Hey guys.. So this rod is a 1 piece, 5'4" guides are loose, epoxy cracking at every guide, touch of rust.. Eva grip is dry rotted.. Plastics are worn to the point of pitting.. Ovbiously the trim paint is very close to completly worn off.. So why would i want to have it restored? It was the rod my grandfather tought me to fish on.. I have no idea how old it is... Cant find anything on it online... (If anyone has a clue, please let me know) im not confident enough to restore the rod... I just want to see it in its prime again... Theres another rod i have that was his as well.. Long custom crappie rod, i havent looked at it in years.. He passed away in 92', when he passed my brother and i stopped fishing for almost 12 years.. Now we go every day again.. These are the only thing i have to remember him... 2 rods.. Any suggestions? Should they just become mantle pieces? The last thing i want to do is start restoring it and run into a major problem above my skill level.. (And you guys know my skill level isnt very high what so ever) im going to send abu garcia a support message after posting this, see how quick they blow me off.. (Its obviousy past the limited 3yr warrenty lol) any suggestions are welcome.. I just wish i could find a picture online somewhere to atleast remember what the trim paint looked like.. Kinda broke my heart to see it in this condition.. But it wasnt in my possession until about 6 years ago.. And the damage was already done.. Ive only now been able to bring myself to finally pick them up.

Anthony,
Try going to to Mitchellreelmusem.com they have a garcia forum on rods their. I think someone their can date it for you. They will ask for you to post a picture, if you can. Pictures have to be 850 pixels or less. You have to join (free) to particiate. Let me know how you make out. I do have a friend their that may help if you don't find out in the forum.
Don

Anthony,
For your particular case, I would suggest that you simply hang up the rods as they are, and then be able to remember your loved one any time that you glance at the display.

In this particular case, it is all about memories. The rods aged, in a way similar to your loved one. Just remember him through the years, as you look again at the display on the wall.

Best of luck

p.s.
After my father passed, I received a few of the tools that he once owned. I keep the tools in my tool box and every time that I pick up one of these unique tools, I smile again with the pleasant memories of the two of us working on some task together over the years. It is all about memories. Don't do anything to the rod that takes away from those memories.

I will do that, thanks...

Got an email for abu garcia, cant help... Check with mudhold.com its not even a working website.. Figures...

My grandfather had a massive arrow head collection, we sew one into every vest we get.. That way hes always fishing with us.. After sleeping on it i think your right on just displaying the rods.. Im still going to date the rods..

The problem with an old rod that has been abused is that it is likely to break, so you won't have it anyway even if you are able to restore it. The best I think you could do is make a duplicate you can fish with and hang the original as it is on a wall with the reel and maybe an old lure that you used with your grandfather. The memories will always be there.

I plan to put in on the wall if its restored.. I wouldnt fish with it... That is the intention.. Although it would be a memorable experience.. I understand the risk of possible damage..

I asked a friend to date your rod, he's a vintage collector. He told me once you get to "Abu Garcia" that's past 1981. "My catalogs (by Charles Garcia and then Garcia Corp.) run from 1953 through 1981". Hope that helps narrow it down. Might want to change your signature from cought to caught.

Ha.. Cant believe i missed that typo.. Thanks.. Thats a little embarrassing...