I have an older custom rod that I need to redo from the handle up. The rod has a Varmac reel seat (NF3), blue rubber grips (Not EVA or Hypalon), and a butterscotch colored blank. It has a gold sticker with "Dick Alla 30 60lb" on it. I hope this my help date the build.

It was finished from the griip to tip with something thicker than varnish but harder than epoxy. I have removed the guides and wraps but am left with the finish between the wraps. Any idea what was used to finish the rod and how best to remove it. I would like to start with a stripper obviously...but?

Thanks for your knowledge,

Chuck

Don't have any idea on the finish, but I would try CitriStrip. It is realtively non-toxic, and works great on a lot of older finishes.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

If it is epoxy you might want to try using a heat gun since it's glass. I have used Citristrip and regular KleanStrip removers. Sometimes you have to go full strength. If you use the full strength Kleanstrip, don't let it sit too long on the blank. I recently stripped one with a coat of white paint underneath a coat of yellow. It was a bear.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

Yea- no paint. Under the wraps came off clean and the blank is a course tell-tale old school fiberglass rod blank-butterscotch in color. I just do not want to put a product on it that will damage the blank. We are only two weeks away from the rod show and I may just bring it along.

Chuck

I just redid 2 old Fenwick Ferralite bait casting rods and
used a product from Sherwin Williams called Sunnyside
Sunstrip DL . I put some on an ultra fine Scotch Pad
and the varnish disappeared with no harm to glass.
You might want to give that a shot.