looking to modify a few rods

[juicyhook]

I am looking to get rid of a few trolling rods. But first want to modify a few that got put on the shelf a few years ago.

On my old Penn tuna sticks the ones made in the usa have small #14 rollers tip and the newer penns international V's I am getting rid of have a much larger # 14 roller tip. Now I am looking to replace the tips on the older ones with the newer designed #14.

My Question is this possible and if so how would I go about doing it and where can I get them.

Another question for the all knowing, the older tuna sticks that were made in the usa. Are the newer ones made in china?
There is no marking on them.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice. This little project that I am hoping leads to more complicated rod building.

[paul708]

they can be bought at most any rod shops with no problem..
the old tip can be heated and may come right off.
give it a try.
just glue the new tip on.
if you have problem..
let us know

[clt_capt]

Replacing a tip is pretty easy - You need to heat the tip evenly to soften the glue and simply twist the tip of.

An alcohol burner or a heat gun will work great and provide enough heat - just make sure that you work your way around evenly with the heat - don't stay in one place too long.

Once you have the tip off, you can put a new one on with rod tip glue (like hot melt glue) or 5 minute epoxy.

[Marlinmate]

What they said will work. As far as sizing goes, AFTCO makes 2 sizes of roller tops, Standard and Big Foot and they come in 3 colors, silver, gold and black.

The Tip size is measured in 64ths (don't ask why).

Usually the size is printed on the side of the roller guide for reference.

Heat the old one, pull it off, mix up epoxy and put new one on. Recoat with rod finish if necessary.

[Penn Guy]

As for the rods, The old Penns were made in Penns own Rod factory called RodCo inc. which built blanks for many OEMs as well. The blanks that came out of Rodco were marked (ror Penn) as Sabres and Internationals and Penns own fly rods.

Pacbay used Rodco to make their line of blanks until it was closed in `02. Pacbays Sabre/Coastbuster line were simaliar to some of Penns rods all E-glass and very tough line of blanks. Pacbay and Sabre graphites were also made at Rodco.

Pacbay bought the factory and all are built overseas now. Some Penn rods with US flags weren't made in the US only a percentage of the parts (Aftco) were and labor. Most of Penns rods today are built offshore!

The Sabre name game is a whole another story it self!