I'm refurbishing a 9' Eagle Claw fiber glass rod for a buddy. I have the guides removed and I'm now down to the dirty work of removing the finish.
My Question. Should I redo the thread wraps on the handle, female ferrule, etc.? They are in perfect condition. My buddy says he doesn't care if the thread is a perfect match as long as I replace the guides.
Bruce

Bruce,
Any time that I strip a rod, I like to strip it to the grip.
Then, everything matches and looks like a professional job.

Take care
Roger

I agree with Roger, you've gone this far do it all.
I also typically redo all wraps so everything looks new.

i would have to agree. Look at it this way! Your buddy is out fishing and shows the rod to someone and they see ugly old wraps next to your new wraps... IMO they would be like "that looks hacked up!!" If it looks nice and all matching they might say" Hey have his ## I want him to build me a rod" Just do the full thing what will it take?? Another 15 minutes??

Bruce,
Lots of different ways to refinish a rod - some of which have been posted above.
But, they all have one thing in common - finish has weight. If you don't put finish on a rod blank, the completed rod will be lighter, than it would be if it had no finish on the rod.

If weight is important, rods without finish weigh less than the same blank with finish applied.

Finish is needed only for cosmetic purposes. Finish supplies no structural purpose to the blank. Also, depending on the amount and type finish applied, the finish can change the action of the rod.

Take care
Roger

Here is a lot of reading on it [rodbuilding.org]

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks, Guys. I'm going to strip all of the guides and wraps down to the handle, clean. I agree it will be more professional and it's representing my work so I want to do my best. Thanks for the opinions.
Bruce

Just remember your buddy says< "he dosen't care if the wraps match" , and last I knew refurbiish means "cleaning up the old , and re using over again" rebuild means "make like new replacing any worn or damaged parts" , re dfo means "make new from the get go , even as much as a reconfiguration" i.e.different guides , color , spiraling etc. Do what your buddy says , damn the other guys , as long as he's happy you will be too ! Larry

Tell the owner what you are thinking of doing and get his approval

Bill - willierods.com