This may be a dumb question. Please bare with me. I was asked to refurb two older boat rods. Both have what I think are pale blue Hypalon grips on the butts and fore areas. I don't think this stuff is EVA, it's sort of heavy and spongy but has a hard crust on the outside surface. The owner said they did not use to be this way but were soft on the outside. I was thinking about soaking them in baby oil or something. Or would it be better to lightly sand the outside crust and try to get down into good material again? I just don't have any experience with Hypalon.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/06/2010 04:56PM by Ken Finch.

I have actually sanded the hypalon down and it has done a pretty good job. Under no circumstances should you soak them in baby oil, as I am sure you would live to regret it. Others on here may have some other fixes also, but that is what I have done in the past. You can also cover them with the x-flock shrink tubing and they will come out pretty nice. It is available in several sizes in both black and blue.

Ron Weber



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/06/2010 05:23PM by Ron Weber.

Hi Ken,
Try scrubbing them with a nail brush and liquid soap and warm water. Wet them first until they are soaked through. It's something that should be done to hypalons a couple of times a year, but not many people do.You''l be surprised at the crud that comes out of them. If that doesn't work you'll have to sand them to get the crust off then scrub them.
Another thing you could do is get a piece of pvc tube long enough to cover the grips and glue a cap on it. Fill it with cold water, steal some of your wifes prewash, then sit the rod in it for a couple of days to soften the crud then scrub with the brush and liquid soap.
ESFNEM Col



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/07/2010 01:54AM by Col Chaseling.