1998/1999 Scotty Newport

[smithssportsva]

I purchased a set of Titleist irons from a buddy of mine and this Scotty putter was in the bag. I used the putter in a tournament locally this weekend, and loved the feel. I think I would like to look into getting it refinished, but I’m not sure if it is necessary. Aesthetically, it really bothers me, plus I’d really like to have a site line added. I’ve never done anything like this before, so I’m just interested in opinions if you’ve done it before, or whether it’s too far gone to be brought back to being aesthetically pleasing.  I’ve only let it soak in some warm water with dish soap and scrubbed with a toothbrush thus far. Are there home remedies that could potentially make it better? I just feel like the finish needs to be redone. I appreciate your help! 

[Abh159]

Those oil can classic putters were VERY prone to rusting. If you weren't wiping it down with an oil cloth everyday then you were in trouble. God forbid you ever put it into the headcover with a drop of moisture still on it!!! 

 

All jokes aside... that putter is in awesome shape except for the rust. I didn't see a single nick or ding anywhere on it in your pics. Personally, I like the rusty patina look and would keep it as is, but if you decide to send it off it should be a pretty simple job and they could definitely add a sightline. 

 

Just remember that making aftermarket mods like adding sightlines to Scotty's (especially older ones) decrease the value if you ever wanted to try and sell it. 

[MattM97]

Soap and water will make it worse. 

 

First thing is take some 00 Steel Wool and scrub off as much of the surface rust as you can. Then oil the putter to prevent the rust from coming back, if you have gun oil use that or buy some from Amazon. If you have silicone spray can use that or grab some at the hardware store when you get the steel wool.

 

Just a note if you do send it out to get refinished you'll lose some weight off the head due to the grinding to take off the rust. 

[dropkicked]

I would leave that putter just as it is, especially if you enjoy the feel... 🙂

[smithssportsva]

14 minutes ago, Abh159 said:

Those oil can classic putters were VERY prone to rusting. If you weren't wiping it down with an oil cloth everyday then you were in trouble. God forbid you ever put it into the headcover with a drop of moisture still on it!!! 

 

All jokes aside... that putter is in awesome shape except for the rust. I didn't see a single nick or ding anywhere on it in your pics. Personally, I like the rusty patina look and would keep it as is, but if you decide to send it off it should be a pretty simple job and they could definitely add a sightline. 

 

Just remember that making aftermarket mods like adding sightlines to Scotty's (especially older ones) decrease the value if you ever wanted to try and sell it. 

Just for curiosity sake, what would this putter in this condition sell for, roughly?

[VNutz]

Great putter, and an oval track too. (less common) Personally I'd give it a soak in Coke for a couple days, or some CitriStrip and game the heck out of it and use vinegar for the more minor upkeep. If you want a site line and you'll keep it in the bag a while, then do it. If you're concerned about value you can always use a sharpie for a temporary line.

[oneaugusta]

Value as is $300 or so.  Have restored several of these in the blue oil and 3x oilcan brown

[doc52]

As stated above coke and steel wool works well. I've done it to a few vokey wedges to knock the rust off.

[MattM97]

13 minutes ago, oneaugusta said:

Value as is $300 or so.  Have restored several of these in the blue oil and 3x oilcan brown

 

Those finishes, just wow. 

[roundersmitty]

I would leave it as is.  The way to make it look better….hit thousands of putts and try to dime out the sweet spot. 

[larryd3]

27 minutes ago, oneaugusta said:

Value as is $300 or so.  Have restored several of these in the blue oil and 3x oilcan brown

that blue oil can is beautiful!  Where did you have that done?

[jomatty]

Everyone has their personal preferences but if your intention is to game it, I would leave it be.  I’d be nervous to get it refinished as ones that old can be kinda light and I wouldn’t want to make it even lighter (and I like light putters).  I love the way the putter looks as is.

[kb7]

Just hit it with some 0000 steel wool and some gun oil then game it. I love an anser head shape without a top line mark or flange line. They’re so easy to line up with no markings. 
 

As stated above; if you like the feel don’t touch it. 

[flip flappy]

Very cool! I would love to buy a used set of irons and this putter be included. I'm with the majority and would not refinish it. 

[DeCuchi]

I have a newport 2 in the same condition, and I love it as is.  Only way I'd refinish it is if I was doing some kind of nickel or copper plate that doesn't require the same maintenance.  Beautiful putter, I vote to leave it as is.  Maybe hit it with a coke bath and steel wool it if the rust really bothers you.  Order some Eezox from amazon, and get used to keeping up with the  oiling it regularly.

[dubbelbogey]

I'd start with nothing more than a good thorough wipe down with a canvas cloth and some protective oil. You may decide that the hand-oiled look that somewhat penetrates the rust is a finish that grows on you. Maybe apply some wax, if you want to give it a bit of sheen that lasts longer than the oil.

 

Even 0000 steel wool or scotchbrite will burnish the steel to some degree, and it's not easily reversible. But may be a next step if you ultimately decide you don't like the oiled/rust finish.

[cristphoto]

I wouldn't think he'd get a lot of takers for $300 in that condition.  If so what then would it be worth in fully restored condition (plus the cost to restore)?  As a previous post stated to remove the rust fully the grinding process would remove weight affecting the balance (and value?).  

[smithssportsva]

Thank you all! I think im going to get some oil and keep it oiled up.  I appreciate your input.  What is everyones preference on oil?  Gun oil, silicone spray, baby oil?

[Abh159]

5 minutes ago, smithssportsva said:

Thank you all! I think im going to get some oil and keep it oiled up.  I appreciate your input.  What is everyones preference on oil?  Gun oil, silicone spray, baby oil?

 

You can buy an oil cloth from the SC store online. It's only like $10 and you know it's made specifically for your putter.

 

I've had one for around 10 years that I use on my TeI3 and I've never once had to reapply any oil to the rag. 

Edited September 23, 2021 by Abh159

[VNutz]

10 minutes ago, smithssportsva said:

Thank you all! I think im going to get some oil and keep it oiled up.  I appreciate your input.  What is everyones preference on oil?  Gun oil, silicone spray, baby oil?

There's a gun oil called Eezox that lots of SC collectors like. Can be had for $15 or so on ebay. Otherwise any food grade silicone spray will work, especially if the finish is already gone.

[Kmagnuss]

19 hours ago, smithssportsva said:

Just for curiosity sake, what would this putter in this condition sell for, roughly?

 

There's one on ebay in nice condition (take that with a grain of salt because I don't know squat about SC putters) for $197.

Edited September 23, 2021 by Kmagnuss