Steeldrifter 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Something a little different out of the shop this evening. This is a fiberglass Wonder Rod restoration for a customer. First pic is pre cleaning, others are after cleaning, stripping, re-wrapping. Also redid the guide spacing which took it from 7 to 9 guides. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
samsonboi 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Nice! Good work! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rocco 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 You guys should see the restoration job Steve did on a Heddon rod for me. Turned a beater into an object of pride. Sorry I can't post the picts he sent. Rocco Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mad Duck 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 That looks like a totally different rod. I cant wait to hang that little Pflueger Medalist reel on it and go "Oldschool" on some Bream Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Knapp 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Wonder-ful. Have fun Duck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mad Duck 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 2 hours ago, Mark Knapp said: Wonder-ful. Have fun Duck This rod means a lot to me. It hung in my Dads fishing cabin forever. It came to me after he passed. I'll fish it occcasionally,but it is going to be a mantlepiece relic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2020 Show piece ... beautifully done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swamp Fly 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 Nice! I have a question though, is there a way to restore or replace the decals on an old rod? Swamp Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steeldrifter 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 To do that you'd have to find a place that would remake the original rod companies decal. It is "doable" but finding a place that would make a companies decal would be the biggest issue. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swamp Fly 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 That's what I was afraid of. I can't tell from the photo if you refreshed the cork or replaced it. Either way, good job. Swamp Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steeldrifter 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 It's the factory grip. I lightly sanded it clean with some 220 grit, then cleaned it further with a baking soda/water mix scrubbed with a brush. That way it still keeps the nostalgic look of the factory grip but has a much cleaner appeal to it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swamp Fly 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 Like I said great job! Duck, I love the old Wonder Rods. Depending on the model they can still give modern rods a run for their money. Looks like you are good to go for a few more generations of Ducklings! Swamp P.S. Steve, I haven't really looked myself yet, but does anyone still make that style of spring loaded reel seat? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steeldrifter 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 Not that I am aware of these days. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mad Duck 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 I'm actually pretty fond of that reel seat. When I first got the rod, it was pretty stuck. It took some electronic contact cleaner and some finagling to unstick it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dave 0 Report post Posted May 19, 2020 Steve, Have you ever tried using a MrClean Magic Erasure to clean the grips? They do a great job. Also, I was wondering how you restore the bright white color to the rod. They seem to turn to a kind of ugly yellowing as they age. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites