[smirkplug]

I buy alot of used old worn tackle and have never fixed that problem with glues or resin, but i have put black cloth tape wrapped over the entire reel seat, the reel post itself, and part of the blank. I have many custom rods that have cut foam inserts that fit my hands perfectly but look strange. After i get the right feel i usually wrap breathable tennis racket tape over the whole thing for added comfort. My friends laugh at them until i let em feel what a good grip is really like then they ask me to do theirs. Good luck, you may have a great rod to experiment on.