Refinishing a rod

[newfly]

I built a rod years ago, and it was the first one i have ever built so it did not turn out the way i wanted. I have build a few more sence that time (casting rods) and would like to redo the rod i built first. Can i do this? i dont want to change the reel seat or grip just the guides. Also i Realy messed up writing my name on it, is there a way to take off the finish and name i put on down by the grip. If yes can someone tell me how? thanks

[GonetoSeed]

Removing the guides and re-wrapping is pretty straight forward. Take a sharp razor and carefully slice the finish and thread directly above the guide foot, opening a slight gap. Take your thumb nail and peel off the old wraps. If you are putting the guides back in the same spacing it is easier. This is because you can carefully scrap off any residue epoxy and then cover up any scatches or scuff marks with slightly longer wraps. If you are going to move the guides, then you may have to remove the residue and then replace the top coat with a clear coat, like U40 Permagloss. This can be tricky and if you need to go this way, I can e-mail you some ideas.

Is the inscription under a coat of finish? Is it a matte gray blank? If so and it is just unbearable, then you can use a razor held perpendicular to the blank and carefully, carefully scrape off the finish and the inscription. It will also remove the the matte finish. Lay down one coat of finish on the blank. This should remove the scratches and scuff marks. Let the base coat completely dry (overnight) and the scuff with gray Scothbrite and rewrite, then finish.

Hope this helps.