Finessa 280/285

[jgp12000]

I have 2 Finessa reels now,one has the small handle knob,I recently
Saw an ebay ad with a similar reel stating it was a 1957 Finessa Junior Super 280? I have never seen "Super"anywhere else except
for a 270.So maybe a typo?

https://ebay.us/m/7xFnDi

I just got a Finessa 285 with a T-handle knob.

My question to Fred is are these reels the same internally & physically except for the handle? Can 331 gears be installed?

[foakes]

Good morning, James —-

DAM Quick of course manufactured the Finessa reels. 

However, there were (4) versions, plus some minor variations even within each version —- some cosmetic, some mechanical.

The 280 & 285 are somewhat different —- although, a lot of the parts will interchange.  The latest model is the 285, which is actually a model pre-curser to the 330/331.

331 gears may or may not fit in a 280, they might fit in a 285, I have never tried that.

The eBay seller may be trying to reach a larger audience of buyers by stating Finessa, Junior, Super —- I don't know?

There are the (4) Finessa (280-285), various versions of Supers (270), and then the Juniors (240-245), also in various versions.  All are from the mid to later 50's, up into the earliest 60's just before the 7 reel series was introduced —- which included the 110, 220, 221, 330, 331, 440, and 550.  The 285 Finessa with the torpedo crank knob was a close match to the 330.

While these Finessas are possibly one of the most versatile sized and strongest reels DQ ever produced —- they are not that expensive.  The frames, bearing, gearing, and engineering are extremely tough and capable.

I have around 40 or 50 of the Finessas, and probably another 50 or 60 330's.  Plus all needed new parts for all of the versions.

I consider these excellent reels for most types of target species —- but they are kind of vanilla or white bread.  Fairly common and often taken for granted.

If you are looking for another one, I have plenty for a LOT less than the sellers asking price.  And there are plenty for sale elsewhere for between $30 to $50.

Best, Fred

[Midway Tommy]

That seller offers an awful lot of Dam Quick parts and reels. He is quite proud of his inventory and has a history of asking absurd prices for them.    I don't know how he sells anything. 

[jgp12000]

Yep me either Tom.The 285 I just got was $22 after shipping,cheaper that a modern
Less quality reel,so had too...I said I was going to lay off spinners for a while

[jgp12000]

I got the 285 today & noticed it has an extra step on either side at the A/R lever,see photos.280 on the left, 285 stage right.

[foakes]

These notches were changed a bit and simplified in later years, James —-

There are (2) A/R clutch positions in the middle —- on each side of the higher protrusion in the middle, that are A/R disengagement positions.

The (2) outer notches are for positioning the crank on the left side for a right-handed angler, or the right side for a left-handed angler.  These are A/R "ON" clutch positions.

When you look at the utter simplicity of just changing the crank from left to right —- the simple genius becomes apparent.

Compared to a Mitchell, for instance, that requires about 20 LH parts to accomplish the same result. Or just buy another reel.

Best, Fred

[jgp12000]

Fred,
My plans for a total teardown on the 285 with ceramic bearing swap came to a halt.100-505 pin for the lever arm will not come out,the head was messed up when I received it. The original bearing works fine so for now I am going to & reassemble to fish with it.Otherwise it would need Pin(100-505),Axle(100-506)
Lever Arm (100-504)

There are some notes for axle replacement regarding new 330 housings & the parts required  on the schematic I have.

[foakes]

Often, the crank pins will not come out easily with the typical punch & hammer method.

The aluminum crank seems to "fuse" to the pin.

This is true on 270, 275, 280, 265, 1000, 1001.

If this is what I run into, before ruining a crank blade -- I use a hardwood cradle and a 6000 lb. press.

I have any parts you need.  Got your back.

Best, Fred

[jgp12000]

Fred this pin is in the lever arm not the crank.It's called a "pin",but is threaded with a slot in the top in photo above.

[quang tran]

That pin never come out itself , just need to file the head a little ,working on DQ reel need a set of correct screw driver

[Midway Tommy]

If you file more on the slot you'll probably end up weakening the head and popping it off.

Take a mini file and file two sides (on the ends of the slot) flat and use the appropriate size ignition wrench, working it slightly back & forth until it breaks loose, & then just turn it out.

[foakes]

Sorry, misunderstood —-

Just need to file or dremel the slot deeper —- then exert some heavy downward pressure with a hollow-ground screwdriver of the exact size with a serious handle to get a good first grip.

I also try to "tighten" the screw first to break the fusing —- then back out the screw.

Best, Fred

[jgp12000]

I got the tshirt on that trip,anywho.I need some parts after all,should I PM or email the list?

[jgp12000]

Ok I cut the axle with the dremel,my next question is what size is the acorn nut to get to the
Bearing,a 6mm socket seems to fit but looks like I need an ignition wrench?

Also,besides the handle knob,how do you know if you got a 280 or 285?

[foakes]

Generally, it is a 4mm acorn trip screw, 100463.

But with 4 versions of early Finessas, and sometimes changes within each version, these parts can get switched around over the years.

I use either a 4mm socket or a Mexican Metric pair of mini vise-pliers.

This little tool by Knipex is possibly one of my most used tools.  It just works with no marring, and never fails to hold solidly.

As to the model, there are a few telltales to discern the number.  First, check the underside of the spool for a number.

And the 285's are closer to the 330 reels.

Best, Fred