Mitchell 302 Restoration?

[The Fishing Hobby]

With the thin metal side plate of a Mitchell, warping could be an issue. I don't know because I haven't tried it. Just wanted to throw that out there in case anyone else wanted to experiment with this method at some point. I wouldn't try it on anything valuable until you had thoroughly tested out the method for yourself and feel confident in it.

[foakes]

You are right, Kevin --

Try it yourself on easy to replace parts.

But for me, I don't like or want heat and dangerous chemicals around the shop -- some I have to use, but carefully.

So generally a $20 bill taped to a 12 pack, and a trip into town -- takes care of 4 reels for me.

Best,

Fred

[The Fishing Hobby]

It will discolor chrome badly too so no chrome parts should be heated. Fred is right, if you have a professional nearby who can do it for you for a fair price, that is the way to go. I was just throwing the oven thing out there as a possibility that actually worked quite well for me in case anyone else wanted to try it out and report back.

[Tightlines667]

It will discolor chrome badly too so no chrome parts should be heated. Fred is right, if you have a professional nearby who can do it for you for a fair price, that is the way to go. I was just throwing the oven thing out there as a possibility that actually worked quite well for me in case anyone else wanted to try it out and report back.

I think Alan Tani has some experience using kitchen appliances to 'clean' reels, though this may have been the dishwater.  

His wife provided some 'feedback', if memory serves.



John

[The Fishing Hobby]

Haha, I better do some searching thorough past posts!!!

[Midway Tommy]

Ha!..... Glad I'm a collector "purist" and don't have to deal with paint removal or modifying. I prefer them, especially the oldies, just the way they came from the factory, even if they show a lot of wear. Wear on an older reel, IMHO, just opens the door for a few reelly fish...y...stories!   

[Johnj67]

  Thanks Fred
I do believe I have a spare, but if I don't I will let you know. I will have to search for a guy in my area. Great idea. If I used the oven I would be afraid of hurting everybody in the house, making them sick.
Thanks guys
John

[handi2]

I have a pile of the shafts also if needed. I started on these in the 60's.

[Johnj67]

Sorry just noticed I called the axle/shaft a spindle. Thankfully you guys know what I meant!

John

[Johnj67]

Looks like I'm going to need a couple 302 axles/ shafts....

[florida]

handle nut snapped off-- can I use the handle or just the shaft off any large frame Mitchell to replace it? would like to use a chrome plated 400 series

[foakes]

Right, Florida --

A lot of the large frame handles and crank parts will interchange.

Sometimes you need to play around with a few different parts to get it right.

Depends on the era the reel was manufactured in -- a few changes over the years.

Best,

Fred