide the grip onto the shaft and align it with the putter head. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before using the putter.
Step 7: Add Putter Cover
Protect the restored putter by adding a putter cover. This will keep the putter head and grip clean and prevent any damage during transport or storage.
Tips for DIY Scotty Cameron Restoration
While the process of restoring a Scotty Cameron putter is straightforward, there are some tips that can help you achieve better results:
- Take your time: Restoration is a slow process that requires patience and attention to detail. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes or uneven results.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Some of the materials used in restoration, such as metal polish and grip solvent, can be toxic or emit fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals.
- Use the right tools: Using the right tools for each step of the process can make the restoration easier and more effective. Make sure you have sandpaper, steel wool, metal polish, a brass brush, and a grip solvent on hand.
- Protect the putter head: When sanding the putter head, make sure to protect the logo and any other engravings or markings. Cover them with tape or a protective film to avoid damaging them.
- Be gentle with the shaft: When sanding the shaft, use a light touch to avoid removing too much material or damaging the surface.
- Test the grip size: Before installing the new grip, test it for size and comfort. A grip that is too small or too big can affect your swing and grip pressure.
Materials and Tools Needed
| Material/Tool | Purpose | Recommended Brand/Model | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetone | Remove old paint and adhesive | Klean-Strip | $8 |
| Rust remover | Remove rust from club head | Evapo-Rust | $12 |
| Sandpaper (various grits) | Sand club head and grip | 3M | $10 |
| Epoxy adhesive | Bond broken parts of club | Gorilla Epoxy | $8 |
| Paint (various colors) | Refinish club head | Rust-Oleum | $5 per can |
Steps for Removing Old Paint and Adhesive
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove grip from club shaft |
| 2 | Apply acetone to club head to dissolve old paint and adhesive |
| 3 | Use a scraper or wire brush to remove remaining paint and adhesive |
| 4 | Clean club head with soap and water |
Steps for Refinishing
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sand club head with coarse grit sandpaper to remove old finish |
| 2 | Progressively use finer grit sandpaper to smooth out club head |
| 3 | Apply new paint to club head in desired color |
| 4 | Allow paint to dry completely |
| 5 | Apply clear coat to protect the new paint job |
Common Issues with Scotty Cameron Putters and How to Fix Them
| Issue | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Loose grip | Grip is not secured to club shaft | Re-grip club with new grip |
| Dents in club head | Club head is dented or damaged | Use epoxy to fill in dents and sand down |
| Rust on club head | Club head has rusted over time | Use rust remover to clean and sand down |
| Loose shaft | Club head is not secured to shaft | Use epoxy to bond shaft and club head together |
| Scratches on club head | Club head has scratches or blemishes | Sand down club head and refinish with new paint |
Tips for a Successful Scotty Cameron Putter Restoration
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Take your time | Rushing through the restoration process can result in mistakes |
| Use high-quality materials | Cheap materials can lead to a subpar restoration job |
| Follow instructions carefully | Make sure to follow all instructions when using chemicals or adhesives |
| Practice on a scrap club first | If you are new to club restoration, practice on a scrap club first |
| Seek professional help if needed | If you are unsure about how to proceed, seek help from a professional club restorer |
Conclusion:
Restoring a Scotty Cameron putter is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can be done with some basic tools and materials. By following these simple steps, you can restore your old or damaged putter to its original state and enjoy using it on the golf course. Remember to take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process.
