Something not right

[jtwill98]

I'm sure Fred will see it immediately, but something is not right with this Mitchell 300.

[Gfish]

Wonder how they did that? Don't see a practical use to it.
It's a pre-Garcia oldie? Don't have the "300" on it either.

[foakes]

I never take the A/R "bañana" switch off when cleaning these old 300's —- unless there is a loose issue due to being abused or worn.

They are pressed onto the inner mechanism —- and it is a tight fit using a "fluted shaft".

No reason to take them off.  But since someone obviously did so —- they forgot the proper orientation when assembling it.

Could need new parts —- hopefully not —- because the fluted shaft seldom tightens up after removal.  It takes either a press —- and the flutes need to be lined up — or it just ruins the part by not ever able to tighten solidly.

I have also used a flat-faced punch very carefully with the body/plate solidly supported by a soft but firm surface.

Or just new parts is what I generally end up doing.

Best, Fred

[jtwill98]

I have to agree with Fred. My guess is someone went to service it and pulled the reverse lever off and assembled it in the opposite direction.  They probably realized it after assembly and said "Oh crap" and left it that way. 

The paint wear on the reel (it's available on ebay) indicates that it has seen good usage and probably has some wear inside, especially on the shims.

It just jumped out at me that something was off in the picture, so I thought let's have some fun with it.