Zebco Spincast Reel

[tarpon one]

Yes you read it right, Zebco, don't laugh.
Many years ago I became a Big Brother to a little boy who wanted a fishing rod and reel and I bought him a Zebco Red Rhino outfit. 20 years later that rod and reel is in the corner of my garage and I figure I'd clean, lubricate and donate to a needy kid somewhere. The reel has two plastic drag washers that have absolutely disintegrated that I need to replace and Zebco no longer supplies parts for that reel. I can't imagine Dawn at Smooth Drag would have anything and carbon fiber drag washers would cost more than this reel is worth. Any ideas on how I can McGyver something?

[Breadfan]

Nothing wrong with a Zebco. It has starting many boys on their fishing adventures, myself included. I have the high dollar one on a light 5.5ft rod that I use for trout and pan fish and it works flawlessly. The cheap ones are cheap, but they get you started. Good luck in finding the drag washers, I am sure something can be done. How big are the washers you need?

[tarpon one]

Nothing wrong with a Zebco. It has starting many boys on their fishing adventures, myself included. I have the high dollar one on a light 5.5ft rod that I use for trout and pan fish and it works flawlessly. The cheap ones are cheap, but they get you started. Good luck in finding the drag washers, I am sure something can be done. How big are the washers you need?

Yea this is a little reel with a big history. Not only got a little boy fishing but got me fishing with him. 20 years later, two offshore boats and a captains license later it's time to pass this gem on to another kid. I'll try to post a picture of the drag washer if I can figure it out.

[Yellowbank]

Tackle service probably has them, that's where I get my Zebco parts

[Wompus Cat]

Got you covered .
It will be a day or 2 to get them out just p/m me your addy . N/C

[Midway Tommy]

Go to your local hardware store or building supply and match them up with some Teflon or Mylar plumbing washers. I have a whole container full of varying sizes I use all the time as drag washers. Sometime they need to be trimmed but most can usually be adapted easily. 

[foakes]

Got you covered .
It will be a day or 2 to get them out just p/m me your addy . N/C

Thanks, Henry!

Henry (wompus cat) is now the North American Distributor for Zebco.

Best, Fred

[thorhammer]

Good show, Henry!

[tarpon one]

Got you covered .
It will be a day or 2 to get them out just p/m me your addy . N/C

Great news and THANKS. PM sent.

[tarpon one]

Great group of guys. Thanks!

[thorhammer]

Goodonya Tarpon 1; I'm lining up some reels now for some good kids in the hood- three are Zebco's, sent to me by a member for this purpose (thanks again Bill, and also Greg who PM'd with an offer to help!).

FWIW- sometimes when I'm at a loss on drags for old reels, lighter ones anyway, I will cut them out of felt or leather. No, they wont last or be as smooth as carbo fiber, but the are for practical purposes free, easy to be had and in many cases, mimic if not directly replace the material / capability of what was there to begin with. Oil them up and they work pretty well.


John

[tarpon one]

Goodonya Tarpon 1; I'm lining up some reels now for some good kids in the hood- three are Zebco's, sent to me by a member for this purpose (thanks again Bill, and also Greg who PM'd with an offer to help!).

FWIW- sometimes when I'm at a loss on drags for old reels, lighter ones anyway, I will cut them out of felt or leather. No, they wont last or be as smooth as carbo fiber, but the are for practical purposes free, easy to be had and in many cases, mimic if not directly replace the material / capability of what was there to begin with. Oil them up and they work pretty well.


John

Thanks John
I was going to try and make them out of the lid from a yogurt container. Wasn't sure how to cut the center hole but looks like my problem is solved. With drag washers on both sides of the spool looks like this is what Accurate must have copied. LOL

[happyhooker]

Looking forward to a happy ending for this story.

When you say "Zebco", most people think of the plasticky spincasters of the past (and the present), but I feel comfortable saying that some of the old Zebco spincasters, as well as older spinning reels, were not only decent, but actually pretty good.

Frank
210727

[dlrider]

Goodonya Tarpon 1; I'm lining up some reels now for some good kids in the hood- three are Zebco's, sent to me by a member for this purpose (thanks again Bill, and also Greg who PM'd with an offer to help!).

FWIW- sometimes when I'm at a loss on drags for old reels, lighter ones anyway, I will cut them out of felt or leather. No, they wont last or be as smooth as carbo fiber, but the are for practical purposes free, easy to be had and in many cases, mimic if not directly replace the material / capability of what was there to begin with. Oil them up and they work pretty well.


John

I've found a light application of reel grease makes them better than oiled.

[oc1]

Zebco spincasters, as well as older spinning reels, were not only decent, but actually pretty good.

These days, it sort of an insult to have not been taken over by Pure Fishing.