So steaming worked. The ring that holds the reel in place is holding MUCH better.

My new problem is that I have an old Shakespeare Wonderod that needs a new grip as the cork that's on it have gotten beat up and is coming apart. I can't get the reel seat off so I can clean the blank to put a new grip on. I've had it in a pot of boiling water for about 20 minutes and can't get it to budge.
Any suggestions?