Help! Trying to clean/rebuild/upgrade a few old Penn Senator Reels

[Steve W.]

Hello Fellas,

Recently aquired some old Penn Senators... A 3/0 a 6/0 two 9/0's and a 12/0... I started taking apart the 6/0 since A) I figured it was in the middle as far as size so thought it would be somewhat easier and B) it was the one that seemed in the worst of shape so I wouldn't feel so bad if I completely messed it up! Anyway, I'm not at the point yet of rebuilding so that will be another daunting task judging by some of the parts that have flown off! (first time taking on something like this btw) What I wanted to know is if anyone here knew of some upgrades for the drag washers (I think that's what they are called) I spoke to Dawn from the smoooth website but she does not have any upgrades for the old senators. I have searched high and low but have not found anything that my small brain can just say "HEY! that's what I need"! Or will I just have to settle for new original parts and call it a day? Earlier today I ordered a bunch of parts from mysticparts.com, but mostly cosmetic stuff no mechanical parts. I would also really appreciate some ideas of some other upgrades that I could do, as long as they maintain that "Vintage" look. Oh! one more thing, I have read on some other websites that some people don't think these are worth up look that they have. So, if you don't feel the same way I respect that, but please dont poop on my parade! Thanks!  

"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"

[Bryan Young]

please dont poop on my parade! Thanks!  

That made me laugh.

Swolme, welcome.  you will not have many hear pooping on your parade.  We have had a lot of reels that were left for dead to fish another day here on this site.

If you can post some pics of your reels, it would give us a better idea how to direct you.

First, I would go to https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Conventional.aspx#Senator1.  Pull the schematics based on the type of Senators you have.

Then look at the following postings to give you an idea of what you are up against.

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=20.0 - This is the most similar to your 3/0 in the right side plate assembly.

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=208.0 - This is for your 6/0 and your 9/0.

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=1738.0 - and this will be the closest to your 12/0.

Feel free to ask questions.  We've got some REEL PENN experts here.


Bryan

[Steve W.]

Bryan, thanks for the welcome! I will take some pics of the reels soon and post them. I will look through those posts and get back here soon! Thanks again!

[akfish]

Getting  modern drag washers for your 3/0, 6/0 and 9/0 is simple: For the 3/0 just buy three 006 113 drag washers plus another spring washer, 008 060 for the top of the drag stack and you're all set. For the 9/0, you'll need to get a set of metal washers, 007C115, plus five carbon fiber drag washers, 006 115, and you are good to go. The 6/0 is a bit more complicated: If it is a red 114H you'll need a set of metal washers, 007C115, plus five carbon fiber washers, 006 115. If it is a black 114, you'll need six carbon fiber drag washers, 006 114, plus a set of metal washers, 007C114.

Now, if you rebuild the drag this way you'll have great reels. You can add a little by opting for a steel gear sleeve and a carbon fiber washer under the main gear but this are options and unnecessary.

[George4741]

Welcome Steve.  This forum has the most knowledgeable, innovative, and helpful bunch of folks you will ever see on fishing reels. 

If you have the old black 3/0 Senator, then I think the following link may be more helpful.  After all, the 3/0 Senator is just a wide version of the 2/0.
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=44.0

Bryan and Akfish offer good suggestions.  Short of the drag upgrades and replacing anything that is broken, there is no real need to upgrade with fancy frames and side plates, yet.  Those senators in stock form have been catching BIG BAD fish since before most of us were born.  I fish with similar reels (as do many others here) and don't feel handicapped.
George

[Alto Mare]

Well said George.
Steve, go ahead and start cracking those babies up. The first reel won't be easy, but when you're done, it's all downhill from there. Welcome, by the way. Sal

[alantani]

here is something to tempt you.  i just got a shipment of stainless steel gear sleeves for the 6/0 senators.  now we just need lee to make the stainless steel dogs!

[Irish Jigger]

Welcome aboard Steve, you will find lots of "Penn Pals" on here offering good advice regarding your upgrades. Replies 1 and 3 here cover everyting you need to get these great reels back in action.

[Keta]

Hi Steve

Oh! one more thing, I have read on some other websites that some people don't think these are worth up look that they have. So, if you don't feel the same way I respect that, but please dont poop on my parade! Thanks!  

Here we will shovel the manure and put it where it belongs.

 ........now we just need lee to make the stainless steel dogs!

Thanks to a loan from Sal the drawings for the larger Senator dogs are at the cutter now, as well as drawings for Jigmaster dogs.

[George4741]

Hi Steve

Oh! one more thing, I have read on some other websites that some people don't think these are worth up look that they have. So, if you don't feel the same way I respect that, but please dont poop on my parade! Thanks!  

Here we will shovel the manure and put it where it belongs.

That sounds sinister.   BTW Lee, congradulations on your appointment as a moderator.  Alan chose wisely.
George

[Bryan Young]

I'm open for jigmaster SS dogs.  Now how do I alternate, double dog the jigmaster (for me, it'll be the PG 251 and PG255)

[redsetta]

Now how do I alternate, double dog the jigmaster (for me, it'll be the PG 251 and PG255)Huh?

Looking forward to your tutorial Bryan!

[LTM]

Steve,

You have just entered "The Twilight Zone" of fishing reel mods, knowledge, and reel pimping!!!!    You will be amazed and astonished at the wealth of creativity, engineering, curator level restorations and helpful people. 

Leo

[Makule]

Steve,

Aloha.  E komo mai.

We love vintage reels.  Some of us are particularly fond of Penn Senators.

Horses tend to poop on parades.  Haven't noticed any horses here (except maybe "workhorses").

With regard to your "vintage", do the reels have black side plates, dark maroon, or lighter red?  Do they have counter balanced handles?  Do they have black/red aluminum spools?  Do they have chrome plated bronze spools?  Do they have three-piece spools (chrome plated brass, and there's a small "bump" where the shaft meets the side).  What is the gear ratio of each (count the number of spool revolutions per turn of the handle as the old one should be in the 2.x : 1 ratio)?  Is it too early for me to be asking these questions?

[Bryan Young]

Thanks George, I didn't see that one.  I was looking for it too...maybe I do need reading glasses...

If you have the old black 3/0 Senator, then I think the following link may be more helpful.  After all, the 3/0 Senator is just a wide version of the 2/0.
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=44.0
George