I have an older surf rod but I love the thing. It only has a wound cork spiral grip which is pretty brittle at this point. Can anyone suggest something to put over it. I'm very handy but I want to avoid having the whole thing re-built. Thanks...

Its cork tape. U can replace it. Removing the old tape may be a challenge but it just would be time.
U can get replacement tape from a B&T that carries rod building components. You'll need a new butt cap cause more than likely you'll cut it off . On finishing the end where it meets the rid blank, u could just wrap with electrical tape or have it done with thread and epoxy.
Check u tube on replacing cork tape.
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Replacing the cork tape is simple and the best option. Heat shrink tubes available at any rod building supply source is another option.
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I think the shrink wrap stuff is X-Wrap. I love that stuff and have several rods with it. Saltheart turned me on to it.

I think the shrink wrap stuff is X-Wrap. I love that stuff and have several rods with it. Saltheart turned me on to it.

Agree. X-wrap.
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I think the shrink wrap stuff is X-Wrap. I love that stuff and have several rods with it. Saltheart turned me on to it.

Saltheart...what a great guy. I was at his house a few weeks before he left us. He did a rewrap on a Rainshadow for me and used the x-wrap. Its nice stuff, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Its cork tape. U can replace it. Removing the old tape may be a challenge but it just would be time.
U can get replacement tape from a B&T that carries rod building components. You'll need a new butt cap cause more than likely you'll cut it off . On finishing the end where it meets the rid blank, u could just wrap with electrical tape or have it done (do it ). with thread and epoxy.
Check u tube on replacing cork tape.
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I like this or x-wrap over existing and wrap / epoxy at reel seat

Built several and now I think I’m a pro…. LOL

Saltheart...what a great guy. I was at his house a few weeks before he left us. He did a rewrap on a Rainshadow for me and used the x-wrap. Its nice stuff, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

He was a great guy. He wrapped an Arra 1204 for me. It is beautiful. He left us way too soon.
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He was a great guy. He wrapped an Arra 1204 for me. It is beautiful. He left us way too soon.
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He wrapped an Allstar 1208 blank that I bought from Toby Lipinski. I picked the rod up from him on Thursday. He was dead the following Monday. I was devastated.

We use to meet for coffee at D&D in Lincoln across from Lincoln Mall. Had some great conversations with him. Mike was the best.

Gup my suggestion only implied if the repair was beyond the users skill by the post . Yes thread and epoxy is the correct way. Like i mentioned, have it done if wanted by a builder.
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Saltheart wrapped my 1st custom rod (Lami 1084)15 years ago in 6/06 and then later did a GSB 1201M. Previously I had posted something here about the canal one time bc I was going to be in Plymouth for work the following week. About 1 hour later he sent me a PM offering to meet up. We didn't catch but I still use the lead ball jigs he gave me. I don't throw them much to save them. He was a good guy!

Mike's death hit me pretty hard. I prefer to remember him in life, like how he and his friend Smokey would invariably clean house at the TFCTF gathering raffles. He was a great guy, and pretty funny, too. And had the thickest RI accent you can imagine.