Question
Union pole 
Pole joint
I'd like to rehab an old Union fishing rod and want to know if you know of a site/person who could help who is local to the Sacramento, CA area. The handle is not cork, the reel seat is in the center of the handle. The rod is bamboo, flat sided and the reel seat has a split (pictures included). The rod is two piece, the tip eye is the only guide remaining. The Union label is very good (pic attached). The rod is 6 feet, the handle is 20" with a rubber cap and is still soft. It looks like the rod had only 3 guides originally. The female farrel(?)is split and looks like it was chrome or nickel. The rod itself has no loose joints and finish is still good. Most of the thread wrappings are gone, what remains are red and gold. I'd like to fish with it once, just to say that it still works like it was intended, then hang it up. Thanks for any recommendation you can give me.
AnswerPete
The union is a good choice to start learning restoration /rebuilding. It is not a fly rod and is not very valuable, so no great loss if you make a mistake.
Try to maintain the union label.
How To Refinish Bamboo Rods: by Artie Hebert Produced by Tacklecraft Video demonstrates all the basics. Found at http://www.flyshack.com/DisplayBookCategory.aspx?CatID=958
And http://www.chartingnature.com/book-category.cfm?cat=5700
I do not know anyone in the Sacramento, CA area. But you will find one at:
http://www.canerod.com/rodmakers/
by joining and sending an email.
Steps to restore a rod.
1 measure all wraps and components
2 remove finish
3 test by pulling ferrules , reel seat
4 replace , glue ferrules reel seat, cork and winding checks , grip
5 straighten if needed
6 retie wraps
7 tape and dip finish
I have a step by step instructions at
http://www.macsrods.com/macsrodshome/methods.html
And it is about making rods from scratch, but there is good information for example on dip finish.
Ferrules and other components ,can only be found on mail order:
http://www.macsrods.com/macsrodshome/ResourceListRodBuilding.html
Don't buy Nickel Silver ,get chrome platted brass -which is what you have already and a difference of $50.
I wish you well
you can always ask for help here from me
Luck,
Mac
Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.
