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[DaBigOno]

I got the new Cortez's side plates for my 4/0, thanks Tom, they look awesome!  

I was thinking about doing a wide version, but i think I want to actually fish this reel.   Maybe Im still learning how to fish, but with wide reels, it seems like I get a wobble when I reel in with higher drag settings, and I stink at laying my line evenly also.  So i decide to do a narrow version instead.

this is what I'll start with...

a narrow (YTS) with a new-style Tiburon frame



I might as well do a little upgrading...


i think I go with this Accurate handle because it matches the new side plates   



and i'll go with this star because it goes well with that Accurate handle.


as for the gears,  i have an old Newell, a stock, or Black Pearl's


lets go with Black Pearl's


lets also upgrade the drags too... hmmmmm, we have some options....  Adam's inserts, Bryan's 7+1, or stock


let's go with Bryan's 1 + 7 drag stack because I'm only planning on spooling with straight 50lb mono.

definitely need to upgrade the gear sleeve


Tom's plates has a few nice features, like this teflon bushing for the eccentric lever


and don't forget this little cap so you don't chip the anodizing on your new plate


and some nice CNCing for the eccentric spring, and notice the shieldless bearing



lets slap this together....






I like to palm my reel as i fish, so i don't like the harness lugs (key 54).  Any suggestions as to how I can finish this reel???

[erikpowell]

You can finish by sending it to me Al 
Wow, that's a beauty.

haven't I seen some guys install the lugs upside down as to fill in the blank thats left?
or a nice little ss blank? 

[Alto Mare]

That is a beauty Al. Maybe Tom could make some fillers of the same color  for the guys that need them.
Have you tried installing the lugs upside down as Erik mentioned? If they're too long, you could shorten them.
Some lugs are stainless steel, you should be able to shape them to perfection.

Sal

[handi2]

I use the lugs for the Baja Special. You do have to cut them off. The top side is already beveled the right amount.

That's a beautiful reel..!

[steelhead_killer]

Nice build!  Beautiful reel![/quote]

[FatTuna]

Not going to lie, those side plates are beautiful. Nice reel.

[Keta]

If you remind me I can have a pair of SS harness lug blanks cut.

[Bryan Young]

Lee, you may need to cut more than a pair.

[MarkT]

Ooh, pretty! I like those hex head screws too.

[anglingarchitect]

Those recessed hex screws are sexy aren't they.

[Keta]

Lee, you may need to cut more than a pair.

I have the drawing for the lugs, making it shorter will not be a problem.  I will grab a 113H at the shop and measure it tomorrow.

[David Hall]

And so it begins!
What a beautiful reel you built there. 
I especially like the matching star and handle. 
Let the build threads begin!

[DaBigOno]

haven't I seen some guys install the lugs upside down as to fill in the blank thats left?
or a nice little ss blank? 

Maybe Tom could make some fillers of the same color for the guys that need them.
Have you tried installing the lugs upside down as Erik mentioned? If they're too long, you could shorten them.
Some lugs are stainless steel, you should be able to shape them to perfection.

I use the lugs for the Baja Special. You do have to cut them off. The top side is already beveled the right amount.
That's a beautiful reel..!

I've tried the Baja Special, but its really not a "perfect" fit and filing down SS is really time consuming.  Ive also tried it with the chrome-over-brass, but it really doesn't complement the reel.

If you remind me I can have a pair of SS harness lug blanks cut.

Lee, you may need to cut more than a pair.

I think you're right Bryan, i'll take a hand full Lee.   

And so it begins!
What a beautiful reel you built there. 
I especially like the matching star and handle. 
Let the build threads begin!

Im looking forward to seeing your threads of your builds David...  and all the other folks on here that ordered these Cortez Side Plates, please post pics of your builds 

[David Hall]

If there are no pics then it'd isn't happen!

[coastal_dan]

Beautiful job, very class reel!  I agree, I'm looking forward to seeing all the customs that are happening with Tom's plates.