What Reel Makes You Cringe — Before Service & Restoration?

[foakes]

For me, the answer has always been pretty constant...

A Mitchell 302 HD Spinner bought on EBay.

I have 3 or 4 crates of these — and they all seem to have the same issues — salt fused aluminum, corrosion, parts missing, drag stack not even close to original, pitted, any kind of grease the previous owner could find that gets mixed with salt water — then stored away for 25 or 30 years after the last fishing trip — with no service.

The grease won't even come out completely with lacquer thinner and an ultrasonic bath.

The only way to do one of these for me, anyway — is to completely disassemble it, check all parts whether they can be saved, or not — start the cleaning process which will take at least 2 hours — then see what is left over — and wade right in.

Fortunately, I do have a fair amount of new replacement parts.  

The client knows little of the challenges involved.  They just send the reel in, with a note saying that the bail will not operate properly — can you fix it?

As soon as it is started to be broken down, the sand and salt becomes more apparent.

Of course, every salt-fused aluminum part breaks off as soon as I put a little pressure on it.  

And the only parts that are not salt-fused or corroded — are the ones that are missing.

Anyway, no complaints — just take it head on...

I will post the results after 6 hours of working to restore functions and make it Salt ready.

Best,

Fred

[Reel 224]

Most spinning reels make me wish I didn't say yes to service them............................................Joe

[mo65]

   I have never serviced a Mitchell used in the salt...just the thought of it makes me cringe...all those aluminum parts. I have total faith in Fred though!

[foakes]

Started at 4:00 PM yesterday — stopped at 6:30 for dinner and to spend time with my wife.

Started again this morning at 8:00 — finished it up around 1:00.

It is never done until I would fish it myself with confidence.

Some are easy, some are more challenging — all part of the game — and it averages out...

Best,

Fred

[Bryan Young]

You are amazing Fred!!!

[mhc]

Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your structured approach to saving these neglected reels Fred. You have a well organised production line from assessing the reel, cleaning, repairing or replacing parts, re-assembly and checking all works as it should before sending the reel home. I think I've said it before - your organisational skills are something to aspire to.

Mike

[sharkman]

The mid range priced Shimano used in saltwater.  They all have bearing issues and usually either the handle or the bearing is fused to the main gear.

[philaroman]

The mid range priced Shimano used in saltwater.  They all have bearing issues and usually either the handle or the bearing is fused to the main gear.

...and the pot-metal oscillating gear, literally crumbles apart in your hands 

[Reel 224]

This post is exactly the example why I don't want to do spinning eqiptment that's fished in salt water. Thanks Fred for showing us your work and expertise in your field.

Joe   

[thorhammer]

Fred, I have a whole tote of various Mitchell's to attack when I grow up...no doubt I will need to send you a parts list


John

[Gfish]

Shimano Baitrunner. To many parts. Needs an exact reassembly sequence.

[George6308]

It amazes me that people pay good hard earned money for reels. Than they do not clean them after use nor service them. I have 50 year old reels still fishing in clean condition.

[Dominick]

Shimano Baitrunner. To many parts. Needs an exact reassembly sequence.

Someone did a tutorial on one about 10 years ago.  I serviced one shortly thereafter and it was a little dicey but still fun.  Dominick

[basto]

I loaned a friend a Mitchell spinner once. He used it in salt water for about 2 months and gave it back to me frozen up with corrosion.
He did not even wash it over with a hose after use. He watched me throw it in the rubbish.
I did not say a word, but was extremely disappointed.

[philaroman]

Shimano Baitrunner. To many parts. Needs an exact reassembly sequence.

Someone did a tutorial on one about 10 years ago.  I serviced one shortly thereafter and it was a little dicey but still fun.  Dominick

ditto... 

sighing is for mere complexity -- it's just an annoyance & higher sense of accomplishment, when you're finally done

cringing is reserved for the foreknowledge that there will be rare parts beyond salvage, as in Fred's scenario