Sometimes, you just got to take a break and build something for yourself.
So after dinner tonight -- I decided to treat myself
An old 265 Microlite has 75 parts -- so I pulled the needed parts out of the bins from 57 years ago to put together an old reel from new old stock parts.
5:1 high speed, bronze main, steel pinion, Yamaha grease, syn oil, metal spool, CF drag with Cal's, 4lb. Trilene XT, bagged and ready to fish.
Somebody stole the paint -- so it may be a little lighter now.
Best,
Fred
A new 57 year old reel! I'll bet there aren't too many people that could do that without buying any parts. You should treat yourself more often by making new reels out of those seemingly bottomless bins of parts ;D - and share the results with us.
Mike
Nice little reel, Fred.
Things were made tough that year, I'm 57 ;D.
It is great that you are able to bring these old little jewels back to their original form and also nice to see that every now and then you do one just for yourself.
Enjoy it Fred!
Sal
Those Were Great Reels Back In Their Day, Are Still Just As Useful In Today's World, Glad You Respect Them And Do Your Part To Keep Them Going. I Collect And Use The Old Spinners As Well , Don't Like The Modern Throw-Away Stuff You Can't Find Parts For When They Are 3 Years Old. I Can Still Get Repair Parts For My Mitchell & Penn Reels That Are 50 Years Old. I still Use A Mitchell 510 Reel That I Bought In 1972, I'd Say That Is Pretty Good Service Life.
Barry
I like the metallic look, nice reel Fred.
Are those map drawers that you made dividers for?
Sheridan
Its a beauty Fred! Excellent work as always. An unused reel that's almost 60 yrs old, how can you beat that?
....Lou
Sal,
That is a good vintage.
We are the same age 😎
Best,
Jonathan
Mike --
That is what I am doing now for members -- building these out of an old reel using any new parts necessary.
Figured I should use these parts to get some reels out into the world -- they do no good stored in bins.
Makes a lifetime reel with character -- IMO...stronger than a new one.
Have completed 12 so far in the last 6 weeks in between service, repair, and life in general.
Got 13 more orders lined up and ready for the build out -- Quicks, Mitchells, mostly -- all models.
Sheridan --
Those wooden cabinets are what watchmakers used to use to keep inventory of face crystals. Now we just buy a watch -- and when the battery goes dead after 5 years -- just toss it and get the latest and greatest. Another profession nearing extinction. My uncle was a watchmaker for 45 years at Proctor's Jewelers in downtown Fresno.
Barry --
You should show everyone that Mitchell 510 with the special Conolan Rod. Those are really neat -- especially the small, high speed 510.
Best,
Fred
Once again Fred, nice work, enjoy, know need to tell you Fred, but may interest others, a small bit of history
D.A.M. translates to- Deutshe Angelgerate Manufakur, in english-German fishing equipment manufactures founded in 1875 D.A.M quick fishi, cheers donnyboat.
Sweet reel Fred! If I can ever stop spending my money so fast I want to have you build me a Quick. I'm thinking maybe you could mail that out to Ted for a serious spit-shine...I'm betting he could make it look like chrome. 8)
Very Nice reel Fred, really like my 265 Microlite, X1 on the metallic look, it's really different, talking about the Dam Quick reels and how far superior they are to the spinnng reels on the market today, fishing with a buddy of mine other day he had an UL rig with a tiny pheluger president. The reel literally fell apart, first the covering for the bail mechanism had fallen off with whatever springs that made it function, it was all downhill after that, I would have laughed if it wasn't a good friend. Couldn't and wouldn't look him in the eye ..
Paul
That Microlite sure looks good silver.
I bet it would really look sweet if you took the time to buff it out to a super gloss shine with a wheel and some polishing paste.
Not too many things that look as classy as really highly polished aluminum. Far nicer than chrome, stainless or silver IMHO.
Tempts me to strip one of my 110's and do just that.
I'll bet at the altitude you live you likely have native cutthroat to test it out on.
Lucky you :)
Its hard to hold a shine on most types of raw aluminum without some sort anodizing or lacquer. The surface will oxidize. The oxidation is good because it is a protective layer, but it's not so shiny. Lacquer doesn't hold up well and anodizing is it's own hobby.
-steve
Quote from: oc1 on February 02, 2017, 06:07:10 AM
Its hard to hold a shine on most types of raw aluminum without some sort anodizing or lacquer. The surface will oxidize. The oxidation is good because it is a protective layer, but it's not so shiny. Lacquer doesn't hold up well and anodizing is it's own hobby.
-steve
Yep, exactly --
Anyway, this was just a quick and dirty little fun test project -- to see what it might look like -- as long as I had the parts not assembled yet. I could have taken more time with the shining -- but it wasn't that important.
Just wanted to do something a little diffferent -- as well as strong and functional.
Sort of like the old bootlegger cars that started the stock car sport.
A plain Jane, white bread, stock looking car -- with a souped up engine, suspension, and driver that could outrun anything chasing it.
This reel was just for fun -- maybe I'll do another in green krinkle paint like the old radios.
Best,
Fred
:)I Bought This Mitchell 510 In 1972, "The Golden Age Of Spinning Reels", Has Been One Of My Favorites All This Time. Wore Out One A/R Dog, And A Red Rubber Bumper On The Bail, Other Than That The Rod & Reel Are As Purchased, Don't Think Any Of The Modern Reels Will Do That. Mitchell Only Made This 510 For A Short Time, Was Pricey, And Fishermen Like To Swap Reels To Different Rods. I Also Have Penn Reels That Have Been Just As Durable. I Enjoy This Site Very Much And The " Ohana" That Feel As I do About These Old Reels.
Barry
Quote from: oc1 on February 02, 2017, 06:07:10 AM
Its hard to hold a shine on most types of raw aluminum without some sort anodizing or lacquer. The surface will oxidize. The oxidation is good because it is a protective layer, but it's not so shiny. Lacquer doesn't hold up well and anodizing is it's own hobby.
-steve
They have some urethane clear coat now that won't yellow and peel as bad as lacquer, but it will still eventually wear down. That would protect the finish for awhile, though.
How about this thought, Fred? Get some Testors candy apple red & then clear coat it? That would look absolutely awesome on the little puppy!! ;)
Not a bad idea, Tommy --
Maybe a powder coat?
I have a couple of professional powder coating shops who just dip these parts in their vat for 5 minutes -- rinse, and hand them back to me while I wait.
When PCing -- we just tape the mating surfaces and threaded holes -- spray and bake.
Barry -- would these work for your 510?
If so, let me know and I will send them at N/C.
Best,
Fred
Quote from: oc1 on February 02, 2017, 06:07:10 AM
Its hard to hold a shine on most types of raw aluminum without some sort anodizing or lacquer. The surface will oxidize. The oxidation is good because it is a protective layer, but it's not so shiny. Lacquer doesn't hold up well and anodizing is it's own hobby.
-steve
That doesn't seem to be a big issue with the countless aluminum motorcycle parts I have polished and used over the years. It not like the oxidation happens over night and an occasional fast buff with a dry cloth keeps the shine nicely if not left sitting out in the elements in a dirty state.
On aluminum wheels and such as an example, a nice clear coat like polyurethane works nicely to seal and protect.
A highly polished reel would be for show display on a shelf or in a case rather than heavy use ( like daily salt water fishing). Anyway, it was just a thought, something different, and not something I would do or suggest to do on a regular basis.
If you did paint or powder coat it, you can polish out the lettering on the side plate like I did this Pflueger 646.(flat black hot rod primer/bare aluminum lettering) Note it's mounted on the same Conolon rod as gumpie44's Mitchell! 8)
Good tip, Mike --
That is also what I do -- just some emory tape and a small block of wood -- careful to only touch the raised lettering -- a few swipes and it it beautiful. Best to wait a couple of days after painting so the under surface has a chance to cure.
BTW -- you really did an excellent job on that old Papa Foxtrotter!
Is the main bail screw backed out a bit -- or is that just a light shadow?
Best,
Fred
FRED, That Would Be Better Than Great !!!!! Spare Parts Are Hard To Find For This Reel, Most Mechanical Parts Are The Same As A 410, But A Few Are Exclusive To 510. Reels Are Pretty Rare Think Only Like 5000 Were Made, But The Reel Are Durable, So Some Are Out There, It's The Special Seat Rod That Is Hard To Find In Decent Shape. Conolon Rods Are My Favorite, Guess Moe Likes Them As Well, Have Some To Match With My Mitchell Reels. I was An Auto Mechanic For 50 Years, So I Know How To Take Care Of My Tools. Thanks Again For The Generous Offer Of The Mitchell Parts, You Can Send Them With The Daiwa 7250 Parts And Save Some Postage. No Hurry At My End.
Barry
Yeah, you are right, Barry --
When these came out -- I was 18, couldn't afford or justify the expense.
And figured if I busted the rod -- and they were no longer available -- the reel would be an expensive waste.
And I was a few months from finding out if I was going to be drafted -- and head off likely to Vietnam.
So I prepared to go into the Air Force for 4 years, get an education, not end up in some jungle or rice patty 6000 miles away. Filled out all of the paperwork with the recruiter. When my draft number was 237 -- I did not have to worry about being drafted. And if the war was still going on next year -- they would take ALL of the 19 YOlds -- then come back and start where they left off with 150 in my year.
Called up the recruiter the next day to tear up my paperwork.
Man, was I wrong -- should have just saved up for one of these unique rod and reel setups.
Youth is a steady teacher.
I like this setup -- the way it balances perfectly -- and the 510 and the smaller 508 size are something I hope to get someday. Just takes a lot of green today.
Sending you (2) sets of bumpers, dog springs, and A/R dogs -- that way you will have a spare set.
Someday, these may be a lot harder to find as NOS.
They will go out after I finish up a 7250 for myself -- and send you everything left over for your reel.
Thanks for your patience.
Best,
Fred
Hey Fred I remember the day they posted the draft lottery numbers and mine came up 2! TWO! I couldn't believe it. The ended the draft shortly after that. Unlucky then lucky.
We were saving or nickels and dimes for truline and harnell rods with penn reels. The same only different.
Sheridan
Quote from: Swami805 on February 02, 2017, 08:30:43 PM
Hey Fred I remember the day they posted the draft lottery numbers and mine came up 2! TWO! I couldn't believe it. The ended the draft shortly after that. Unlucky then lucky.
We were saving or nickels and dimes for truline and harnell rods with penn reels. The same only different.
Sheridan
I was pretty nervous that day until mine came up #354. A big sigh of relief came out and I started resting easy after that! Quit college at the end of the semester and went to work. 47 years later I finally retired! ;)
Quote from: foakes on February 02, 2017, 05:46:00 PM
Is the main bail screw backed out a bit -- or is that just a light shadow?
If I remember right Fred...there's a lock washer under that screw. That was how I made that pickup stationary.
I had a low number but failed the cattle-call physical. The only time I was glad to have a bum leg and the only time I regretted not wearing underwear.
-steve
I have a 265 microlite and the shaft has a lot of play in it, at least 1/8". Is this normal or is the guide block or stud it rides on possibly worn? If you reel fast enough the spool hops. I've taken the spool off thinking something there was a miss, but you can pull the axle up and down the same amount.
Thanks
Jeff
Hi Jeff —
Check to see if part #100-391 (roller for slide) is missing from the brass worm wheel.
That would be 1/8" play — and the most obvious first check.
Best,
Fred
Good call Fred! No roller. Checked parts bin and floor to no avail. Other than the play will this cause damage down the line? Also would it be a metal hard plastic roller?
Thanks
Jeff
Check around in the grease, or inside the casing — loose.
If you cannot find it — I will send you one at N/C.
Best,
Fred
I cleaned and lubed it a couple weeks ago, so it was either never there to begin with or was lost in the clean up. It's a learning process to know what to look for. Now I know for the next time. These are fun and not to bad to work on, I love it! Will be on the look out for more. Have one 265 and two 110's now.
Thanks
Jeff
Here is what the tiny steel roller looks like —
Think of the German engineering and thought that went into just this tiny aspect of the spool oscillation function...
We have a machined spiral worm pattern on the bottom end of the steel worm pinion gear — which in turn drives a brass worm gear — that then operates the spool oscillation slide.
The engineers could have just left it at that — 99% of the manufacturers do — and it works just fine.
Instead, the engineers took it a step further by using this steel roller to reduce friction and wear even more.
The more you really study these D.A.M. Quick reels — the more you will understand and appreciate the craft, skill, and engineering that was not just added on when needed — it was built in from the start.
These reels, with their tight tolerances where needed — and loose flexibility when useful — will still work perfectly 100 years from now — if just basically serviced and maintained.
If these Microlites were manufactured today — they would likely be a top seller, and retail for between $200 to $300, IMO.
Just simple, overbuilt, and functional.
Best,
Fred
Quote from: foakes on January 13, 2019, 03:35:47 AM
Check around in the grease, or inside the casing — loose.
If you cannot find it — I will send you one at N/C.
Best,
Fred
I thought I found the roller Fred, but it was to different reel I had parted out. I sure do appreciate your generosity!
Thanks
Jeff
Dropped it in the mail this morning at the Post Office.
Best,
Fred
That is a darn good looking microlite. I have a 1202 that I got cheap a while back because half the original paint has corroded off. I may go through it make some cf drags and strip the rest of the paint like you did to this microlite. May give it to my dad for fathers day since he has moved down to fort meyers FL area now should be a perfect size to use for general fishing of snook, reds, specks, or whatever else he may find on the end of his line down there. Thanks for the inspiration on the bare aluminum finish, I think a light coat of car wax once in a while would really help seal it and prevent corrosion in harsher environments.
Hi Fred,
What is the smallest of the Quick spinners. The Microlite, 110 and 110N have me confused as far as size goes.
Thanks,
Frank
I'll try till Fred comes along. The Quic Microlite is the smallest. When it comes to the 110 and 110N the spools are similar in size, but ARE NOT INTERCHANGABLE! Sorry for the all caps, but it's a reminder of a headache you don't want. The body of the 110N is a little longer and the rotor is also a little taller. Hope this helps. I'm kinda new to these myself,but have learned an enormous amount from this site and tinkering with them myself.
Thanks
Jeff
Great Jeff, thank you. Just what I needed to know.
Frank
Yes, Jeff is exactly right...
265 Microlite is the smallest.
110 is next smallest.
110N is the largest of the Microlites.
Here is a photo also of a true Microlite — a Daiwa 500C — also one of my personal favorites.
I have a personal arsenal of about 100 small spinning reels — many are Microlite size.
Best,
Fred
Thank you, Fred. Pictures too! I wonder why they came up with a 265 as a model number.
Quote from: Frank on March 17, 2019, 04:24:09 PM
Thank you, Fred. Pictures too! I wonder why they came up with a 265 as a model number.
My theory is marketing more than any sort of numerical meaning...
We need to remember, while D.A.M. Quick had already been in the fishing tackle business in Europe primarily — since the late 1800's — they had also been through (2) World Wars — the last of which destroyed their manufacturing plant.
As the Allies and the new Germany without the Nazi War Machine — undertook the task of rebuilding the country — businesses still needed to attempt to manufacture products, turn a profit, pay their employees, do capital rebuilding or relocation expenditures, develop new products, R & D, and so much more.
The last thing on their minds — was keeping an orderly and meaningful numerical sequence in place so that we would understand it decades later as we look at our reels.
It was just survival — coupled with turmoil and government export regulations. They were just trying to make something work.
We need to recall — that after the last War — They brought out the SW68, 250, 260, 228, 238, 248, 240, 245, 280, 285, 270, 275. Few of these had much basic numerical model continuity. It was all over the board.
I think the 265 just fit the marketing target when introduced in 1960. It was considered one of the highest quality Microlite reels of its day. It was actually a tiny scaled down version of the massive and capable DQ Super 270. Same engineering — same materials — smaller components to fit a tiny frame.
The next series was orderly, as were all other series up until the time they moved to Asia in the early 90's or late 80's.
Even the company was confused as various distributors in different geographical locations, worldwide, promoted their DAM products.
To prove this, I have a boxed 265 Microlite, with full paperwork and accessories. The box reads Microlite, the model # reads 110 on the box — but pictured is a 265 Microlite. The owners manual reads "110" formerly the 265 Microlite. And the manual is very complete and humorous — and is put out and distributed by Gladding Corporation! All illustrations are of a 265.
Sometimes, if we look and study lots of information — it will still not fit into our idea of proper order.
Sometimes it is just scrambling and disorder that creates order eventually.
Just my opinions...
Best,
Fred
WOW Fred!!! Thank you for taking all that time to supply me with the answer. Great info there. You really know your stuff.
Best,
Frank
This is a really unique owners manual —
Distributed by South Bend Tackle Company, a Division of Gladding Corporation in New York.
Best, Fred
Great! Now I want to make a little microlite reel guy! Lol!😂
Now, that's mint condition!
Quote from: foakes on March 17, 2019, 05:21:57 PM
We need to recall — that after the last War — They brought out the SW68, 250, 260, 228, 238, 248, 240, 245, 280, 285, 270, 275. Few of these had much basic numerical model continuity. It was all over the board.
Best,
Fred
With the help of this Alan Tani site with Fred's expertise, we can identify these numbers and get an idea of line capacity, size, weight, etc of these D-A-M Quicks even though they have numerical model confusion. Also Roland Lindenbergh's site is a tremendous help. https://home.kpn.nl/roland.lindenberh/index.html
Can't say the same for many other brands. I see many reels out there on the net for sale I'd buy, but either the seller fails to give any information on said line capacity, size, or weight, or fails to post a good photo with a ruler or something for size comparison. Examples are Heddons, Compacs, Japanese Pfluegers and Japanese Shakespeares, South Bend, Olympic, and a few more. A knowledgeable seller will provide more info.
Perhaps there is a chart out there on reel size comparison I'm not aware of?
really enjoy this forum, everyone is so helpful! i found this link here www.saschas-sammler-homepage but it's in German. just search it and i get google translate option on link. works good and nice site.
Quote from: festus on March 17, 2019, 11:28:48 PM
Can't say the same for many other brands. I see many reels out there on the net for sale I'd buy, but either the seller fails to give any information on said line capacity, size, or weight, or fails to post a good photo with a ruler or something for size comparison. Examples are Heddons, Compacs, Japanese Pfluegers and Japanese Shakespeares, South Bend, Olympic, and a few more. A knowledgeable seller will provide more info.
Perhaps there is a chart out there on reel size comparison I'm not aware of?
Most eBay sellers don't have a clue about the reels they're selling, let alone the wt or line specs. Sometimes you can find an old dealers catalog online like those Heddons, or maybe even a manual. Advertisements and magazine reviews are also a good way to uncover hard to find info, especially if you have an idea when they were first offered to the public.
Also,
paid membership to ORCA (https://www.orcaonline.org/product-category/orca-membership/) gains you free unlimited access to the
Research Library. (https://www.orcaonline.org/product-category/orca-library/) The knowledge, information and camaraderie obtained there is well worth the minuscule membership fee.
I don't have anything to add about the 265, but as long as some are sharing their draft stories I thought I tell mine.
My number came up 167. I was getting a college deferment at the time, and they let me finish in May 1971. The draft law had expired by then, so I had a reprieve while Congress debated on what to do about it, before finally re-instating it. I received my notice in November, and went in to the recruiting office to investigate my options. They gave me an "intelligence" test (note the quotes), then told me I qualified for whatever job I wanted if I enlisted for three years. Or, I could accept the draft, serve but two years, but I would go wherever they sent me.
I looked at the list of jobs, and none of them appealed to me. It wasn't until after I told the recruiter that I'd take my chances with the draft that he told me that because of my electrical engineering degree I'd likely get a Science and Engineering assignment, never seeing combat. And that's what happened.
I served with the Walter Reed Institute of Research in Washington D.C. Just a 1-hour flight from home. We were studying the effects of low-level microwave exposure. At the time, the Soviet standard for maximum exposure was 100 times less than the US standard, but the Soviets were beaming low-level microwaves at the US embassy in Moscow. We were trying to find out what they knew that we didn't.
I ran a minicomputer for them, a machine the size of a refrigerator that had considerably less computing power than the phones we give children these days. We never did find anything, at least not in the two years I was there. My personal speculation, with no evidence to back it up, is that the Soviets were trying to make us waste time and money looking for something that wasn't there. The same kind of manipulation the Russians employed during the 2016 election.
In the end. my time in the service paid off. Because I served during a qualifying conflict, I get a 15% break on the property taxes on my house. That's very helpful. Those two years were less than 3% of my life so far, so if you ask me it was a bargain. If only people would stop thanking me for my "heroism" just for putting on the uniform, I'd feel a lot more comfortable.
Sorry to hijack the thread. I return it to you now.
does anyone have a downloaded copy of Roland Lindenbergh D.A.M reels list/index ? his site seems to be down or gone
Quote from: hants2 on October 19, 2023, 02:14:40 PMdoes anyone have a downloaded copy of Roland Lindenbergh D.A.M reels list/index ? his site seems to be down or gone
I had saved a copy and recently posted it on the thread.
Check there again.
-Steve
Quote from: hants2 on October 19, 2023, 02:14:40 PMdoes anyone have a downloaded copy of Roland Lindenbergh D.A.M reels list/index ? his site seems to be down or gone
It appears that he abandoned or gave up the website a month ago, on Sept 20, 2023.
sorry, I must be having a senior moment, I can't find it.
Quote from: hants2 on October 21, 2023, 05:29:06 AMsorry, I must be having a senior moment, I can't find it.
Let me help you . https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,23640.0.html
Steve `s 'Sandbar" last post has a paper clip looking thing , click on that .
* D.A.M. Stationärrollen - DAM Quick spinning reels - Copy - Copy.pdf
thank you, I thought that was gone for ever, it has to be one of the best references their is. don't get old, it's no fun. I'm from Tampa, the only things about Fla. I miss is warmer winters and the fishing. Escaped to the mountains in '05. thanks again, I just need to learn how to navigate the forum better
Quote from: hants2 on October 21, 2023, 03:53:50 PMthank you, I thought that was gone for ever, it has to be one of the best references their is. don't get old, it's no fun. I'm from Tampa, the only things about Fla. I miss is warmer winters and the fishing. Escaped to the mountains in '05. thanks again, I just need to learn how to navigate the forum better
Don't worry —- there is a LOT of solid information on Alan's Reel Repair & Servicing forum.
For someone who takes this information seriously for 12 months —
They will know more than most reel techs who have been doing work for decades —- or at least as much.
Best, Fred
I just emailed Roland and he is fine.He informed me his provider KPN has ended all free homepages.