The grip on this 2005 graphite rod build was too thin, and too long for my liking. Replacing it from above could be done by stripping off hook keeper/winding check wrappings, but then I’d have to re-wrap and epoxy the wraps. I’d also lose the feather inlay above the winding check. The other option was to remove the reel seat and install a new grip from the bottom, a repair method I'd never tried before.
After measuring the butt section diameter at the hook keeper, I determined I could bore cork rings to .375, bond them together, turn the grip, and then install from the bottom with minimal tape arbors under the grip. My main challenge was doing the grip removal without dislodging the existing winding check from the wrap/epoxy. With the check intact I felt I should be able to bond the grip up against the winding check as if the original grip had never been removed.
Most of the grip was chunked off, leaving the last couple rings intact for careful winding check cleanup later. After failing in my attempt to boil off the reel seat, I made lateral cuts into the reel seat and the split it off in pieces with a screwdriver. A small burring attachment in my Dremel carefully removed the rest of the cork, and with winding check intact, I bonded up thirteen cork rings and set aside for turning tomorrow.
Installing a slightly shorter grip, and a slightly longer reel seat, will mean shortening the butt section of the rod by around one-quarter inch. More pictures to come as I proceed with the repair.
05/10 Update: This morning I got the grip turned and all I can say is "wow", did I use poor cork rings! Must have been cullings of cullings.... Ha! Anyway, it'll do and the grip is now bonded in place and clamped. Also bonded a stabilized Zebrawood insert into the reel seat hardware, which is an original Struble U20. The hardware is recycled from a rod that I didn't like and disassembled. The Rod Bond should be cured enough by this evening for shortening of the blank, and installation of the reel seat.
Final Update: This evening I was able to bond and assemble the bottom end, so the repair/replacement is complete. Looking forward to some lawn casting soon.