Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I removed the rods in my 4001CS (modern 4003 set)... one came out easily, but I worked for a couple hours to remove the other. TOUGH it was! After tugging and twisting it came out, but left quite a bit of the old making tape behind.
What is the preferred method for getting the channel cleaned up? I'm sure I can come up with something, but was hoping there was a known fix.
Also I have new rods coming with the shrink tubing, but I'm wondering if it will even fit even after I remove the old tape... it's that tight. Can they be installed without any covering?
Thanks!
Cheers
Sean

I had this issue once and used a welding rod (approx. 1/16" dia.) and worked at slowly. It came out clean and the new rod slipped in easily.

Take your old truss rod (or some welding rod), grind a bit of a V on the tip, then a rough V groove along the length for a few inches, like a drill bit with no spiral. Chuck this up in your drill and at very slow speed use it to clean out the rod slot. Pull it out frequently to clean out any residue; usually the adhesive from the tape is more of a problem than the tape backing and you might have to use some solvent to clean off your "bit".

If you drill has a driver setting, back it off from drill to screw a bit, so that if things catch you'll not damage anything (including your wrist).

I use 8-32 threaded rod ("All-Thread"), sprayed with some WD-40 and chucked into a cordless drill set on low speed. Be sure the guitar or bass is being held down, and go slowly. It will pull out all the old tape, but may take several insertions and withdrawals.

So to speak.

Don't you feel sorry for the guy who invented WD-39? Missed fame and fortune by 1.

Thanks for the advice guys! I'm going to try that today. I'll report back.
It appears that nearly all of it is lodged betweeen the 18th & 19th fret. The old rod goes in fine from the headstock to that point. I've been gently hand twisting in a drill bit from the body end, and have made it to the 19th fret. Quite a bit of tape has come out, but I'm now stuck

Worked like a charm... Thanks John and Paul (funny...)
I made the cuts in the old rod, as Chris (POTR) is sending new ones. Slow speed on the drill/driver, and after MANY a go (right on Paul) it is now clean.
As John suggested the adhesive was more of a problem than the tape backing. I had to constantly stop and clean the tip with thinner. Once I was done I ran the rod all the way through both channels, several times, until there was no binding anywhere.

When I install the new rods, which come with the shrink tubing, will I have to lube them with anything? Any recommendations?
How is this done in the factory John?

Thanks again for your help... I LOVE this place.
Cheers
Sean