Im no expert but I"ve redone a few with good results. First I stay away from the checkered area, if it needs attention I will first use a nylon toothbrush and Howard Feed and shine to clean it up.Then useing blue painters tape to cover the checkered area and trimming to fit. Then I use acetone soaked steel wool to remove old finish being carefull of the medallions and let dry. Dents and dings can then be raised by useing an iron and damp washcloth,lay the damp washcloth over the dent or ding and then use the iron on the washcloth to "steam" the area repeating as needed. This will raise the dent or ding rather well and if not completly it will miminize it.If nessesary sand to blend the surface color finishing up with a 400 grit. being carefull not to sand the fitted area of the grips. I then use a oil base Rosewood stain to even the color out. Let the stain dry and buff lightly to even it out. Then I use two to three very light coats "allowing each coat to dry" of Birchwood Casys tru-oil to finish. I really would advise finding a pair of really crappy stocks to practice on first before doing a vintage set of stocks. Hope this helps!
