I was inspired reading about using parachute cord for the rod handle, so I thought I'd take someone else's advice and see if rod building was for me by taking apart an old rod and putting it back together. I used what I think is a fiberglass rod with a foam butt . The problem is that foam in front of and behind the reel seat is entirely glued down and not coming off easily. Is there a solvent or recommendation of something I could try that won't weaken the blank but will let me get the old stuff off?

Just a nice sharp razor knife, worked as to no dig into the blank. It is easier than it sounds, you'll do fine.

Sometimes redoing old rods turns out to be harder than starting new ones from scratch, you are finding that out now.

Agree....a razor blade/knife will work fine. The foam will peel right off. You can clean any residual with alcohol (on the rod, not inside you) and it will be fine.

I'm almost finished refurbishing two old S-glass rods and they cleaned up nicely.