Rod Reno

[shayned]

You're right the brass is starting to show through as I try to clean it up. I was going to keep the runners in case I run across someone in need of matching up an old set.

[shayned]

Timber, cork and rod blank all pretty well cleaned up now, still not happy with the blank and the colour variations maybe a final hit of thinners to remove any remaining varnish and epoxy will fix it.
I ended up shaving the wooden butt area with a single edged razorblade by dragging the razor back towards myself, trailing the sharp edge behind. The timber and cork have come up well.
Just have to finish cleaning up the ferrules and reel seat, I'll try and post some photos over the next day or two.

[shayned]

Photos as promised. You can see copper coming through on the reel seat and the brass of the ferrules. The timber when rubbed with a damp cloth comes up beautifully, as you really can't tell how much of the original varnish is still soaked into the timber, I won't use any stain, just an outdoor estapol finish. I may use a little bees wax on the cork to give it a lift and extend it's life a little further.

It's a bad photo but hopefully the discolouration from light strike on the blank will show up. Any thoughts on how to hide this? The runners prob. wont go back to exactly the same spots as I will use a couple more when rebinding.(Sorry put photo on next reply)

If you look close you can see a greasy hand print were the little bloke got a hold of the grip when I wasn't watching, I'll have to sort that out before finishing the timber. Not upset though, how could you be when your son even at the age of one is facinated by fishing gear!!

[shayned]

More.

I think I read somewhere that the clear coat from 2 pac paint finishes will seal up a fibreglass rod pretty well and last the distance, is this true or has my memory failed me? If it is right I might get a panel shop I know to give it a couple of hits before I bind up.

Last of this lot of photos, making progress, just slowly is all. Still it makes for a nice bit therapy before bed at night, well except when you cover yourself in glass fibres from over enthusiastic sanding, other than that I'm enjoying it.

[Rodman]

Shayned,
I recommend you get the paint done as it will seal your rod quite well. I suggest you get them to match the colour of the blank as it is now, that way you'll still have the original look and solve the problem of the UV discoloration at the same time. (Remember, the color of the blank under the bindings is the original colour of the blank.)
Steve.

[shayned]

Are you saying to go the whole hog and and do undercoating ect. as well as just the clear coat?