Penn Spinners — Always Impressive and Amazing

[foakes]

Besides claiming not to like working on spinners, Alan has been so busy with a giant backlog of reel work on his bench (200+).

So, occasionally, he asks me if I would do a few spinning reels for his clients from time to time.

And I am always grateful for the work — thanks, Alan!

Alan's client sends me (3) Penn SS spinners.  Sez to just do whatever they need.  They have been used for years rock-fishing in Monterey Bay — as well as Baja fishing in the Sea of Cortez out of Pangas.

Salt encrusted inside and out — screws, threads, drag stacks, lots of white crystals fusing the reels since it is all salt water fishing.  Some rust inside.  And they were each stored in a plastic bag.

Started on them yesterday afternoon, soaked parts in white vinegar overnight — then this morning all metal parts were soaked in lacquer thinner — then the US cleaner.  Parts rinsed, dried, burnished and polished.  Painted and plastic parts were soaked overnight in Dawn dish soap and water.

Assembled the (3) this morning.

In total, all the parts needed were a few new drag washers, a bail spring, bushing cap screw, and a new bail arm screw — that was it!  I have plenty of parts for these — but few were needed — even though these reels were fished hard.

Assembled, greased for the salt with Yamaha Marine, syn oil, Cal's drag grease on the CF's, and popped off the bearing shields for proper cleaning and greasing.

The drags were all dry, and had never been greased with Cal's.  He will notice a smoothness, lack of sticking drag, and better fish control.

It is always amazing how these quality older reels are able to come back even stronger than when new — with just a little cleaning, lube, and attention in the right areas.

Reels were a 550SS, 650SS, and a 850SS.

Best,

Fred

[Christopher M Songer]

Very kewl. A reel testament to those Penn spinners. 

[festus]

You did a good job, sure can't see any evidence of salt. 

I've never worked on a Penn spinner, but wouldn't be afraid to tackle on of those.  Not too complicated, effective design.

[gstours]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,  great pictures,  good post.  Very positive.   Butt reels are like girls,  there's many choices,  choose wisely.🤦‍♀️     🙊.   🎣

[Darin Crofton]

Tight work there, Fred, love them ss spinners, caught my first yellowfin tuna on an 9500ss in Venice, LA a 110#'er on a top water popper 20 yrs ago...

[oc1]

They're just now getting broken in.
-steve

[Alto Mare]

Great work as usual Fred, he will be very happy with those.
I'm kind of partial to the SS Spinners  :
https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=2937.msg18371#msg18371

Sal

[Midway Tommy]

Well done, Fred! Nice to see some "crusty ol' codgers" reformed.