Maroon Penn Jigmaster 500 - What to do?

[tmbiv56]

I just picked up a Penn Jigmaster 500 from a guy who said that the rod and reel belonged to his Dad and that he can never remember his Dad being without it.

So, it's at least 35 years old.  It's maroon in color.
At a minimum I want to take it apart, clean, lube, and assemble it back.

Before I consider changing any original stuff, should I consider at all keeping the thing original?  Or is the value difference between an original and a refurbished pretty minimal? 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't want to inadvertently ruin a collector piece.

I suppose some of you are chuckling, but I honestly don't have a clue about these.  I use mostly abu Garcia reels.

At any rate, I bought the reel for ocean live bait fishing or jigging for larger stuff.  I do plan to use it unless it is something that I should look at and not use.

It's by no means pretty. Looks pretty well used for sure.

I am figuring most everyone will say use it, but I wanted to check with y'all experts first.

Thanks.
Tom

[Marcq]

 
Only kidding  I say clean it, fish it, and if you like it then there's tons of upgrades you can do it

Welcome aboard

Marc..

[Shark Hunter]

At the minimum, put some new drags in it and fish it.