Folks,
I need some input on a very old rod. It is a True Temper Professional 600 that looks to be at least 50 or 60 yrs old. It is a green blank with gold foil underwrap and yellow wraps. A friend wants me to clean it up so that he can mount it on the wall for his fathers Christmas present. All of the guides are fine and the wraps are not worn.

I am going to clean it and put a very thin coat of finish on the wraps to make it pop a little bit.

Here is where the problem is..... The rod has a Zebco style trigger to release the line to cast, but that trigger is integrated into the top side of the rod. There is a white triggerplate and a hinge. The reel is attached to the rod by two screws that are attached from the inside of the rod.

Does anyone know how to remove that reel from the rod? I don't want to undo the hinge and have the triggerplate fall out and then have a spring fly across the room!!! (been there, done that!!!!!!!)

That's one of the original "underspin" rods. Still wildly popular among many fishermen.

I have worked on one in the past, but it was so very long ago that I don't feel comfortable advising you. Perhaps someone else here has one and can provide you with the help you need. Hang on a day or so and let's see who chimes in.

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There is no large or stiff spring. Just take out the triggerplate and let it drop. The spring is not stiff and won't fly across the room.