I was given an old 70's Eagle Claw rod to clean up and put new guides and tip on. The rod was the guys fathers and he would like like to bring it back to look clean. There is a lot of black marks on it that I just can't get off. I have been using alcohol with not a great deal of luck. Any suggestions would be appreciated. It is brownish gold blank.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Worth a try! I have found these things to do some remarkable stuff.

Frank

I did one of these rods this summer. It was the yellow fiberglass rod and I was asked to clean up and put new guides on it. What I believe you have here is mildew and I got it off using Soft Scrub rubbed in gently.

I have posted some pictures in the photo gallery (although in reverse order) and I can't figure out how to change it. But if this is what you have it came out very good,

Also, if the guide wraps look like these I wrapped them using Pro Wrap 213 Clay and it was a great match up.

Tom
Bel Air Md.

Frank,
Go outside with a good cross wind blowing and use acetone liberally to clean up the rod.

The acetone will take care of these issues in a heart beat. Wear rubber gloves and be sure that you have good cross wind blowing to prevent inhaling any acetone fumes.

Also Xylene works well for this as well. Again, be sure to use Xylene outside with a good cross wind and wear rubber gloves to prevent absorbing any chemicals through your skin.

Then, liberally apply Simple Green cleaner with a sponge and scrub with a tooth brush. Simple green - which has been around for many many years is really an excellent cleaner that works very well.

If you have a need to clean a handle, again Simple green, hot water and a tooth brush is normally all that is ever required.

Good luck

I have to agree with James, the Mr. Clean erasers are amazing. I use them regularly on my boat deck to remove marks that won't come off otherwise. Be careful with the Acetone on older glass blanks as the resin system may not tolerate that very well.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Tom Thats the rod I was given will try your suggestion hope it works if not I will try Rogers way.

Frank; after you are satisfied with the cleaning job and the guide wraps are finished and dried , use Lemon Pledge sprayed on to a soft cloth, wipe down the rod and buff it with another soft clean cloth. She will look brand new. BTW , I cut up worn out "T" shirts into 6 or 8 inch squares just for polishing rods.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY