I managed to get hold of GM Chrome 808 for next to nothing on eBay.
Advertised at 2'9 it arrived weighing just under 2'12. It had Average pick up and good rebound. I stripped the bat, removing the tape, two grips, stickers and gave it a good sand. This had been advertised as two years old, the player must have played a lot of cricket or scored very heavily because the middle was completely delaminated which explained all the tape. There were no cracks or holes to stick glue in, just a "bubble".
Decided to take a risk after conversations with
@Seniorplayer, and
@jamesisapayne , I cut through a few grains and inserted glue. Then taped and clamped to dry.
I've now added a new grip and face sheet and it currently weighs 2'82 and picks up very well. I'm struggling to finish my original plan of selling it once complete as I like it to much.
Haven't decided its fate yet. If I keep it I might add Ayrtek or BB stickers, or stick some Phantom stickers kindly donated to me before selling.
First attempt at refurbing a bat beyond a quick sand and replace a scuff sheet. One thing I would add that I've never read on here before, wet wipes are fantastic for cleaning up stickers and removing cherry's.