DQ 550 Parts interchange from other reels?

[Joel.B]

I have this DQ 550, what a beast!  It needs some love.   

The handle arm is a bit bent and spotty, do any other arms fit this reels? I like the style from a DQ 1400

Upgrades or modifications?   

Thanks 

[foakes]

A lot of the DAM Quick reels have parts that will interchange, Joel —-

The limiting factors can be easily adjusted or machined —- such as the crank axle width, the crank slot width, the pin keeper alignment holes and hole diameters.

Some will not interchange due to the Spring-Loaded folding cranks, and other designs.

On a 550, it is easy and just a changeout process.  Either original or different —- both available.

Best, Fred

[Joel.B]

 Fred- how do you feel about puns?

 I see you have some D.A.M parts, do these 550 have some wobble in them by nature?  Is there a rebuild kit I  should procure?  I really like the handle on the bottom right in your pics. I should send you a PM

[foakes]

Fred- how do you feel about puns?

 I see you have some D.A.M parts, do these 550 have some wobble in them by nature?  Is there a rebuild kit I  should procure?  I really like the handle on the bottom right in your pics. I should send you a PM

No DAM Quick reel should have any wobble, Joel —-

They are engineered to remain solid and square with tolerances that will not degrade over decades.

The issue with the large DAM's, or any other large spinner —- 9 of 10 were used in the salt —- and generally fished roughly — and maybe not maintained properly.

A wobble could be a few things —-

First, mount it on a rod with a full spool of mono.  That will narrow it down, since many spinners wobble when not on a rod and full of line.

If not that, it could be a warped spool, bad or missing counter-balance, missing or worn shims, bent spool shaft, loose rotor, worn out bearing, or something else.  No easy way to ID the culprit without having it on the bench with spare parts to eliminate and switch out.

I know you like to work on reels yourself —- but it might be worthwhile to send it to me, and I will figure out the issue, fix it, do a complete restoration/service, reassemble using modern synthetic greases and oils, test, adjust, etc.  Cost would be $40, plus any needed parts at about half of wholesale, or N/C.

Or we could keep guessing, but that is not productive to getting a reel completed properly.  There are a few wear items that should be replaced, and they are all pretty low cost.

Glad to help, if you wish.  Here is one I recently restored for one of our members.

Best, Fred

[Brewcrafter]

Joel - I am admittedly biased (and pretty sure that's my 550 in the photo) but if you want a 550 that can handle anything; listen to Fred.  How do I feel about my reel?  Properly set up it is my backup spinner for my DAM 5001 on Long Range, looking at Yellowtail and Tuna.  Offshore is a brutal environment (especially back when these reels were sold) but setup back to original - very up to the task! - john

[Joel.B]

Fred I will send you the 550 with the Johnson Laker and a few other bits after Christmas. I sent you that last PM before I saw this post.  I think the wobble is just no-line, not mounted, bent handle problems but no way will I pass an opportunity to have Fred put his touches on it.  It will be fished.

[foakes]

Probably a good call, Joel —-

Best, Fred