Different Axle shafts for Garcia Mitchell 305?

Started by pennwoodsman, March 10, 2026, 09:26:07 PM

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pennwoodsman

I've been working on a Garcia Mitchell model 305 reel and I ordered a replacement axle shaft for the reel. The gentleman that I ordered parts from sent me three different axles. I am only aware of one axle style in the 305. For those of you that repair Mitchell reels, would you be able to help me sort out these axles?

In the picture below:

The top axle is Garcia Mitchell part number 81120. As far as I am aware this is the correct replacement for the 305.

The axle in the middle has longer splines cut into the shaft than the top shaft.

The axle on the bottom has no splines cut into the shaft and has a flat spot milled on the side of the shaft.

So my question is do these indeed fit an older model of a 305? Or, are they axles for other models?

Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Brent 


 

foakes

It is probably the axle on top, Brent —-

Just took one out of a 305 and measured it.

Also, just found a possibly near new very rare Mitchell 304S.

These were rare since they were made for saltwater, which is what the "S" denotes.  A little tougher reel for SW conditions.

$40, if anyone wants it.

Best, Fred
The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

D-A-M Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals

--

You don't work for your tools — your tools have to work for you...
Set up your shop and workspace accordingly and efficiently.

"The Truth is always the Truth, no matter how many do not believe it...And a lie is always a lie no matter how many people believe it."

pennwoodsman

Thank you for the measurements, Fred. I would still like to find out what the middle and bottom axles fit. Any idea? Have you seen these in any Mitchell reels/parts list? Are they something Mitchell may have used and later made changes to the shaft? The bottom one would definitely need a different spool to fit that shaft.
Brent

foakes

There were always changes made to the Mitchell lineup that were never specifically pointed out —-

I wouldn't know.

Likely the two top spool axles might both work on your reel.

The bottom axle might be for a 340, or something else.

Someone else should know more than me on that.

Best, Fred
The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

D-A-M Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals

--

You don't work for your tools — your tools have to work for you...
Set up your shop and workspace accordingly and efficiently.

"The Truth is always the Truth, no matter how many do not believe it...And a lie is always a lie no matter how many people believe it."