I have a Fenwick SU 1389 rod I want to redo. I have had this rod since 1975. What can I use to clean it. It is stained from use. A friend said use acetone, and also told me to post the question on this site. I have built rods, but not in the class you guys do.

Jim

Do you want to clean it or completely re-finish it?

If you want to refinish it, the use of acetone is pretty good. This is a good solvent - used outdoors only - to clean up the blank. One thing to be aware - is that the use of acetone may remove some or all of the old finish. On the other hand, if the finish is in bad shape you might want to go this route.

For routine cleaning, the use of "simple green cleaner" generally works well; both for the blank, as well as the grip. After cleaning, just a good rinse with water puts the rod in good shape.

Take care
Roger

I am going to completly redo the rod. Every thing will be new except the reel seat. When I wrapped it I had never wrapped a rod before. I don't want to do any thing fancy, I just want it to look good. I have caught a truck load of fish on this rod and I want to start using it again.

Jim,
If that is the case, and if you have lots of marks and chips or missing finish on the blank, I would go after the blank with a bit of light heat and a razor blade used perpendicular to the blank and remove all of the old finish.
Of course, this is after all of the guides, tip reel seat and grips have been removed.

Then, buff it down with the equivalent of 600 wet and dry paper and either use as is, or if you want - shoot a light coat of paint of your choice on the rod. Most folks when painting a blank, just dip a cloth in paint, and use one smooth stroke to paint the rod and don't go back over it a 2nd time. Simple, easy, quick and durable with the right paint.

Of course, if you like, the matt finish of the bare graphite is a very nice finish. That is my choice when stripping blanks. i.e. strip sand down with 600 wet and dry paper. buff out and rebuild. I will top if off at the end with a coat of wax with a polish and am good to go.

Take care
Roger