I'm retrofitting 2 rods I wrapped years ago with plain butt caps to use in rod riggers. The blanks are black Lami glass #BT857 s and #BT963m. I'd like to install aluminum gimballs. I assume I size to fit over and shim with tape and then use slow cure epoxy, is that correct. Can I use a 7/8" for the 963m and 857s or do I need a 1" gimball? Anything else I should know- besides lining up the notches the way they need to be? Thanks, Jim

Jim, I am by no means an authority on rod building. But I can guarranty the first time you stick a gimble in your belly to reel in a fish your going to regret it. There pretty but a pain. I have a couple of rods with them with caps on them, every once in a while you pull the rod out of the rod holder and the cap stays in the the holder and you get those four prongs right in the belly button, ouch. Nice blanks, I fish both of them.

Yeah, I plan on using the slip on covers when not using the rod riggers and fighting belts. I had that happen last fall while I worked a 50lb cod out of 200' and no belt with a factory rod w gimball. it was worth it though.....:btu: I'm hoping to use the rods wire lining stripers as well as on school BFT's, and the gimbal and belt might come in handy. Thx

backbeach, you want a gimbal that is both large enough to go over the end of the rod blank (obviously) and where the O/D of the gimbal is smaller or the same diameter as the end of the grip that the gimbal will meet up with. you will need a good slow cure epoxy and something w/ a 24 cure is usually fine. 5-min epoxy has little to no use in rod building other than an occasional rod tip.

the gimbal will serve the purpose of keeping the rod "locked" or from spinning while in a rod holder on the boat. if you want, you can put a rubber butt cap over the gimbal while fighting fish or to protect the gimbal.

Thanks Seawolf, Ive got the measurements- now to dig out the old pc7 and see if its still ok....I'm glad you mentioned the OD, I would've gone too large if you hadn't brought it up.