Well, the time has come.
I've been working with Cortez Conversion to come up with aluminum side plates for Newell reels. I'm hoping that you can take some of those reels that are in a box because of a broken side plate to become usable again. I'm starting with the 300 series as this has been the Newell's largest selling size of reels, and will likely have the greatest amount of broken side plates (laws of probability).
So here's photos of the prototypes with Newell Crossbars and with a Tiburon Frame.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/386_15_03_16_12_12_53_14075220.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/386_15_03_16_12_16_21_140781934.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/386_15_03_16_12_14_42_14077575.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/386_15_03_16_12_16_59_14079169.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/386_15_03_16_12_20_47_140822163.jpeg)
One of my goals is that the side plates need to be stronger than the composite Newell side plates while being close to the same weight. Cortez Conversions came through. As I do not have the exact numbers yet, the reels do not feel heavy at all (I will update this information as soon as I can take apart the reels for weight comparison). With the removal of the upper cross bars in the design, we were able to cut down the side plate, reducing the amount of material in the side plates resulting in a very light side plate.
The side plate kits are offered at $125 shipped within the USA.
The kit will be available in 2 colors, polished and anodized silver and black. If custom colors are requested, I will need a minimum order of 10 and will likely cost $10 more.
The kit will include:
Two adjustable bearing cups with Viton O-rings.
Two ABEC-5 bearings pre-lubed with TSI-301
Clicker spring, dog, and clicker button.
New Stainless Steel mounting hardware for the frame and bridge.
If you would like to reserve your set, please let me know what color and how many sets you are interested in purchasing.
If you would like a special color (Tiburon's red, green, or ice blue), please indicate the special color, and default color (silver or black) in the event that the minimum special color order is not reached.
Thank you,
Bryan
Those look very nice, I'm not surprised.
Sal
I'm in for two (2). One black and one silver.
Mike
Wow very nice! I'm in for two anodized silvers. Thank you
Do
1 black 1 green
Bryan. Sent you pm.
Jim.
Bryan sent you a pm ...John
I'm good for one silver anno. Please let me know what's needed from me, when & how. Thanks, BV
Hey brain I'll take two one anodize and one polish 2 Newell side plate kits please mahalo
Quote from: Oahupoundah79 on March 17, 2016, 02:39:07 AM
Hey brain I'll take two one anodize and one polish 2 Newell side plate kits please mahalo
they are both polished then anodized in black or silver. Sorry for the confusion.
Bryan
Put me down for 2 set of Black. For now anyway
Mike
1 silver
I think these would be a big hit here in Hawaii with the slide bait crowd, if offered in 500 size. Those plates look beautiful. Any idea on exactly what the weight difference will be on a finished reel?
Quote from: Tightlines666 on March 17, 2016, 05:24:57 AM
I think these would be a big hit here in Hawaii with the slide bait crowd, if offered in 500 size. Those plates look beautiful. Any idea on exactly what the weight difference will be on a finished reel?
Not yet. I've been busy with work and family. I hope to have the weight difference between the side plates by this weekend.
Quote from: Reel 224 on March 17, 2016, 02:19:05 PM
Well Bryan I'm in waste deep! ;D I already have the Tib frame.
Joe
Good going Joe. Better than drowning.
Just got this NIB 338 that will be a good candidate for the side plates! Plus some new drags from Bryan and whamo we are fishing'
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag355/photoHumboldt/IMG_6650_zpscztxgd7a.jpg) (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/photoHumboldt/media/IMG_6650_zpscztxgd7a.jpg.html)
Compared spec weight of 16.9 oz to aluminum side plates with tiburon frame was 19.6 oz. that's 2.5 oz differences. Minimal considering.
We can add green in the color mix. I have made the minimum quantity for green.
I in for a set in black please
Can I get 2 sets in black please.
Gocha DaBigOno and ShoyuPoke.
Add Ice Blue in the mix of colors
So available colors will be Black, Silver, Green (+$10) and ice blue (+10).
Are 200 sized plates planned?
Not at the moment. I rarely see 200series with cracked side plates.
Quote from: Tightlines666 on March 17, 2016, 05:24:57 AM
I think these would be a big hit here in Hawaii with the slide bait crowd, if offered in 500 size. Those plates look beautiful. Any idea on exactly what the weight difference will be on a finished reel?
X2!!!!!
Will the plates come with it's own set of screws or do you need to use the factory screws? Same threads and pitch?
Quote from: Reel 224 on March 20, 2016, 04:19:33 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on March 20, 2016, 04:05:42 PM
Not at the moment. I rarely see 200series with cracked side plates.
I asked the question about the Penn Surfmaster 200 when I first started in reel upgrades and I got shot down by " They are not that Popular to do side plates" :( :'( So much for the Penn 200s too ;D
Joe
Hi Joe,
I understand your frustration. It cost a lot of time and money do do these projects, both of which we have either of. I wish we could accommodate every request, but we just can't.
Bryan
Quote from: Puhi on March 20, 2016, 05:12:07 PM
Quote from: Tightlines666 on March 17, 2016, 05:24:57 AM
I think these would be a big hit here in Hawaii with the slide bait crowd, if offered in 500 size. Those plates look beautiful. Any idea on exactly what the weight difference will be on a finished reel?
X2!!!!!
Will the plates come with it's own set of screws or do you need to use the factory screws? Same threads and pitch?
All kits will come with screw with same threads and pitch. You could use factory screws if you wish.
Are 400/500 series planned in the future?
Quote from: Puhi on March 20, 2016, 06:01:18 PM
Are 400/500 series planned in the future?
Yes. 500 first. Then 400.
Two in polished silver please.
Thanks,
Frank
One in black please.
Thanks Jan.
HI BRYAN
DO YOU KNOW IF AND WHEN CORTEZ WILL PRODUCE SIDE PLATES FOR 400/500 SERIES NEWELLS?
TONY
Hi Tony,
As soon as we can recoup some of the money being spent to make the 300 series side plates. The problem that I see is that we may need to produce frames too because my weight reduction goal for the side plates are hindered with the full circumference of the tiburon frames.
Bryan
Like Cortez Conversation's 113H side plates, our offering colors are the same. Note that I still do not have a minimum for red.
(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag109/Cortez_Conversions/thumbnail_IMG_0570_zps1xirmhtc.jpg)
Wow, can't believe I missed this till now :o. Bryan, I'd like a set in silver please. these are great, now a reel w/o stainless bearing cups can be upgraded. will also want a set for 500 series when available. thanks, Steve
Bryan, How many Red's short are we??
Are the 300s still available for order? If so, I'm in for 2 sets of black
Quote from: bigggfish on April 20, 2016, 01:38:10 PM
Bryan, How many Red's short are we??
We need 9 more reds. I don't expect to happen.
Quote from: bmf3000 on April 22, 2016, 04:40:38 PM
Are the 300s still available for order? If so, I'm in for 2 sets of black
I have you down for 2 blacks. Thank you.
I would like to order 1 set of blue and one set of green, 2 sets of the 5+1 drags for them as well. Thanks
Hi Swami805,
I'm not sure if I have any of those colors left. I'll have to get back to you once I receive all of the finished sideplates. Did you want to order the drag kits now or later?
Thank you,
Bryan
Black is ok if you're out of the others, I can wait since the drags washers will be going in with the side plates. Thanks
Looking forward to some of those 500's and 400 plates when they become available .
Side plates and all parts are in. Will be making up the kits this weekend.
Unfortunately, the polishing and anodization cost more than expected.
Black and silver will be $135 per kit shipped in the USA.
Green and Ice Blue will be $145 per kit shipped in the USA.
A $5 discount per kit if paying by bank check or money order. Kit/kits will be shipped after check clears. Pictures will be posted shortly.
I will be contacting everyone who has place an interest shortly.
Thank you.
Bryan...I'm interested if you have any extra plates.
Steve
These are 500 plates in the pics???
Thanks Bryan that's great news. Jan
Here are the photos. The kit includes the following:
12 Frame screws
2 upper bridge screws
2 lower bridge screws
2 clicker spring screws
2 ss bearing cups
2 Abec 5 bearings
Clicker assembly
Clicker spring
Left and right side plate. I hope you like what you see so far. Wait until you get it in your hands. Wow! Cortez Conversions did it right.
Color comparison
Bryan, if we let you know, can we get a 5+1 drag set included for the normal price for each kit?
Thanks, Jim
Those came out beautiful, but I don't have a single Newell reel?
Quote from: bigggfish on August 01, 2016, 03:10:50 AM
Bryan, if we let you know, can we get a 5+1 drag set included for the normal price for each kit?
Thanks, Jim
HI Jim,
I can easily add to the package being set. Drag kits, SS gear sleeves (from Cortez Conversion)
Quote from: Reel 224 on August 01, 2016, 12:16:42 PM
Nice job! Ive sent a PM for my set, cant wait to finish my Newell to show it off.
Joe
Hi Joe,
With the help of my wonderful and now well paid child labor (kids), the kits have been prepared and packaged. I will starting notifying everyone on the reserve list for payment, and as prices have gone up unexpectedly, I anticipate a few will drop out as well.
Thanks, Bryan
Quote from: David Hall on August 01, 2016, 01:10:34 PM
Those came out beautiful, but I don't have a single Newell reel?
David, this is something that we can remedy. :D
These are for the 300 series correct?
Quote from: Puhi on August 01, 2016, 04:38:24 PM
These are for the 300 series correct?
That's correct.
Bryan, I'll need a couple sets, and will pay you thru paypal, so send me an invoice up front. I would really like GREEN, and if it works out I'll order some more sets for my 332's.
Jerry Downie
640 Grinnell Dr
Burbank, CA 91501
818-848-1112
thnkhoo@yahoo.com
Quote from: reel man on August 01, 2016, 08:10:03 PM
Bryan, I'll need a couple sets, and will pay you thru paypal, so send me an invoice up front. I would really like GREEN, and if it works out I'll order some more sets for my 332's.
Jerry Downie
640 Grinnell Dr
Burbank, CA 91501
818-848-1112
thnkhoo@yahoo.com
Hi Jerry,
I have you down for 10 green sideplates. Did you only need 2 now? Please advise.
Also, Tom has your bridge plates, dogs and springs. He said that it would be best if he would make a jig for proper positioning of the second dog.
Bryan
payment sent. looks great, thanks Bryan and Tom!!!!!
I'm all caught up on the notifications for the Newell Sideplates. Did I miss anyone on the preorder? I have swill88 and dpenton770 pending availability of colors.
If I missed any of you, please PM me.
Thank you.
Quote from: Bryan Young on August 05, 2016, 08:14:45 AM
I'm all caught up on the notifications for the Newell Sideplates. Did I miss anyone on the preorder? I have swill88 and dpenton770 pending availability of colors.
If I missed any of you, please PM me.
Thank you.
Bryan
dpenton770 here... just tell what colors you have. I prefer black but will take gray, silver, red, blue (in that order) if available. Let me know how to pay.
Regards,
D-
Weight comparison. Empty side plates are 2.5 oz heavier than the stock P344 side plates
Here are some preliminary color combinations.
Additional pics
Just received my PayPal invoice notification email. Payment sent.
Just a heads up. The email title is "Ultimate Upgrade via PayPal". I thought it was spam and almost deleted it. Might want to change it to Newell Ultimate Upgrade via PayPal.
Thanks Frank.
Note that plates may not align with Blackie bridges. I need to check against a Blackie side plate again. I may need to do an adjustment and another run for blackies only.
If you ordered a set for your Blackie and want to return it, please send it back and I'll gladly refund your money plus shipping back to me as I had mailed it out to you.
Thank you,
Bryan
Brian having issues with plates. When I tighten bridge screws gear sleeve seems to be binding. Any suggestions?
Screw sizes are as follows:
Jack Lever Screws - 0.050" hexagon
Frame Screws - 3/32" hexagon
Bridge Screws - 7/64" hexagon
Quote from: shoyupoke on August 10, 2016, 12:52:49 AM
Brian having issues with plates. When I tighten bridge screws gear sleeve seems to be binding. Any suggestions?
The bridge plate holes need to sit on the posts of the side plate. Then the spacer needs to fit loosely between the side plate and the gear sleeve. I suspect that the spacer diameter may need to be turned down a little or alignment is slightly off. Please post pics will help me diagnosis the problem. Mahalo.
Brian it seems like if i tighten drag the problem goes away. could the bellevue washer be rubbing on plate. perhaps my drag washers too thick? as soon as i slack drag it binds again
Finished up my first conversion to the new side plates. The reel used was a 332 that was narrowed down to 2" with the 5 stack drag stack. Had to throw a little paint on the handle, star, reel base & clamp, and the support posts (bars). Hope it meets your approval.
Beautiful Jerry.
Joe that's one sweet motor.
John
My kids helped me put the kits together and kept things separated. It was two folds, I could quickly QA their work and to make sure we had sufficient parts.
Went to see Newell Savant Mikey Bluefish today. Upgraded my S332 with black side plates.
I need to learn to post pictures. The result is Dope, like butter.
Thanks Mike!
Jan
No problem any time.
Mike
Quote from: David Hall on August 01, 2016, 01:10:34 PM
Those came out beautiful, but I don't have a single Newell reel?
I feel your pain David. Anything Tom makes is top Notch, but I haven't a Single Newell either.
I'm too busy buying Bohemoths from Italy.
You did good on this Bryan.
Kudos to you Brother.
Nice looking reels guys. ;)
Thank you everyone. And thanks to Cortez Conversations for producing a wonderful product for me to offer.
Inventory count are as follows.
3 black kits available
6 silver kits available
18 green kits available
11 ice blue kits available
Colors will be first come first serve by emailing me at 1UltimateUpgrade1@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support.
Bryan
OK, Finished up the Family. Only had minor problems with two bridge plate screws. Everything else were perfect fits and the free spools are long and true.
this is one amazing family of 300 series reels.
anyone else experiencing the belleville washer set below the plate? what washer can I use to shim out far enough for the star to make contact?
This isn't a problem with this plates. it is common to all Newell builds. It depends on the bridge plate, the gears, the bridge sleeve, and the plates. Ulua junkies is the fastest cheapest Ive found for the best shims.
They are called "Newell Stainless Steel Lock Washers" $5.75 for four
Here is the link:
http://uluajunkies.com
Quote from: Shark Hunter on August 12, 2016, 01:12:10 AM
Quote from: David Hall on August 01, 2016, 01:10:34 PM
Those came out beautiful, but I don't have a single Newell reel?
I feel your pain David. Anything Tom makes is top Notch, but I haven't a Single Newell either.
Same here...I need to add one to the stable too. 8)
Great lookin' reel Joe!
Finally completed my build. Here is the comparison from a completely stock and aluminum side plates S332-5. The aluminum side plate reel is 0.30 oz heavier. I call this success and goal reached.
Thank you to Cortez Conversions for making these with my demanding specifications.
looks good. i like the blacked out look, kinda like a blackie. thinking maybe I shoulda got a black kit instead of silver...
Got to hold one last night. Bryan and Tom killed it with this one. Sccchhwwrreeeeeeet
Can't wait for the 500's and 400's to get started , would really like to bomb proof my reels!
Hey Brian,
Thanks for the awesome side plates. I couldn't get my Tiburon 322 or Newell P322 spool to work on my Tiburon 322 frame and Cortez Conversion side plates because the edge of both spools rubbed against the right side plate. I did install the plates successfully on my S332 with Tiburon P29 frame. I have your 5 stack drag and Tiburon handle on the reel. I am going to fish 30# on it paired with a Calstar 800 ML for tossing chovies at albies. On the next run, it might be nice to have Cortez Conversion written on the outside of the plate instead of the inside.
Thanks Scott
Nice looking reel Scott.
I'm not sure why the spool is rubbing. I have had any issues with any reels built from Blackies (if you change the Jack to s-series. I'm puzzled. Maybe the spools were slightly wider than the frame. Who knows. I'm glad you got it working.
The reason why Cortez Conversions isn't written on the outside is because they are my plates and not offered through Cortez's Conversions. We didn't want to confuse anyone but I did want people to know that the master created them.
I have to put a couple more together with the remaining green sideplates for loaners/sale on our SOA trip next year. These reels will be brand new built from NOS Newell reels.
Happy fishing Scott. Tight lines buddy.
Thank you everyone for your support
I have essentially sold out on all kits (2 kits are on hold). Sadly, I didn't keep one each of the colors for my self because people wanted them and I just couldn't say no.
Not sure if we will produce any more but will re-evaluate in the future...onward and forward... What's next?
The 400 & 500 series, I'm pretty sure if you put a poll on it, that would be the most popular.
500 series would be great. I'd be in for a few
Sheridan
When they become available I would like to purchase one.
Also, If anyone has an exisiting one for sale, I would be interested.
Bryan,
Thanks for making these happen. I just want to show this thing off before it gets rashed up. You and Tom have created something special here. You've taken Carl Newell's vision to the next level!
-Mike
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah30/mwhelm/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20062_zpsdpx6a1u0.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/mwhelm/media/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20062_zpsdpx6a1u0.jpg.html)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah30/mwhelm/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20056_zpsbosou1yp.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/mwhelm/media/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20056_zpsbosou1yp.jpg.html)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah30/mwhelm/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20058_zps5rlfpuj8.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/mwhelm/media/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20058_zps5rlfpuj8.jpg.html)
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah30/mwhelm/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20059_zpsryeanxob.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/mwhelm/media/2017%20Reel%20Photos%20059_zpsryeanxob.jpg.html)
Beautiful. Funny, I placed mine demo reel in a safe place...it's so safe, I cannot find it. I think I spood it with 65# braid to take it on the SOA trip for people to use...I have a few more months... to look for it...
Do you have any sideplates available?
Quote from: uluakacha on March 20, 2017, 05:17:42 PM
Do you have any sideplates available?
Not at the moment. Others projects going on right now.
Bryan, do you want me to bring a couple of my green ones?
Quote from: reel man on March 20, 2017, 09:04:52 PM
Bryan, do you want me to bring a couple of my green ones?
It depends on where we will be fishing and only if you want to and don't mind loaning it out for people to use.
Hi Bryan do you still have these sideplates available Thanks
duh, it looks like the heading says SOLD OUT.
Quote from: Marco450r on April 16, 2019, 11:52:29 PM
Hi Bryan do you still have these sideplates available Thanks
Marco, they are currently sold out but Version 2 are at the polishers before anodization. I'm anticipating a few to several weeks before they are ready. Bryan
Any plans to do 500 plates Bryan?
Quote from: Swami805 on April 17, 2019, 02:01:22 AM
Any plans to do 500 plates Bryan?
500 series are still on the design table. Trying to figure out the larger gear and how we intend to House it. We may be like Accurates by providing a stainless or aluminum gear plate. I prefer not to though. I want it as simple as possible, but it's a little bit harder to hide the gear since we don't use the Newell inner rings.
Looking at it I see what you're saying. Pretty clever the piece for the shift lever on the other ones, not much space down at the bottom though. Thanks
Quote from: Bryan Young on April 17, 2019, 01:09:33 AM
Quote from: Marco450r on April 16, 2019, 11:52:29 PM
Hi Bryan do you still have these sideplates available Thanks
Marco, they are currently sold out but Version 2 are at the polishers before anodization. I'm anticipating a few to several weeks before they are ready. Bryan
oh cool cant wait to see them Thanks Bryan
Version 2 is identical to Version 1 except of the shift lever cover design. Originally, the cover was designed with 2 small screws to hold the shift cover.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/386_15_03_16_12_12_53_14075220.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/14/386_15_03_16_12_20_47_140822163.jpeg)
The new Shift cover looks like this.
(https://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23417.0;attach=43631;image)
(https://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23417.0;attach=43629;image)
Those little screws, although looks nice and works well, are easily lost and believe the new design is cleaner and smoother design in the inside where the line may contact the parts.
That new plate design is the ticket. Looks great.
Dwight
Any word on when they'll be out Brian?
Last word we are waiting for the polishers to finish the polishing again. They didn't do a good job initially and we had to send them back. no ETA yet as we are guppies in a huge lake.
ok, mahalo. Can't wait to get a pair and try it out lol. They look cherry!
Quote from: Syncopized on July 17, 2019, 02:47:27 AM
ok, mahalo. Can't wait to get a pair and try it out lol. They look cherry!
You and me both. I snagged some of the 400 series side plates and they are awesome.
Dave
Me three as we made some incremental improvements and would like to see how it affects the installation versus the older 300 series side plate kits.
They are beautiful Bryan! What colors are you running? Do you have any that are still unspoken for?
Thanks,
Randy
Quote from: Vintage Offshore Tackle on July 17, 2019, 06:56:32 PM
They are beautiful Bryan! What colors are you running? Do you have any that are still unspoken for?
Thanks,
Randy
Hi Randy,
I don't have any that are spoken for. I'm funding these completely and will sell them on the first come first served basis. I don' t like taking any money before having a product ready to ship.
Colors? I haven't chosen the colors yet because I want to see what the anodizer has yet. Still deciding...
Bryan
Can't wait to see 'em. Please put me on your waiting list if you have one. Thanks for investing your time and money to create these upgrades and to help keep our Newells alive and well.
Hello all! If this project comes alive I am in for a pair of gen2. Thanks!
Quote from: Mr Xv3 on August 07, 2020, 01:27:57 PM
Hello all! If this project comes alive I am in for a pair of gen2. Thanks!
Gen 2 is alive and well.