The Ugly Duckling 970 Project Update: Updated 10/9/18

[xjchad]

Don't know why I didn't think about adapting a knob to the mag, great idea! I'm on it!

Chad,  think that would be very useful for the 970, 980, and 990, and would be willing to buy a few.  It would be nice too if it were possible to install a larger magnet.  

Joe,
I'm playing with it this week.  The magnets I use in my kits are already stronger than the ones that came in the reel.  I might be able to squeeze a larger one in as well.

[xjchad]

Decided to upgrade the double dog set up by making a set of stainless dogs to go with the stainless sleeve.
A little time with the dremmel and file converted a pair of stainless 113H dogs.

[xjchad]

Don't know why I didn't think about adapting a knob to the mag, great idea! I'm on it!

Chad,  think that would be very useful for the 970, 980, and 990, and would be willing to buy a few.  It would be nice too if it were possible to install a larger magnet.  

Joe,
I'm playing with it this week.  The magnets I use in my kits are already stronger than the ones that came in the reel.  I might be able to squeeze a larger one in as well.

So I was able to do a Mag kit on my 970.  Still putting this reel together so I'll hopefully test it out on Saturday.
Not ready to make it a kit yet, but working on it.

[Decker]

Cool!

[Alto Mare]

Nice work Chad!

[xjchad]

Thanks guys!  Hoping to do final assembly tonight and spool it up tomorrow and fish it on Saturday!
I'll do another thread someday when I can get all the parts redone in the color I wanted.  For now it will remain the Ugly Duckling 

[Decker]

When *someone* comes out with a side plate and/or frame kit for the 970, it will turn many ugly ducklings into golden geese 

In the meantime, I would gladly trade a sweet-looking stock 970 for one with SS gear sleeve and double-dogged!

[xjchad]

When *someone* comes out with a side plate and/or frame kit for the 970, it will turn many ugly ducklings into golden geese  

In the meantime, I would gladly trade a sweet-looking stock 970 for one with SS gear sleeve and double-dogged!

Golden Geese! I like that Joe!

[xjchad]

Finally got it put back together last night!
Handle arm and star from Adam.
T-bar knob, stainless sleeve, and stainless dogs (double) from Smooth Drag.
Shift lever from Cortez Conversions.
5 stack drag from Bryan.
Adjustable Mag upgrade from yours truly.
New bearings from Penn Parts.
Not too pretty, but should kick butt  

[bhale1]

Nothing Ugly about that reel Chad, looking good!
Brett

[Alto Mare]

Chad, how did you get that arm black?...very nice tool you got there

[xjchad]

Thanks guys!

Sal, I just sanded the pieces with some 800 grit, cleaned with acetone, and sprayed them with some rustoleum 

Pretty sure I saw a black one on a reel you did too?  What was your method?

[xjchad]

Well I just installed and will be testing a Motive Fab Insert Kit.(more to come on that later)
I've also changed out the handle and mounted it on this sweet Diawa Emcast Surf rod that Brett was kind enough to send me after seeing that I was interested in one that another member posted a picture of.  THANK YOU BRETT!
I'm hoping to put this thing to the test in the next couple of weeks!

[Decker]

Chad, what size is that Daiwa rod?  I have an 11 footer that is great.   You put a cast control knob on the reel...

[mo65]

  Great lookin' combo Chad! I really like the Emcast surf rods. I mounted my Shakespeare 2065 project on an Emcast, great rod for the money. Good luck fishing that killer combo!