I have an older Team Daiwa rod. It's a 6' George Cochran Topwater/twitching model, with an EVA pistol grip. It is a great rod for light weight balsa cranks, or any other very light baits. I haven't been using it lately because the finish is coming off the blank. I intend to make this my first rod building project. The grip and reel seat are in excellent condition, so I'll be leaving them as is. I will replace all the guides, including the tip. I intend to spiral wrap it.

My main concern is the old finish. It's black, and the blank, under the finish, is a dark grey. I want to get all of the old finish off. I'm not sure how to do this without damaging the blank. I've had the rod for years and gotten a lot of good use out of it, so it doesn't owe me anything, but I'd hate to ruin it.

My other concern is finishing the rod after I've completed wrapping it. Should I apply the finish to the entire blank, or just the new wraps? It came from the factory with the entire thing finished, so I was thinking it was done that way because the blank needed the protection.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,

GK

Man o man, when you guys decide to do mods you sure take on the tough ones. Here is some reading for you, this is a project that I wouldn't try.

REFINISHING ROD BLANKS..By Ralph O'Quinn

Hope all goes well in your project..

Thanks, ReelMech, for the interesting read. I think I've just been scared away from this little project. I'll put soem wax on it to help protect the exposed areas, and use it until it gives up the ghost. Sure wish I could find another one. It's the perfect rod for original floating Rapala's.

Thanks again for sharing your insight and expertise.

Cheers,

GK