I must have somehow tore the real seat end of the hypalon as I was installing the foregrip. Now, the junction there looks really ugly with some parts of hypalon hanging over the end of the reel seat.

Is there anyway that I can trim it down without harming the reel seat (aluminum)? Also, if there is a gap in there between the seat and the grip, what can I do?

Thanks for any advice and input.

Terry

That's a tough one Terry,
I assume it's al ready glued? If so, I would say to cut it off and install a new piece.
Maybe someone with a bit more experience has an easier fix.
I haven't had to try this but you may be able to cut it back just past the tear and install
a 2pc cork ring or something in the bare area. Just a thought:

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Hi Terry,

It sounds that you pushed the grip onto the reel seat to far and did relax it back to normal before the glue dryed. As Raymond said you maybe better to cut it off and replace it but if you are able to turn your rod in a lathe it maybe possible to turn down the grip with sandpaper. But even if you get it turned down to where it looks good you will have a different feeling grip. In places where the hypalon was compressed it will feel harder. I did basiclly the same thing as you did on one rod and turned it down and it looked great but the fell of the grip near the reel seat was just to hard so I cut it off and replaced it.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Terry,

It depends on how big the gap/hole is, but I have repaired several hypalon/EVA grips by flocking the grip. Bill Stevens even showed one that I had repaired at the Charlotte show last month.

1. If the gap is less than 0.25 inches, simiply add enough adhesive to fill the gap, then heavily coat the remainder of the grip and flock the entire grip.

2. If the hole/gap is large, I make a mixture of clear silicone bath tube sealant (the rubbery stuff) and some of the flocking fiber material. Fill the gaps with the mixture and smooth the silicone with a spatula and allow to dry overnight. I then flock the grip as per the instructions.

I like to use the black or charcoal flock for this type of repair but any color will work.

Contact me directly via email if you have additional questions.

Good luck.
Ed Smith

Raymond you can also take a piece of contrasting colored Hypalon to replace the torn Hypalon, use contact cement, to re glue the repair peace. I do not recall the name but there is some one on this site that does fantastic Hypalon design work. Maybe do a search or Tom may know who he is.
Good Wraps Bob

Billy Vivona is the foam in-lay master!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Thanks Ray on Billy V. I hope Terry can use all this great info. I don't do flocking so I did not mention it
Good Wraps Bob

Thanks for all the information. I'll try trimming it down and fill in the gap first.

Terry