Hello - info needed on Mitchell Garcia Big Game Reels

[flyfisherman]

Hi,

Been lurking a while and reading through lots of the threads regarding old reels.

I was given 2 Mitchell Garcia Big game reels - a 1040 and 1090. They are still in the box with the manual but they have been fished,
Although not for many many years.

Where can one find spare parts for them, and are they still worth fishing or rather best just kept as a beutiful collectible to remind us of the golden age of big game fishing?

Any other info on these reels would be greatly appreciated.

Is it even possible to do a full restoration on them, including the plating etc etc?

I also have 2 Harnell Big game trolling rods that was given to me at the same time - with roller guides and one of them with a spoofer reel seat - was thinking to try fish these again or is that silly?

Thanks

[oc1]

Beautiful.  If you fish with them just be careful.

What makes you think you need parts?

[alantani]

the look of these old mitchells reminds me of the old finnors, meaning that they would be a nightmare to work on.... 

[flyfisherman]

Beautiful.  If you fish with them just be careful.

What makes you think you need parts?

They seem to be working just fine, I was just wondering about part availability should the need arise. But from playing around with them they seem to be in perfect working order. I really want to open them up but I am scared I loose a part of mess something up

[Reeltyme]

the look of these old mitchells reminds me of the old finnors, meaning that they would be a nightmare to work on.... 

Alan, I have and do work on these, as in general service, as parts are no where to be found. They ARE a nightmare to work on! I believe they put some parts in just to make it more difficult to work on!

As for fishing with them, I fish a 6/0 from time to time when I go out deep. Works like a champ!

[alantani]

to make it worthwhile, i would want to see some way to change out the drags to greased carbon fiber.  then you would need to adjust/grind the cam to give you a reasonable drag range.  it is probably a single drag system, so the drag would be limited.  then, personally, i would add a larger handle grip.  keep the drag range low enough to not damage the gears, and you should be all set. 

[Swami805]

I'd save them for the selve if they're in good shape like those appear to be. If you're not into collecting maybe sell them and use the money to buy a modern set up. I'd take the line off so there's nothing hiding underneath that could be damaging the spools

[jurelometer]

Regarding "replating" these reels: The finish is  most likely anodized aluminum which actually restructures the surface of the aluminum , which is then dipped in dye and sealed.  In order to  re-anodize with a nice consistent finish, this outer layer of aluminum needs to be removed, possibly more if the scratches are deep.  You could probably find these models  with a near perfect finish for less than it would cost to re-anodize, and re-anodizing would decrease the value to a collector.

Regarding changing the drags to carbon fiber:  Folk here like to replace  any drag material that is not carbon fiber, but other drag materials (cork in particular) have different properties that were probably taken advantage of in the original design, so you may not be improving the reel by switching to a carbon fiber disk. 

If the drag material is cork, you will absolutely need to get in there and clean and properly lubricate it.  Cork works great when regularly lubricated and sucks when it is not  There are threads here that discuss cork drag lubrication.

As to whether to fish the gear or not depends on your enthusiasm for fishing older gear.  The fish haven't changed, and by looking at some of the threads on these reels and rods here, it seems that these reels and rods performed well enough in their time.  In terms of performance, a smaller, lighter, mid-tier two speed braid setup in the same load class will be far superior, but sometimes that is not the point. 

If you break anything, I would be surprised if you could find parts, but sometimes you get lucky.

No idea on the value for collection.  These do pop up on online auction sites every now and then, and if you watch for awhile, you will get a good idea of the price range and any trend.

-J

[Bill B]

Welcome.  I would shelf those reels.  The Harnell's are gorgeous.  I wouldn't want to take the chance of damaging any of those pieces.   Bill

[jurelometer]

Welcome.  I would shelf those reels.  The Harnell's are gorgeous.  I wouldn't want to take the chance of damaging any of those pieces.  Bill

Made me think about those lovingly restored vintage race cars.  Some folk take them to car shows, and some folk take them to vintage car races.  Kind of sad to think that an old racer is never going to see a track again, but also kind of sad to wreck one racing it. 

I am  more of a put in on the track kind of guy.  But both viewpoints are valid. 

-J

[Crow]

Howdy! That's a great set of reels, you have there!