I am restoring an old South Bend with a wooden handle and a metal reel seat (Aluminum maybe.) The reel seat is covered with green corrosion. Does anyone have any suggestion as to how to brighten up the reel seat?
Thanks
John

Brasso or something like that should work. I used it on some of my older Hardys and it did a bang up job. I still have it on my work bench and hit them up once a year or so. If it is really bad you can use the Brasso with 0000 steelwool if not then apply it, let it sit and rub it out with a cloth, when done wash it off to get off all the residue. Hope this helps.

John, you might also try Bon Ami. I like it because it doesn't scratch metal surfaces. Recently I used Wellman glass stove top cleaner with some non-scratch pads. They removed materials from the glass top we had not been able to get out. I haven't tried this product with rods yet. Good luck.

Mike Blomme

Stuff I have used and really like is Flitz.

John,

You can try some diluted CLR. It works great in taking rust and corrosion off of old guides and should work on the reel seat but make sure you do a thurough rinse or it will continue to remove material. CLR is a calcium, lime and rust remover that you can find in any grocerey store in the detergent and cleaning product area.

Tight lines,

John Hernandez

John:

Depending on how deep the rust goes, I would start with an old toothbrush and scrub the parts under running water. I would then use Flitz for surface stuff, or Stock Sheen. If this doesn't get it done, Spray it with WD40, and let it sit for an hour or so. Then use the finest steelwool you can get. Soak the steel wool is WD40, and lightly rub the parts. Then finish with the Flitz.

Mike Bradfrod
R.M.B. Fishing Rods
Nampa, Idaho

Thanks to all for your input.
John

They all sent you great suggestions. If the seat is pitted there is nothing you can do except polish out the pits. In doing so you will remove carom and find a brass coating. underneath. Maybe someone out there has your style of reel seat in new condition .

Good Wraps Bob

If it does not clean well Try here: [www.mudhole.com]

Bill - willierods.com