Well, thanks to everyones help I finally slid the real seat off...
Rawfish,
It sounded to good to be true. I understand the frustration and understand fully your approach. I've done similar to other reel seats. I will pass on the butt cap and ring though. Thanks for your response.
"I envy not him that eats better meat than I do, nor him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do; I envy nobody but him, and him only that catches more fish than I do." Izaak Walton
God Bless and Tight Lines ----*<(((>< ~ ~ ~