I'm attached to this old, black Ugly Stik as I think I've had it for 40 years. All the writing for model number, etc. has worn away and a few of the guides look a little cockeyed but it is still catching 5 to 20 pound catfish just fine. I don't know how to describe the rod blank - is it some kind of spiral wrap fiberglass? If so I'm thinking there must be some liquid I can quickly rub it with to help get rid of the hazy way it looks now?

Interested in this in general also.  That spiral wrap fiberglass is unraveling on my brother's ancient Ugly Stik -- sort of maintaining it's name.  That's probably a step or two beyond yours.

 

Yeah, mine is still intact just looks hazy like how a car with bad paint looks. I'm thinking it is just old school fiberglass that has a zillion scratches or something and lost it's luster or something. I have to think there is a fiberglass refinishing creme or something I can wipe it down with to improve. I know it looks almost like knew when I wiped it down with a wet rag, but that only lasted until the water dried a few moments later.

I'd wipe it down with some Armor All and keep fishing it. 

It is impressive how an Ugly Stik rod can be over 40 years old and still catch nice sized fish.

Wash the rod with white vinegar 1 part to 3 parts warm water, rinse. Rub down with with Mr. Clean Magic pad, including handle, rinse with water. Stray dry rod with WD-40 and it should last another 40 years.

Tom

Give it a good clean up then wax it.