I have a couple of rods that I would like to add hook keepers to.
Would adding them be a straight forward process - giving me a bit of practice installing these things?
Or, do I need to remove the existing finish, being more trouble than its probably worth.
I’m sure there is a “right” way of doing this … but … I’d be most inclined to go ahead and add your hook keeper to the rod, do your thread wraps, and finish it off with rod wrap finish, just like you would do if there wasn’t already a finish on the rod. Finish only the wraps to about one or two thread widths beyond the wraps.
That should insure hearing from lots of people, the “right” way!! 
It would be a straight forward process and give you practice. I think its a good idea if you don’t have issues with your finish looking different from the wraps on the rest of the rod.
jed
These are baitcaster rods that are several years old and have their share of dings on them - so the finish is not an issue.
Would like to get a bit of practice putting these on as I would like to get a flyrod project going this winter.
:shock: Oh, man!!! Go for it!!!
(Fellas?! We got another one coming our way!!! Heh, heh, heh!!!)