1973 Otca Restoration

[Bill Thurlow]

I am working on restoring a 1973 Otca, staples, staples everywhere, when did Old Town start using staples? I won't live long enough to pull them all, the ones in the stems I am grinding off.

 

[Benson Gray]

I'm not sure when they started but you may have an early one if it has lots of extras. Good luck,

Benson

 

[Bill Thurlow]

The ribs, plank ends at the stems, and the canvas all staples. Enough staples in the stems (canvas) to build a house.

 

[Worth Gretter]

Bill, just for my curiosity: are these smooth, general-purpose, staples? Or are they ribbed like ring nails for greater holding power? What metal are they?

 

[Todd F]

Worth, glad you asked. New topic for me ref staples and when they may have started to be used etc.

 

[Benson Gray]

My brother reports that Lew Gilman led the transition to staples and he started working at Old Town in 1968.

Benson

 

[Bill Thurlow]

The staples in the rib ends are narrower and longer, all the rest look like your normal steel staple.

Bill

 

[Benson Gray]

Old Town used Senco staples that were stainless steel. This canoe may have been recanvassed if you are seeing a lot of normal steel staples.

Benson

 

[Bill Thurlow]

After investigation I did find some that were stainless, but some did stick to a magnetic, seems to be a mix. Also, I think it's original canvas as I can still see the design #4 paint colors. Oh well, my first experience working with staples. I put a bronze nail in each rib end to help reenforce that joint. Also nails in the plank ends, should have enough to hold it to gather for another 50 years.

Bill

 

[Dave Osborn]

I recall a couple of’70’s Old Town canoes with the long narrow staples. They were not friendly with the planking, especially on the 50 Pounders.