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Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter

Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




This is a vintage putter known as the "Zebra" used by Raymond Floyd to win the 1976 Masters. It looks like an old RCA microphone from back in the day to me. I got it for free from the Cedar Landing Golf Course pro-shop in Chocowinity . It was in the lost and found for years and the Pro let me borrow it to practice my putt since I only brought my driver and a couple wedges to the range. I really liked it and asked if he would sell it to which he replied "just take it". A very generous offer I thought.




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RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




This iteration has a roller face which supposedly prevents ball skid and I feel like it does that. I hated the grip though so I ordered an oversized grip with a weighted 50gm tungsten counter balance.




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




The Grip is the Super Stroke Flatso with the Tungsten counterweight and adjustment key sticking out the top. Looking to bring this old putter into the modern age.




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




I cut the old grip with a hook blade and peeled it off.




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




Next I torched the old grip tape enough to soften it for easy removal. (This stuff is old)




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




Next I wiped it clean with acetone and prepped the surface for new double sided grip tape and resin.




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




Tape and solvent




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




I picked up a nice rubber vice shoe to hold the club while fitting the new grip.




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




After applying the double sided tape I wet the inside of the grip and the taped end of the shaft. I then slid the grip on and aligned it quickly before the resin set up.




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




So I went for a bike ride and let it set for an hour. When I came back I ed the tungsten counterbalance with a rubber mallet and turned it fast with the key.




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




So here's the finished product...a modernized putter design from 1976. I was skeptical about the counterbalance weight but the difference was very noticeable and a dramatic improvement. I rolled out my little practice green and sunk several putts in a row. The alignment visual that the club head presents is better than any putter I've used and this upgrade put it in my bag!




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




I use an air compressor to install grips. There is really no reason to remove old tape if it is real secure to the shaft. I use mid size grips and usually add a fresh layer of tape if a little larger grip diameter is desired. No solvent is needed, put some water into the new grip, pour out excess and install. Some people don't use water, I feel it helps installation. I have never had a grip twist or move after installation. Using air does take a short learning curve, just remember to use short bursts of air. Also, I use a small blow gun that came in a generic compressor accessory kit but I am sure the air gun designed for grips is probably the best option. Very easy.

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RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




I use an air compressor to install grips. There is really no reason to remove old tape if it is real secure to the shaft. I use mid size grips and usually add a fresh layer of tape if a little larger grip diameter is desired. No solvent is needed, put some water into the new grip, pour out excess and install. Some people don't use water, I feel it helps installation. I have never had a grip twist or move after installation. Using air does take a short learning curve, just remember to use short bursts of air. Also, I use a small blow gun that came in a generic compressor accessory kit but I am sure the air gun designed for grips is probably the best option. Very easy.

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redray


I have always used an air compressor to change grips on mountain bikes and have seen a couple videos of people using them on club grips as well. I just couldn't leave that old tape on and feel good about myself...(; I'm sure I could have with the same result. I'm just mental about stuff like that. It's funny but like anything online there are apparently two camps regarding air vs solvent and you can find threads full of heated arguments over it. haha... Cheers


RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




Mine was refurbished already. Just tap it in. Just give it a little tap, tap, tappy. Send it home!




RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




Mine was refurbished already. Just tap it in. Just give it a little tap, tap, tappy. Send it home!

Squid Pro Quo



That's your home...why don't you go to your home!


RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




Congrats BF, you have an updated version of the original RAM Zebra mallet. The one you have was made by a company named Teardrop Golf, who bought the Zebra patent from RAM golf and updated it. It is an excellent mallet putter, I used and original RAM Zebra when I first started playing golf and loved it. From what I understand, the Zebra Mallet is back, as a new company called Golf Brands Inc acquired the patents from Teardrop. I feel a kindred spirit in your love of bringing classics back to life and using them for enjoyment!


RE: Fun modernizing a decades old championship putter




Congrats BF, you have an updated version of the original RAM Zebra mallet. The one you have was made by a company named Teardrop Golf, who bought the Zebra patent from RAM golf and updated it. It is an excellent mallet putter, I used and original RAM Zebra when I first started playing golf and loved it. From what I understand, the Zebra Mallet is back, as a new company called Golf Brands Inc acquired the patents from Teardrop. I feel a kindred spirit in your love of bringing classics back to life and using them for enjoyment!

Stratosman86


Thanks Strat, Yes the new Zebra is quite expensive and supposedly really well designed. I had heard about the new one before I saw the TD version in the pro-shop. I think that's why it caught my eye. I think the original had a chrome plate on the bottom of the head that you could remove and place counterweights in? I like the Z2 TD version because of the roll face design and I like it even better with the new grip and counterweight on top! Yeah, I love bringing old designs back to life. People tend to think that newer stuff is better than the old stuff that really smart men designed with slide rules and chalkboards and primative computer programs. Whether it's bicycle parts or guns or boats or golf clubs more often than not you'll find intuitive design features that have been left behind in the name of progress only to be rediscovered and modified by guys who love to tinker in the garage. Thumbs up


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