repair on vintage fenwick spinning rod

Question
QUESTION: I purchaced a PLS70 vintage Fenwick spinning rod. The bottom half
of the rod is missing the rubber plug where you twist the 2 piece
rod together, middle ferele to bottom half,now the bottom section is hollow. Is there any way to repair this?

ANSWER: Hi Brian,

No one really sells that item in the rod building supply houses.  I have had that come up a few times.  Once I found a small rubber plug in a science lab supply house.  A few other times I just fashioned one from cork.  You cut it close with a sharp knife and then finish with sand paper till it fits perfect.

Good luck,

Marc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you think filling with silicone would work? When it hardens it is like rubber.

Answer
Hi Brian,

I have never tried that but I don't see why it wouldn't work,  That plug adds a little support to the joint and keeps junk out of the blank.  Just take great care not to get anything on the surfaces that join.  

Good luck and good fishing.

Marc