Silver Beach 99

Stevedel · September 29, 2017, 11:57:51 PM

My E-bayed Silver Beach arrived today. Not a spot of corrosion. Just a few marks on the top where it looks to have been dragged on a boat trip.

While looking for a suitable Jigmaster handle side-plate donor (to build a Jigmaster 99) I came across a black Jigmaster side-plate. I checked some part numbers and found a number of them to be the same. Since I'm going to upgrade it anyway, why not.

This Silver Beach has enough marks to keep it from the display cabinet but lovely enough to be proud of. I'll see how many parts can be transferred and maybe shoot some pics.

Add this I must. I was thinking of adapting a Tiburon frame to this reel. After examining this thing in depth, I find it unnecessary. This reel is substantial. The stand is a lot larger than the Jigmaster The stoutness of this thing can stand on it's own.

Bill B · October 03, 2017, 12:44:14 AM

Cool beans Steve....can you post some pictures of your build? Bill

Stevedel · October 04, 2017, 06:05:17 PM

Thanks, Bill, I'll post pictures when I start the build.

I was hoping that I could use the 99's bridge, as it appears to be stainless. When I tried to mount it on the Jigmaster side-plate, however, I found that the Jigmaster screw-holes would not line up. The Jigmaster uses two locating pins to the align bridge to the side-plate. I thought about grinding these off but after close inspection I found the screw-holes to be just a bit different. I'll just take the hit and order a new one.

I'll have to do a little research to determine if ordering the parts is cost effective. Maybe an E-bayed, cheap, Jigmaster would be a better deal.

I'll let you know.

thorhammer · October 04, 2017, 06:14:15 PM

The older maroon Jiggy's are typically cheaper and usually have steel main gears as opposed to brass, and frequently chromed bridges / jacks / yokes also.

Stevedel · October 04, 2017, 07:00:30 PM

There is, also, the option of all new stainless parts (with double dog bridge) from Black Pearl Fishing, on E-bay.

That will mean some serious coin, but may be worth it as this reel may be one of my most used.

Serious thought required here.

thorhammer · October 04, 2017, 07:03:42 PM

I have one of those BP units, courtesy of Sal, and it is indeed a great upgrade. But get steel gear and probably sleeve.

RowdyW · October 04, 2017, 07:56:19 PM

Quote from: Stevedel on October 04, 2017, 07:00:30 PM
There is, also, the option of all new stainless parts (with double dog bridge) from Black Pearl Fishing, on E-bay.

If you want to buy from Black Pearl deal with him direct at his online store. He is a member here and it will be a little cheaper. Look for his store in his profile here. Rudy

PacRat · October 04, 2017, 08:19:06 PM

Steve,
Being as you are keeping this reel retro I would suggest going full-retro and keep your Silver Beach sideplate and gears in tact for a low-gear option and get a Jigmaster bridge for your JM sideplate for high-speed. This is what the old-timers did and they would swap sideplates and/or spools to match conditions. For the price of a double-dog bridge and gears you could instead purchase Bryan's drag upgrades in both drive-trains then upgrade when and if parts fail such as the gear sleeves. Where are you located? As many of us have upgraded to DD bridges we should have plenty of Jiggy bridges laying around.
Mike

Stevedel · October 05, 2017, 12:00:52 AM

Thanks, guys.

Looks like a search for another Jigmaster is on. At least, I don't have to limit it to black only. There are far more maroon available.

This time I don't need to worry about corrosion.

I'll leave the Silver Beach side-plate all original.

Stevedel · October 10, 2017, 07:27:53 PM

The E-bayed Jigmaster arrived today.

It has a chipped handle-sideplate and is somewhat corroded. The spool (chrome plated brass) and the internals are in very good condition. The only malleable internal parts are the springs,pinion, main gear and sleeve post. The bridge is silver so I assume that it is stainless. (Did Penn chrome plate the brass bridge?)

Before I tear it apart, I need to figure out which camera and settings give the best image for this website's requirements.

To be continued...

thorhammer · October 10, 2017, 07:39:27 PM

Bridge is plated.

Stevedel · October 10, 2017, 11:38:14 PM

Here is an image of the donor Jigmaster (on the left) and the Silver Beach (on the right). All of the bits and pieces are from the Jigmaster. Let's see how this comes out.

The spool in the back is the chromed brass Jigmaster. In front is the Silver Beach. The Silver Beach is a mite narrower.

The plan is to assemble the Silver Beach, using the new, black Jigmaster side-plate. If everything works (of course it will) then I will order a stainless sleeve, new drag discs and maybe some other goodies.

Stevedel · October 11, 2017, 12:48:49 AM

Here are three images of a functioning Silver Beach 99 Jigmaster. I think I'll call her "Millie".

Everything works smoothly, the spool has no gaps and the drag works. The only problem is that the handle side-plate is very tight and cannot be rotated enough for the release screw to engage.

A little tender love and some hand fitting should cure that.

Oh, yes, a new handle is in the works.

RowdyW · October 11, 2017, 01:50:22 AM

OK Steve you have the foundation, now it's time to start building. Rudy

Stevedel · October 11, 2017, 04:52:26 AM

I'm really not too sure how much farther I want to go with the "99" project, other than a stainless sleeve.

How about we start with a fresh canvas. A 500SL with a Tiburon/Black Pearl package.

(Mostly, I want to see how a higher resolution image comes out.)