DQ 550

Brewcrafter · September 11, 2024, 01:29:06 PM

This was in one of those "box of reels for $20" type finds. Works OK (haven't worked on it yet) but I "think" the frame is bent - the reel axis exibits a pretty serious "nose down" attitude. I say I "think" because the only other similar size DQ I have is the 5001 that I picked up from Fred 2 years ago - and side:side they definitely have a different geometry.
There is plenty of discussion elsewhere on tips and techniques for rebending frames and feet, but first I just want to verify my suspicions, and hopefully a photo of a "normal" 550 to use for a baseline. thanks! - john DQ 550.jpg

oldmanjoe · September 11, 2024, 01:59:09 PM

You are correct , it`s bent downward . Two pictures . When mounted on a stick ,it should a center line heading for the first guide .

foakes · September 11, 2024, 03:32:23 PM

Send it to me, John —-

I'll do a full restore with a new frame and anything else needed.

N/C.

It will be as new.

Or, I can just send you the frame. However, experience tells me that on these largest DAM Quicks, they generally need a few other small parts to function at full optimum and as new. The spool needs to be inspected also when a reel is tweaked like this.

Be my pleasure to do it for you. Then you could show a before and after photo for comparison.

Best, Fred

nelz · September 11, 2024, 05:08:16 PM

Wow, wonder how the heck did it end up bending backwards??? I bought a Mitchell 300 in a similar deal, it was bent (forwards) tried to straighten it and SNAP !

foakes · September 11, 2024, 05:37:19 PM

Quote from: nelz on September 11, 2024, 05:08:16 PMWow, wonder how the heck did it end up bending backwards??? I bought a Mitchell 300 in a similar deal, it was bent (forwards) tried to straighten it and SNAP !

Yeah, they will snap when they are bent that far back. A twist can be generally brought back 8 times out of 10. A bend backwards like that seldom. And then there is the question of a weakened frame when a big fish is on.

If John takes me up on my offer, I will keep the old frame. Then heat it with a torch carefully —- straighten it, check for sturdiness —- then blast & repaint if solid with no signs of stress fractures. This works most of the time.

Typically these spinners are not bent back this way during fishing. It happens in a boat or the back of a pickup when the ice chest full of beverages slides backwards 6' at high speed!

Best, Fred

nelz · September 11, 2024, 08:05:52 PM

Quote from: foakes on September 11, 2024, 05:37:19 PMYeah, they will snap when they are bent that far back. A twist can be generally brought back 8 times out of 10.

Yeah, no big loss, never was a fan of those reels, it was part of a lot, thought maybe I could straighten it... nope!

Brewcrafter · September 12, 2024, 03:09:06 AM

Joe - Thank you for the great photos! Confirmed my suspicions!!!
Fred - You are too kind - I will of course send the reel to you. It's not an "emergency", so let's wait until after the AT SOA 8-day trip - if I am going to send a reel to you hopefully I can send along some processed fall fish as well! - john

Steve V. · September 16, 2024, 03:10:10 PM

Quote from: nelz on September 11, 2024, 08:05:52 PMYeah, no big loss, never was a fan of those reels, it was part of a lot, thought maybe I could straighten it... nope!

I would tend to disagree. Any time we lose a quality made reel that we can possibly save for the next generation is a loss. Without people like us all they will ever know is the "quality" that China puts out. That is bad. We have enough of the "throw away mentality society" as it is.

JasonGotaProblem · September 16, 2024, 03:52:03 PM

Quote from: Steve V. on September 16, 2024, 03:10:10 PM
Quote from: nelz on September 11, 2024, 08:05:52 PMYeah, no big loss, never was a fan of those reels, it was part of a lot, thought maybe I could straighten it... nope!

I would tend to disagree. Any time we lose a quality made reel that we can possibly save for the next generation is a loss. Without people like us all they will ever know is the "quality" that China puts out. That is bad. We have enough of the "throw away mentality society" as it is.

I've agreed out loud with such a sentiment before. You can imagine my friend's chagrin when I suggested his daiwa Fuego should be tossed into the fire.

nelz · September 16, 2024, 06:34:18 PM

Quote from: Steve V. on September 16, 2024, 03:10:10 PMI would tend to disagree. Any time we lose a quality made reel that we can possibly save for the next generation is a loss. Without people like us all they will ever know is the "quality" that China puts out. That is bad. We have enough of the "throw away mentality society" as it is.

There's plenty of classic reels I love and would restore, and have done so often, that's just not one of them.

Gfish · September 16, 2024, 08:03:39 PM

An old school 300...? Ooooooohhh, JMO, but truly a classic. DAM Quick, 1960's Shakespeares, Penn Spinfishers, Abu/Zebco Cardinals, some of the higher-end Daiwa's and Shimano's from the 70's, all better, but not by that much.

jgp12000 · September 16, 2024, 09:20:01 PM

I have to ask Fred this,what's the difference in the 550 & 270 Super? Aren't they about the same size?

foakes · September 17, 2024, 12:12:16 AM

Quote from: jgp12000 on September 16, 2024, 09:20:01 PMI have to ask Fred this,what's the difference in the 550 & 270 Super? Aren't they about the same size?

Very little is the same, James —-

Both tough reels. The 270 Super has a metal spool though. 550 is plastic. I believe I have adapted a 270 metal spool to a 550 previously by changing a few parts.

I think that I would rate the 270 as a slightly tougher and stronger reel, if needed for the job.

Best, Fred