Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: Christopher M Songer on September 22, 2019, 03:29:17 PM

Title: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Christopher M Songer on September 22, 2019, 03:29:17 PM
Got 4 of these in good shape but dirty. Internals cleaned up well but the body is very faded. Any hints to improved the sun bleached frame?
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: Crow on September 22, 2019, 03:34:53 PM
I'm not much into cleaning / restoring methods, but, it looks like any "polishing" done would remove the logo's....maybe try something like "armor all", someplace sort of "non-obtrusive", first, and see what that does ?  Works pretty well on my old truck :D
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: Christopher M Songer on September 22, 2019, 03:48:28 PM
I initially cleaned the frame with WD 40 and a toothbrush.
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: happyhooker on September 23, 2019, 03:26:16 AM
The logo/writing is the killer.  Some non-metal parts on spinning reels clean up with a brass wire brush.

Frank
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: whalebreath on September 23, 2019, 03:59:08 AM
An old associate of mine once gave me a sample of a product designed to restore that kind of finish and it worked but was the slipperiest stuff ever you didn't want it on anything.

So it's not surprising I can't find any mention of it and I see on the net all the 'restoration hints' are for fishing rods not reels-at the same time I have seen reference to ways to do it.
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: thorhammer on September 23, 2019, 02:10:31 PM
head light restorer, followed by Back to Black that you use on automotive trim will improve it a lot.
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: foakes on September 23, 2019, 02:53:13 PM
Penetrol works.

Around $9.

It is great on crank knobs, drag knobs, plastic or graphite frames and bodies, automotive plastic or rubber trim, etc..

I keep a little salmon egg jar on my bench.

This stuff is like a Lazarus treatment.

Dispose of your application rags, as they will spontaneously combust if allowed to be piled together without air drying first.  Use precautions as you would with any solvent.

The results will astound you.

Best,

Fred

https://youtu.be/adFWRHFalQY


Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: akfish on September 23, 2019, 03:33:58 PM
I've had good luck with Penn Rod and Reel Cleaner.
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: Christopher M Songer on September 23, 2019, 05:17:09 PM
I was thinking of Back to Black as I had used a similar product on my car's interior trim. I used a liquid rubbing compound a month ago on my 2001 Camry head lights with outstanding results, but I was thinking of going to baking soda and a scotch bright pad first for the next reel. I have 4 of these reels and will try different techniques to see what is most efficient. Not going to spend a lot of $ or time on these reels, but it will be interesting to see what works. The first pic below shows the results of a second WD 40 application using a scotch bright type pad that had some liq rubbing compound lingering in the fibers from my head light work last month.
The second pics show one of the reels on the right that has not been touched yet. All 4 started out like that one.
My original post shows the reels after one cleaning with WD40 and tooth brush. Still faded and chalky. Penetrol looks like it might have many uses around my garage and work bench. Thanks everyone.   
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: Ron Jones on September 23, 2019, 05:50:14 PM
Definately the way you  want to go. Can't wait to see fish hanging off them!
The Man
Title: Re: body color restore
Post by: PacRat on September 23, 2019, 09:49:58 PM
This seems like it's just what I need for several projects. I went to Home Depot and my local ACE hardware only to find out good ole California has ordered it removed from the store shelves. Has anyone tried the reformulated product?
Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Christopher M Songer on October 18, 2019, 10:57:36 AM
Used the Back to Black, WD 40 and Penetrol on the reels and have my results to share.
First pic shows all 4 R->L unrestored/or cleaned. WD 40 only, Back to Black only far left Penetrol only.
2nd pic close up of unrestored and WD-40
3rd pic WD-40 and Back to Black
4th pic Back to Black and Penetrol

The back to Black was easy to use as was the WD-40. The Penetrol had best results but was more difficult and needed more precautions to work with.
Over all the WD-40 and the Penetrol seemed to penetrate the reel body.
I suspect since I use WD-40 to clean old fish scales, dirt and grease off anyway it may be "good enough". For better results use Back to Black after cleaning with WD-40. Best results most likely clean with WD-40 then apply Penetrol.
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Christopher M Songer on October 18, 2019, 11:08:43 AM
First pic uncleaned reel top part WD-40 the rest untouched.
Second pic bottom treated with Back to Black
3rd pic all three with Penetrol in center section.
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Benni3 on October 18, 2019, 12:32:14 PM
A old thick for cars is black shoe polish,,,,,,,, ;D
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Dominick on October 19, 2019, 10:49:38 PM
Quote from: Benni3 on October 18, 2019, 12:32:14 PM
A old thick for cars is black shoe polish,,,,,,,, ;D

Black shoe polish does work somewhat.  Someone told me that Pledge works also.  Also Pledge for gaskets on outboard motors.  Dominick
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: mo65 on October 20, 2019, 12:49:52 AM
That Penetrol does look to work best.
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Midway Tommy on October 21, 2019, 04:56:29 AM
Penetrol is amazing when used correctly. Most of the common fixes only last a short time when exposed to the sun and weather. Preparation is the key, though, with Penetrol. The surface needs to be free of all the haze, then wipe it on lightly and evenly with a rag, wipe the excess off and let it dry for a few days. I have used it on matte graphite rod builds (I hate matte rods) to get a nice sheen that's tough and adds virtually no weight to the rod. I've also used it to restore dull laminated glass on all of my old Bear recurve bows. Every rod I build for myself has cork handles and I use Penetrol to seal the handles, too. It darkens the cork just a little and adds a slight sheen, but it prevents chipping and keeps them from getting oily and so dirty. It also water proofs the cork. It's good stuff!
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: oc1 on October 21, 2019, 05:08:44 AM
Sounds like the magic elixir.  But, if it is made of natural oils, then how does it make paint stick to almost anything?

Don't worry, I'm going to get some anyway.
-steve

PENETROL FACT SHEET
Description
Penetrol is an air-drying, film forming, deeply penetrating mixture of natural oils. It does not contain linseed or fish oil, has a low odour and is non-toxic when dry. With a penetrating power 3 times that of water it goes deep into the substrate and forms a strong bond for subsequent topcoats.
Purpose
Penetrol stops paint form peeling, cracking, and flaking; increases paint flow and levelling. It brings life back to faded wood stains, rejuvenates old dull plastics and fibreglass, and makes paint stick to almost anything. Penetrol stops and prevents rust, corrosion and oxidisation. It can be used in confined and damp areas and reduces fire and fume hazards. Withstands temperatures of over 100°C.
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Ruffy on October 26, 2019, 02:09:37 AM
Fred, would you recommend penetrol for quick spools that have got that white haze to them?

Cheers,
Andrew
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: foakes on October 26, 2019, 04:15:25 AM
Yes, it works well on those, Andrew --

Here is one that I cleaned with a toothbrush and Penetrol on an old 60 year DQ 238.  Let the Penetrol soak in for around 15 minutes -- then wipe it completely as dry as possible with a microfiber cloth.

The white fading on these generally comes back within a day, or so -- with other products.  I treated and cleaned it with Penetrol last Sunday afternoon -- 5+ days ago.  Just checked it before it gets shipped out tomorrow.  Still shiny black.

Pretty easy, and seems to work well.  I have used Penetrol for a couple of years now.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Ruffy on November 26, 2019, 08:46:04 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on October 21, 2019, 04:56:29 AM
Every rod I build for myself has cork handles and I use Penetrol to seal the handles, too. It darkens the cork just a little and adds a slight sheen, but it prevents chipping and keeps them from getting oily and so dirty. It also water proofs the cork. It's good stuff!

Any tips or warnings Tommy? How many coats? Just got a new Wilson Venom rod (fancy Australian rod) with a cork grip and am thinking I should do this.

Cheers,
Andrew
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Midway Tommy on November 26, 2019, 10:47:28 PM
Quote from: Ruffy on November 26, 2019, 08:46:04 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on October 21, 2019, 04:56:29 AM
Every rod I build for myself has cork handles and I use Penetrol to seal the handles, too. It darkens the cork just a little and adds a slight sheen, but it prevents chipping and keeps them from getting oily and so dirty. It also water proofs the cork. It's good stuff!

Any tips or warnings Tommy? How many coats? Just got a new Wilson Venom rod (fancy Australian rod) with a cork grip and am thinking I should do this.

Cheers,
Andrew

I usually only do two coats. The first coat will dry fairly fast, in a day or two, because it soaks in. The second coat will take a little longer because it is already sealed. I usually let it sit a week or so before I use it. You'll be able to tell when it's no longer tacky. I lay them horizontal and rotate by hand as I brush it on. I also put some newspaper under it to soak up any drips. It's not toxic or really smelly so you can do it inside. 
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: steelfish on November 27, 2019, 01:58:06 AM
good stuff this penetrol

somehow I havent seen this thread before
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Lunker Larry on November 27, 2019, 06:44:51 PM
Quote from: Dominick on October 19, 2019, 10:49:38 PM
Quote from: Benni3 on October 18, 2019, 12:32:14 PM
A old thick for cars is black shoe polish,,,,,,,, ;D

Black shoe polish does work somewhat.  Someone told me that Pledge works also.  Also Pledge for gaskets on outboard motors.  Dominick

Pledge works great on restoring your plastic windows also.
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: smnaguwa on November 29, 2019, 12:48:16 PM
Would it work for plastic auto headlight cover haze?
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Christopher M Songer on November 29, 2019, 04:59:02 PM
They cleaned up nice with the Penetrol and sold fast.
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: foakes on November 29, 2019, 05:17:44 PM
Good job on those Line Counters, Christopher!

Best, Fred
Title: Re: body color restore UPDATE 10-18
Post by: Benni3 on November 30, 2019, 03:34:21 AM
Quote from: smnaguwa on November 29, 2019, 12:48:16 PM
Would it work for plastic auto headlight cover haze?
wet sand with 400grit 3m wet sand paper,,,,,,clean with alcohol,,,,tape them up,,,,find some hi quality spray can clear coat,,,and just put a light coat on them,,,,,,,, ;D