Super South Bend Cross Built 31 restoration

[Kave]

Hi Folks,
I have an early SSBCB 31 8 1/2’ from about 1930 with the slide band, nickel silver reel seat. This model seems to be somewhat rare as far as South Bends are concerned so this may be somewhat of a shot in the dark.

When I acquired this rod, it was in need of a new grip and was missing the winding check. I’m hoping another early 31 owner will see this and post a photo of the winding check. I believe this rod to be single built unlike the later 30/31s that were double built.

I’ve scoured previous posts and haven’t found a good pic.
I’d like to restore this as original as possible so I remain in limbo.

Thanks All.

[CMcDowell]

Here's a picture of an SB Cross Singlebuilt. I believe it's a model 1550 c.1933-35 according to my notes. I don't know how much variation there may have been in winding checks during that period.

[Kave]

CMcDowell,
Thank you for responding and posting the pic. Does your rod have a serial number below the stripping guide? The reason I ask is that I’ve only seen that winding check (knurling around the base) on Doublebuilt rods. Great looking stick, by the way.
I have a dozen or so SBs and within that sample there’s three different checks. I’m hoping the early 31 doesn’t reveal a fourth. Here’s a pic of the three:



L to R
SB/Cross 155 - late 1920s, Doublebuilt pre- knurled check
327 Doublebuilt- 1937
359 - post war, ubiquitous

[CMcDowell]

Yeah, the rod I have has a serial number below the stripper. It has the ULSL aluminum hardware seat with the black synthetic spacer. Cross Singlebuilt is inscribed on the seat ring along with South Bend.

That's a nice group of SB Cross rods you have.

[Kave]

Very interesting and good to know. Thank you for your input.

[jeffkn1]

Dave

I finally located my SB 30 Super South Bend 8 1/2. It has the Hardy-style screw lock seat(as Thomas called them), and chrome plated ferrules. The winding check is the small, plain NS. If you have the earlier seat on your 31, odds are it would have had the same winding check. That check was also found on the pre-SB Cross rods. I'll try to furnish a photo this evening.

Jeff

[Kave]

Thanks Jeff, that helps a lot!

It sounds like the check is the same as the one on my 155. Is yours a single or double built?

Dave

[jeffkn1]

It has no doublebuilt hallmarks, none written, no decal, no db winding check.