Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Spinning Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Heddon => Topic started by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 12:57:20 PM

Title: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 12:57:20 PM
A couple folks asked, in my introductory thread, to see some pictures of my Heddons. I need to set up a proper way to take good photos, but in the meantime here are a few shots I took last night. This may seem silly, but my ultimate goal is to  have each model of reel that was made in this era. I have a few more - a 235 and a couple 236's on the work bench.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Wompus Cat on May 05, 2022, 01:04:58 PM
Well you are off to a Hell of a Start with those for sure .
I never saw any of these 2 .
(https://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=34998.0;attach=111818;image)
I REEELY like the Reel and Matching Rod in the first pic you posted .
The auto bail is neat tooo. Keep em coming .
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: mo65 on May 05, 2022, 01:14:51 PM
   Nice collection of Heddons! They are a favorite of mine...just a cool looking reel. 8)
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 01:48:33 PM
Quote from: Wompus Cat on May 05, 2022, 01:04:58 PMWell you are off to a Hell of a Start with those for sure .
I never saw any of these 2 .
(https://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=34998.0;attach=111818;image)
I REEELY like the Reel and Matching Rod in the first pic you posted .
The auto bail is neat tooo. Keep em coming .

Thank you! The two Spin Pal reels I gather are from the mid 1950's. I thought they would provide a bit of historical grounding to my collection. I'll try to get a better picture of the reel and rod combo. I don't believe that it has ever been used.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Gfish on May 05, 2022, 03:17:06 PM
Awesome!
Is there any logical sequence to the Heddon reel model numbers?
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: foakes on May 05, 2022, 03:19:08 PM
Very nice collection of good fishers, Gary!

Best, Fred
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 03:20:47 PM
Quote from: foakes on May 05, 2022, 03:19:08 PMVery nice collection of good fishers, Gary!

Best, Fred
Thank you, sir!
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Midway Tommy on May 05, 2022, 04:15:33 PM
Quote from: Gfish on May 05, 2022, 03:17:06 PMAwesome!
Is there any logical sequence to the Heddon reel model numbers?

No.  ???

Nice gaggle of Heddons! You are correct, the 2 - 230s are from '55.

One of the earliest (1953) is the original Spin Pal, which has an auto bail. Turn the handle in reverse and the bail opens. A lot of people, when just messing with it, don't think the system is working because there needs to be slight tension on the line for the bail to close completely.

A thorough search will bring up quite a bit of information on the Heddon spinners. Festus did a lot of tutorial and informational work with respect to the various models.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 04:38:21 PM
Thanks Tommy. It is quite a gaggle, ain't it? :o  Thank you for confirming my thoughts on the Spin Pals and the information on how the early one works. The two I have are very simple. The maroon one is basically new. I don't think it's ever had line on it. There are some minor chips in the paint and the unfortunate loss of a good part of the logo. I had to tear it down and remove the petrified grease. It was stuck solid! The black one I just received and have not had a chance to dig into yet.   
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 04:42:40 PM


A thorough search will bring up quite a bit of information on the Heddon spinners. Festus did a lot of tutorial and informational work with respect to the various models.
[/quote]

As far as I have been able to tell, this site, and particularly Festus' thread is the undisputed authority on Heddon reels, internet-wise.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Midway Tommy on May 05, 2022, 05:21:02 PM
Quote from: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 04:42:40 PMA thorough search will bring up quite a bit of information on the Heddon spinners. Festus did a lot of tutorial and informational work with respect to the various models.

As far as I have been able to tell, this site, and particularly Festus' thread is the undisputed authority on Heddon reels, internet-wise.
[/quote]

Yep, Chester dug deeply into the Heddons. For some unknown reason he's taken a lengthy hiatus.  ??? Most of us wish he'd come out of hibernation!
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: thorhammer on May 05, 2022, 07:17:00 PM
Welcome to the board! I have that same black spin pal in box. Chester is missed for sure; you're now the new Heddon guy!!!! Nice stand of gear.


John
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 08:12:25 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on May 05, 2022, 07:17:00 PMWelcome to the board! I have that same black spin pal in box. Chester is missed for sure; you're now the new Heddon guy!!!! Nice stand of gear.


John

Thanks John. Man, I'm not sure I can fill those shoes. I hope he'll be back.  There seems to be a small cult following of these reels. I like the color scheme. My dad had an out South Bend spin cast reel that I have somewhere in a similar light green color. It's non-functional at this point. I should open it up and see if it's repairable.   
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Crow on May 05, 2022, 08:56:43 PM
Nice collection! I have a few Heddon spinners, but haven't cleaned most of them yet...so many reels, so little time !
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 09:24:39 PM
Hey folks, I haven't been idle today!  8)
I recently acquired a fairly decent Heddon 246 for my collection. It's in one of the pictures above. The auction had two fuzzy pictures and I took a gamble...and lost, sort of. When the reel arrived it was in the typical filthy state most of these old reels are in. What frustrated me though, was that upon examination I discovered that the A/R switch was missing. Not only that, but opening it revealed that the entire assembly had been removed. As so happens, I also had purchased a small lot of other reels which included a 234. This is a much smaller reel but looks just like the 246. Since I already owned a nicer 234 I began looking at the new one as a potential donor for at least the switch so the 246 would be cosmetically correct at any rate. To cut to the chase, i successfully transplanted the entire A/R assembly from the 234 to the 246. It works as if it was born there! Seems there was some reuse of components on some of these. Note that my photo makes the smaller side plate look almost identical in size. I assure you it is not. :)
I just thought it might be nice to add this tidbit to the general knowledge base for these reels.
Cheers!
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: nelz on May 05, 2022, 10:15:55 PM
.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Midway Tommy on May 05, 2022, 10:30:36 PM
You need to delve into the Spin-Matics for us one of these days. They're 1964ish and the same reel as the Roddy Gyro, 200, 225 & 250. The same company that made a lot of Heddon's reels, Olympic, made a lot of Roddy's reels.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 05, 2022, 10:45:40 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on May 05, 2022, 10:30:36 PMYou need to delve into the Spin-Matics for us one of these days. They're 1964ish and the same reel as the Roddy Gyro, 200, 225 & 250. The same company that made a lot of Heddon's reels, Olympic, made a lot of Roddy's reels.

Oh, that is on the menu for sure! I have a 290 and a 295 that I'll tear down at some point. I'd like to see inside.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: happyhooker on May 06, 2022, 12:42:45 AM
The two-tone greens are good conversation starters.  Almost a sure ID for an old Heddon, although there are some models in other colors.  If you look at all the old Heddons as a group, you would say the numbering system is pretty confusing.  Within that large group, there are a few smaller groups that do have numbering that has a little logic too it.  Thinking, maybe, of the 281-282-283 & 284, as well as the 280, 290 & 295 Spinmatics.

Just had my 222 out last Tues. Decent-sized bigmouth buffalo were out, although I didn't know it beforehand.  Only spooled up with 8 lb. test, which I usually would not do for buffs.  Got into one that I estimated was over 15 lb., and while the fish slipped the hook after a 10-minute battle, the reel performed well and the drag hung right in there despite a couple of decent runs.  The 8 lb. test just didn't let me get the fish to the net quick enough.  "Next time" (how many of you have said that!), a little heavier line.  And, hopefully, a smarter reel turner.

Thanks for the pics.  A lot of fun to see.

Frank
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Gfish on May 06, 2022, 07:34:44 AM
That is one weird name: Dowagiac. Would that be a person, place or thing? I had a vintage wooden Heddon lure with that on it and thought it was a misprint.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Crow on May 06, 2022, 11:16:08 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowagiac,_Michigan
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Wompus Cat on May 06, 2022, 12:44:20 PM
What Crow posted .
Plus HEDDON started out as a Lure Maker .
He hand carved them and here is More  from Ron Gast's site
JAMES HEDDON INFO CLICK HERE (https://luresnreels.com/heddon.html)
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Midway Tommy on May 06, 2022, 01:57:41 PM
Reels, casting or spinning, were not part of Heddon's forte.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Wompus Cat on May 06, 2022, 02:29:02 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on May 06, 2022, 01:57:41 PMReels, casting or spinning, were not part of Heddon's forte.

The VERY EARLY ones were Quite Good and the numbers  were the price for the Reel and in the Day were Quite Expensive as 24 ,33,4,35 bux .
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Catching Nemo on May 06, 2022, 03:56:24 PM
I know it's sometimes frowned upon to repaint reels...but anyone here have an idea of a spray paint product/name that will match the greenish pearl color for the Heddon spinning reel bodies?  I've purchased a bunch of Heddons from eBay--poor cosmetic paint condition, but functionally OK.

These are intended to be used, rather than sit on the shelf.  But I would like to touch up the paint job a bit anyways.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Redhed on May 06, 2022, 05:38:53 PM
Quote from: Catching Nemo on May 06, 2022, 03:56:24 PMI know it's sometimes frowned upon to repaint reels...but anyone here have an idea of a spray paint product/name that will match the greenish pearl color for the Heddon spinning reel bodies?  I've purchased a bunch of Heddons from eBay--poor cosmetic paint condition, but functionally OK.

These are intended to be used, rather than sit on the shelf.  But I would like to touch up the paint job a bit anyways.

Most folks won't repaint old reels, but if you decide to, do yourself a favor and go to an automotive paint supplier and have them color match electronically. They can mix up a rattle can for you and you can spray it yourself.

In any case it might be difficult to match the original smoothness and gloss without a lot of hard work.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Midway Tommy on May 07, 2022, 03:19:40 AM
Quote from: Wompus Cat on May 06, 2022, 02:29:02 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on May 06, 2022, 01:57:41 PMReels, casting or spinning, were not part of Heddon's forte.

The VERY EARLY ones were Quite Good and the numbers  were the price for the Reel and in the Day were Quite Expensive as 24 ,33,4,35 bux .

Yes, the early Jack Welch reels were pretty high quality.

Later reels, not so much.
Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: DougK on May 10, 2022, 04:15:51 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on May 06, 2022, 01:57:41 PMReels, casting or spinning, were not part of Heddon's forte.

they did make a pretty good casting reel, the Heddon Mark IV 3200, one of the first designs with a disengaging level wind. I got one to go on a Heddon 200 baitcasting splitcane rod..
Also the Heddon fly reels that were imitations of Hardy designs, are good.
Four Heddons in this picture but no spinning reels ;-)



Title: Re: My Heddon Reels
Post by: Midway Tommy on May 10, 2022, 04:43:32 PM
Quote from: DougK on May 10, 2022, 04:15:51 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on May 06, 2022, 01:57:41 PMReels, casting or spinning, were not part of Heddon's forte.

they did make a pretty good casting reel, the Heddon Mark IV 3200, one of the first designs with a disengaging level wind. I got one to go on a Heddon 200 baitcasting splitcane rod..
Also the Heddon fly reels that were imitations of Hardy designs, are good.
Four Heddons in this picture but no spinning reels ;-)


Heddon didn't make either of those reels. Their manufacture was farmed out.

When I reference reels not being part of Heddon's forte I mean actually made by Heddon.