114h upgrades for grouper

[alantani]

fish with it a bit first, then start making upgrades.   

[troutman561]

fish with it a bit first, then start making upgrades.   

I have fished with it for years. I recently brought an old Penn 6500SS back to life that was part of my dad and I's first offshore fishing arsenal when I was 10. This Senator was bought at the same time (summer of 96). It has been fished quite a bit from trolling to bottom. I figure if I can upgrade it a bit now, use it for grouper, it will last and can be passed down to my son. I am still on the fence about what to do but I am leaning towards upgrading this vs. getting a US Senator. Heck, may just need to do both..

[troutman561]

When searching informations on upgrades, it is easier to type 114H on the search bar on the top right and you will get all the informations you'll need.
The 114h has five pages worth o info, lots of good stuff there.

Now I'm going to ask you a question: does your reel have frame posts, bars or one-piece frame? You will get away with all, except the frame posts.
You might already have ss gears in that reel, if you don't, look on line. Although most say those are hard to find, I do see them pop up every now and then.
A ss gear sleeve and drag upgrade...as you've mentioned above is all you would need.
As Daron has mentioned, a custom handle will help winching them up.

You do not need to go all out, I have some 114H that are worth $600, those are loaded with upgrades.
Is it worth it? that all depends on who you ask.
All reels have teir purpose, if you ask me, I'll say yes it is worth it.
When done with the upgrades, you won't find a better reel out there. Of course this is just my opinion.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Sal

Sal, didn't know how to answer your question about the frame so here are some pics. In assuming these are posts?

It's still on its matching rod. Pretty sure it has broke twice and is a bit shorter than original.

[Alto Mare]

The reel would do fine as is, but if you're targeting grouper you would definitely want to replace those frame posts.
Nice rod, I have a few of those myself.

[troutman561]

The reel would do fine as is, but if you're targeting grouper you would definitely want to replace those frame posts.
Nice rod, I have a few of those myself.

A Tiburon frame replacement would be the best bet?

Also, on the double dog. I just read your post about it (again) and im definitely not meticulous/skilled enough to execute that correctly. I know for what I plan on asking of the reel it would be ideal of course. Any other options? Also, the reel has never been opened in 20 years. As with the 6500ss, it was never serviced and I have only been a reel DIY'er for a short time. For as anal as he was with stuff, he never cared to do PM on our reels. Guess its time to open it up and at least see if I am working with SS or brass gears.

[Alto Mare]

I'm 99.9% sure you have brass gears.
Here is what you need to do, purchase what I'll list below:
Arm and crank from the boss: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12786.msg126397#msg126397
Ultimate drag kit from Bryan: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12788.0
SS Sleeve and (2) dogs from TomCortez Conversion https://www.cortezconversions.com/product-page/penn-98-115-ss-main-gear-sleeve-dog
For what you intend to do, lets keep the gears at 2.8:1 for now.
You could send the reel to me and I'll double dog it and assemble it, or you could send it to anyone else willing to do it for you.
If you're not concerned about looks, I might have a couple of frame bars you could have, but those are ugly...your call.
If you decide to go with me, let the guys mentioned above send the parts directly to me, after you pay for them of course.
All shipping costs are on you, assembly is on me.

Sal

[troutman561]

I'm 99.9% sure you have brass gears.
Here is what you need to do, purchase what I'll list below:
Arm and crank from the boss: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12786.msg126397#msg126397
Ultimate drag kit from Bryan: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12788.0
SS Sleeve and (2) dogs from TomCortez Conversion https://www.cortezconversions.com/product-page/penn-98-115-ss-main-gear-sleeve-dog
For what you intend to do, lets keep the gears at 2.8:1 for now.
You could send the reel to me and I'll double dog it and assemble it, or you could send it to anyone else willing to do it for you.
If you're not concerned about looks, I might have a couple of frame bars you could have, but those are ugly...your call.
If you decide to go with me, let the guys mentioned above send the parts directly to me, after you pay for them of course.
All shipping costs are on you, assembly is on me.

Sal

Sal, this is quite generous of you, thank you! As far as adding the items and the assembly of the reel, I would like to do that. I want to see/touch/ etc everything as its added. Sounds weird when I type it out but im sure you get what I mean. Now, I would like to send the side plate to you for the double dog. Just let me know what you'd charge me for it. Do I need to send the second dog and spring along with it? Also, would you need to whole reel or just the side plate? if just that with or without it's contents? I am about to pull it apart now.

[Alto Mare]

I'm 99.9% sure you have brass gears.
Here is what you need to do, purchase what I'll list below:
Arm and crank from the boss: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12786.msg126397#msg126397
Ultimate drag kit from Bryan: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12788.0
SS Sleeve and (2) dogs from TomCortez Conversion https://www.cortezconversions.com/product-page/penn-98-115-ss-main-gear-sleeve-dog
For what you intend to do, lets keep the gears at 2.8:1 for now.
You could send the reel to me and I'll double dog it and assemble it, or you could send it to anyone else willing to do it for you.
If you're not concerned about looks, I might have a couple of frame bars you could have, but those are ugly...your call.
If you decide to go with me, let the guys mentioned above send the parts directly to me, after you pay for them of course.
All shipping costs are on you, assembly is on me.

Sal

Sal, this is quite generous of you, thank you! As far as adding the items and the assembly of the reel, I would like to do that. I want to see/touch/ etc everything as its added. Sounds weird when I type it out but im sure you get what I mean. Now, I would like to send the side plate to you for the double dog. Just let me know what you'd charge me for it. Do I need to send the second dog and spring along with it? Also, would you need to whole reel or just the side plate? if just that with or without it's contents? I am about to pull it apart now.

Yes of course I understand. Just send the plate and I'll do it for you  N/C.

[troutman561]

I'm 99.9% sure you have brass gears.
Here is what you need to do, purchase what I'll list below:
Arm and crank from the boss: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12786.msg126397#msg126397
Ultimate drag kit from Bryan: http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12788.0
SS Sleeve and (2) dogs from TomCortez Conversion https://www.cortezconversions.com/product-page/penn-98-115-ss-main-gear-sleeve-dog
For what you intend to do, lets keep the gears at 2.8:1 for now.
You could send the reel to me and I'll double dog it and assemble it, or you could send it to anyone else willing to do it for you.
If you're not concerned about looks, I might have a couple of frame bars you could have, but those are ugly...your call.
If you decide to go with me, let the guys mentioned above send the parts directly to me, after you pay for them of course.
All shipping costs are on you, assembly is on me.

Sal

Sal, this is quite generous of you, thank you! As far as adding the items and the assembly of the reel, I would like to do that. I want to see/touch/ etc everything as its added. Sounds weird when I type it out but im sure you get what I mean. Now, I would like to send the side plate to you for the double dog. Just let me know what you'd charge me for it. Do I need to send the second dog and spring along with it? Also, would you need to whole reel or just the side plate? if just that with or without it's contents? I am about to pull it apart now.

Yes of course I understand. Just send the plate and I'll do it for you  N/C.

Thanks! Just got it apart and cleaning parts up now. Just PM me where I need to send it and I will get it out tomorrow. I really appreciate it.

Also, the gear is brass. Everything is in surprisingly good shape on the handle side. Some surface rust on the left side that wiped right off. Also, how do you get the gear sleeve off of the bridge to put the SS one in it's place?

[MarkT]

There's a pin that locks it in place. Tap it out and it'll lift right off.

[troutman561]

There's a pin that locks it in place. Tap it out and it'll lift right off.

Thanks. I see it now.

[Gfish]

Troutman561, here's my 114HL. Wanted to show you an example of serious winch type handle for the kind of fishing you described. Mine's got a double ss dog upgrade thanks to Sal. I did it and it really wasn't that hard if you've got a dremal tool, just went real slow. Other than that, just 5 new C-tex washers, and one of Allen's ss gear sleeves. The reel came new with alum. spool and bars and I think that'ed be strong enough frame-wise. If I's doin it, that's where I'd start-the outside first(frame upgrade, etc.), then go to the guts. I'd definitely add a ss main gear with a drag insert to mine if I's goin after Groupers way deep. Penn makes a 1/2 frame, but I don't know about avalibility. Got one that came ona 114HLW. Whatever you do HAVE FUN SON!
Gfish

[Gfish]

Penn 1/2 frame. Stronger than the 114HL's two alum. bars, note that the frame and stand are one piece, just like a tiburon frame. The HL's frame is three parts with the stand/clamp seperate from the bars(can't see that in photo, though).
Gfish

[Shark Hunter]

Those stock Penn Aluminum frames were a hot commodity when they were available.
I have a few. The WEX is the super 114H. Those are long gone too.

[bhale1]

Troutman,
Just my 2 cents worth,  when you get a chance to have a reel upgraded by someone such as Sal, you will never regret it!
These Ohana know what they're doing, and it will be of the finest quality! They take pride in their work, and it shows! I'm new here, but it doesn't take long to realize they are quality people who truly enjoy sharing their skills! No better place to be found..Period!  
Brett