International ll 12T -- Old 2-Speed?

[foakes]

Didn't know these old 12T's came in a 2 speed -- must have been done afterwards, or is it a factory model?

Anyway -- really rusted and gunked up.

After cleaning and soaking -- looks like all it will need is a new drag plate, if available -- and 4 SS thrust belville washers.

Guy said he has been using it regularly (not sure how) -- and it just needs a light lube and once over (right...).

Did 3 reels for the same guy yesterday, a 505, 209, and a 113H 4/0 -- two were worse than this, one not so bad.

Anyway, take the bitter with the sweet -- he just did not know anything about reels, and is not a member of this site.

This is why guys buy new reels instead of taking care of their old ones.

Best,

Fred

[Aiala]

Could it be an early Cal Sheets conversion?  He was the pioneer of two-speeding way back when. In any event, the guy is lucky he found you to rescue his reels.   

~A~

[handi2]

As far as I know the carbon drag plates are available at Scotts. If not I have one.

I assume the pictures are after a good cleaning. It really shows the corrosion hidden under the old grease and oil.

[Ruffy]

Hi Fred,
What is your plan with the spool, being as corroded as it is. Replace or repair? If repair, what method?

Cheers,
Andrew

[foakes]

Right, Aiala --

Could be a Cal Sheets -- more than likely.

Keith, right -- that was after the first cleaning -- now the pics show a little better after the 3rd cleaning in various solutions so as to not ruin some of the parts -- popped off the bearing shields on one side -- evacuated the grease & cleaned -- should be good after a grease application --

Andrew -- on the spool, it always depends on the client.  In this case, the guy isn't willing to spend $73 for a new spool when he just wants to go fishing -- and it doesn't matter what I charge him -- it will not be enough for me -- and will be too much for him.  So it just gets cleaned of grease, the salt pitting gets wired down to aluminum -- cleaned and buffed up for the 4th time -- after spooling with braid and a topshot, the drag cover will cover the bad side, Cal's grease will be applied under the drag cover edges until it oozes out slightly -- wiped down and good to go.  With some clients -- it doesn't matter if you spend two hours or two weeks getting a reel back in shape for them -- it will just come back to you in the same neglected condition. 

So I try to be sensible and efficient.  That is what I like about these restaurant trays -- just go as far as reasonable -- order parts -- bag the entire trays and stack them away from your bench.  Start on the next reel.

When the parts come in a few days later -- put it back together.  At least for me, that works the best -- allowing no clutter either on the bench -- or more importantly -- in my mind.

Just moveon.org...

Best,

Fred

[Ruffy]

Fred,
Using those takeaway trays as you have is genius! Now to go and source a few myself.

Cheers,
Andrew

[Brendan]

Like she said, lucky to find you.

[TheReelShop]

Hey Foakes, looking at the pictures as mentioned before, it is a 2 speed conversion from CAL. I have recently serviced about 5 Cal reels and all the gears are same  in design as yours.. hopes this helps clear things out.

Question, how did you clean those parts so well?

[foakes]

Thanks, Adrian --

On the SS, steel, and chrome parts -- ZEP Purple Industrial Cleaner -- 50/50 water & Purple -- three 8 minute cycles in the ultrasonic cleaner.

Anodized gold parts go into 50/50 Simple Green and water -- one 8 minute cycle in US cleaner -- toothbrush, Q tips dipped in lacquer thinner, and NeverDull for the remainder of gold cleaning job.

Best,

Fred

[TheReelShop]

Awesome! Thanks... Parts look significantly restored from the before status..!

[josa1]

Hi Fred,  Nice Job!!  I have a 12T just like this one.  Cal Sheets did the job.  Have had opportunity to sell it a time or two but I hang on to it, just for old times sake I guess.  I don't fish it much any more.

Amazing how reels clean up with a little TLC.  You obviously approach your work with lots of pride and a determination to have the best possible outcome.

josa1

[STRIPER LOU]

Fred, that purple handle reel to the back left, is that a progear? I' looking for a 545 and a 454 in purple.
regards,  ...............Lou

[foakes]

Sorry, Lou --

Yes, it is a ProGear -- but belongs to Aiala now.

Best,

Fred

[David Hall]

I love my old Cals 2speed 12T.
I sent it back to Cal this past summer and he did his super 12 magic, added a 2nd dog and fine tuned to bearings for casting.  It now is capable of 22lbs drag at strike and 50+ max.
I caught a blue fin in Monterey bay on it last fall.  It's a great reel.