Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Spinning Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => D.A.M. Quick => Topic started by: Midway Tommy on June 25, 2021, 12:25:15 AM

Title: Well used 1202
Post by: Midway Tommy on June 25, 2021, 12:25:15 AM
I was surprised this beat up & well used 1202 (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/76YAAOSwffJgx-GT/s-l1600.jpg) without a box & manual brought over $70 with shipping & sales tax.   :o  ::)  
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on June 25, 2021, 01:06:07 AM
Don't be too surprised, Tom —

I have paid over $100 for 1202's in slightly better condition than that one.

Then I resell them for a modest profit.

I was an active bidder on this one also — but didn't want to go over $55, or so, plus shipping and tax.  Next guy had an automatic bid that topped mine by a buck.

Glad these 1202's are getting the attention they deserve.  They have (like most Quicks) been undervalued for far too long.

It is a fairly rare and extremely well made reel that fits a niche that few other reels do.

Anglers and collectors are finally waking up.

IMO...

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: mo65 on June 25, 2021, 02:06:28 PM
   When I first started collecting reels...fleabay had pages of the earlier Finessa series Quicks...but you rarely saw a Champion series model listed. I think the hustlers have caught on, as there are now quite a few listed. I think the Alan Hawk review of the 5001 was most responsible for opening a lot of eyes. 8)
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: philaroman on June 25, 2021, 02:28:34 PM
just from 1 photo, looks well-used but NOT beat-up
except for "sun-aged" spool lookin' ratty
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on June 25, 2021, 06:47:00 PM
Quote from: mo65 on June 25, 2021, 02:06:28 PM
   When I first started collecting reels...fleabay had pages of the earlier Finessa series Quicks...but you rarely saw a Champion series model listed. I think the hustlers have caught on, as there are now quite a few listed. I think the Alan Hawk review of the 5001 was most responsible for opening a lot of eyes. 8) [/color

Mike is right on these DQ Champion Series spinning reels —

There are (16) reels in this series that are very worthwhile — as very capable and tough reels.

1000, 1400, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000

1001, 1401, 2001, 3001, 4001, 5001 High Speed 1:4, 5001 1:2.5

1202, 2002, 3002

A DQ 1202 reel in the condition like Tommy showed us —

Would only need a full disassembly, cleaning, and service — to be fishable for another 3 decades.

What I would do, in addition to servicing on this reel —

Swap out the frame housing for a new one, replace the bail spacer, install a new bail spring, and rub a little Penetrol on the Carbon spool, install new drag.

I would then toss the old frame in the bin to be stripped and powder-coated in the next future batch.

That is generally more than needs to be done — but that brings it to sharp, detailed, and ready to fish.

You guys really need to take one of these apart to see what I am talking about — then you will be able to judge for yourselves.

These reels have been sleepers — and still are to a certain extent — but they are starting to awake.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: Midway Tommy on June 25, 2021, 07:37:53 PM
Most of us aren't as fortunate as you, Fred.  ;) We don't have a lifetime supply of parts sitting around to make them like new again.  ;D Parts are near impossible to find for those things, just ask me. I searched for at least three years for a couple of parts for the spring loaded handle for that 2001 to no avail until you picked up a few OS and so generously helped me out.  8) Now you're even more flush with those parts. BTW, thanks again!   :)
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on June 25, 2021, 08:57:28 PM
I am just the temporary caretaker of these parts, Tom —

And, as always, am more than happy to help out members who might need parts.

At the time I gave you that part — I took it off of another reel.  Because I did not have that inventory available.  I thought that I could somehow replace it in the future to make my reel whole again — and if not, no big deal — better to help out a fellow member and friend.  I am always glad and willing to help our members whenever possible. 

Now, I likely have hundreds of that same part.

It all comes full circle with trying to be patient.  But patience only goes so far — most often, I have found it takes perseverance and digging to find these parts, plus a little luck.

And that 1202 really only needs a basic service and a spool up of line to be fishable for another 20 years.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: Paul Roberts on July 04, 2021, 02:04:28 AM
I had one. Bought it new in mid 80s. Was greatly impressed by it... except that it had too small a spool for that robust, bulletproof, and heavy, gear package. I held onto it for years and finally sold it a good decade ago, scarcely used. Don't remember what I got for it. ~$70 I think.
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on July 04, 2021, 05:06:46 AM
Quote from: Paul Roberts on July 04, 2021, 02:04:28 AM
I had one. Bought it new in mid 80s. Was greatly impressed by it... except that it had too small a spool for that robust, bulletproof, and heavy, gear package. I held onto it for years and finally sold it a good decade ago, scarcely used. Don't remember what I got for it. ~$70 I think.

The idea is to have an overbuilt frame and gears for fishing the spool. 

There are hopefully times when we are fishing a lightweight reel like this — and while we know about the size of fish we will catch 95% of the time — there is always the chance to hook the fish of a lifetime — or at least one way above average.  This reel will land that fish.

This 1202 has a spool that holds 175 yards of 8 pound mono.

We can step up to a 1401 — and it is just very slightly larger — and the spool holds 200 yards of 8 pound mono.

For me, and my type of fishing — 175 yards is more than I need.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: Paul Roberts on July 04, 2021, 03:02:44 PM
One of the things I look for in a spinning reel is spool diameter, both for casting and retrieve speed efficiency. Seems the 1202, and the 110's, have a ~2000 size gear package and a down-sized spool. The 110's I would love to have but... have been put off by the spool/gear pkg sizes. Never held one though so I don't know what they are really like. I've especially appreciated the overbuilt nature of the DAM Quick's for larger reels. So far I own a 331N, 441N, 550N, and a Super 270.
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: DougK on July 28, 2021, 06:03:05 PM
I've been looking for that or the 1001, they typically go for about $80-90 if beat up, well into the hundreds in good condition..
$70 is a steal in fact ;-)

Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on July 28, 2021, 06:49:07 PM
1000, 1001, 1202 — and all other DAM Quicks are in my inventory — and all are for sale at more than fair prices.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: sandbar on July 28, 2021, 09:48:56 PM
Hello Fred,
What is the size difference between a 1202 and a 1401. Same size body, smaller spool?
I've been looking for a pretty 1202 if I can ever find one.
Please send me a price on a pretty one if you have one.
I'll see if I can afford it.
-Steve
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: Midway Tommy on July 28, 2021, 10:03:15 PM
Quote from: DougK on July 28, 2021, 06:03:05 PM
I've been looking for that or the 1001, they typically go for about $80-90 if beat up, well into the hundreds in good condition..
$70 is a steal in fact ;-)



Each person has their own mind set as to what they think is a good deal, or are willing to spend. Me? It takes a special example for me to fork out over $40 for just about any used spinning reel unless it is in mint or new condition and includes its box.   
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on July 28, 2021, 10:41:31 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on July 28, 2021, 10:03:15 PM
Quote from: DougK on July 28, 2021, 06:03:05 PM
I've been looking for that or the 1001, they typically go for about $80-90 if beat up, well into the hundreds in good condition..
$70 is a steal in fact ;-)



Each person has their own mind set as to what they think is a good deal, or are willing to spend. Me? It takes a special example for me to fork out over $40 for just about any used spinning reel unless it is in mint or new condition and includes its box.  

Hey, Tommy —

Everyone likes a bargain or a steal...

But how many of your reels would you sell for $40 - $60 - $80 - $100 — even without the box?

You have one of the nicest collections around anywhere.

However, the times they are a changin'.

And...you know very well what your reels are worth!

What we might have thought was worth $40 — someone else is willing to pay 2 or 3 times that amount for today.

That is not an opinion — it is what folks are willing to pay for quality, vintage, usable spinning reels from the 60's through the late 80's — providing they are a good, solid brand — and parts are available when needed.

;D ;D ;D

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on July 28, 2021, 10:48:25 PM
Quote from: sandbar on July 28, 2021, 09:48:56 PM
Hello Fred,
What is the size difference between a 1202 and a 1401. Same size body, smaller spool?
I've been looking for a pretty 1202 if I can ever find one.
Please send me a price on a pretty one if you have one.
I'll see if I can afford it.
-Steve

Yeah, the 1202 has the same gears and housing size as the 1401.  The rotor and spool are larger on the 1401.

Here are a few reels that I have ready to sell, there are many more.

1202's, 1401's, 1001's, 1000's, 265's, and 110N's.

Just pulled these out of a bin beside my bench.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: sandbar on July 28, 2021, 11:09:27 PM
You gentlemen that got started collecting many years ago are blessed with being in the position of being able to choose only the best deals. The rest of us fight over reels that you probably have multiples of.
It's a different ballgame. I'm learning. Made lots of mistakes early on and starting to zero in on the quality of the reels that I want for my collection. Ones I can collect and also feel comfortable fishing with. I will still grab some of the ones that I can't seem to resist just to collect. Like the Alcedo Micron, the Orvis 50A and others that have parts that are hard to find but seem to be special reels to have on the shelf.
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: foakes on July 29, 2021, 03:45:06 PM
Quote from: sandbar on July 28, 2021, 11:09:27 PM
You gentlemen that got started collecting many years ago are blessed with being in the position of being able to choose only the best deals. The rest of us fight over reels that you probably have multiples of.
It's a different ballgame. I'm learning. Made lots of mistakes early on and starting to zero in on the quality of the reels that I want for my collection. Ones I can collect and also feel comfortable fishing with. I will still grab some of the ones that I can't seem to resist just to collect. Like the Alcedo Micron, the Orvis 50A and others that have parts that are hard to find but seem to be special reels to have on the shelf.

In all fairness and full disclosure, Steve —

Each of us, if we stay at this hobby long enough — will develop our own preferences and systems for acquiring reels we enjoy to collect, fish, or both.

I can only speak for myself — when I say that that my preference is to just work on a few high quality brands of spinning reels from the mid 50's up through the earliest 90's.

These brands (D-A-M Quick, ABU/Zebco Cardinals, Penn, and Mitchell) — and this span of 3 1/2 decades — was a time I refer to as the "Golden Age" for spinning reels.

Good business practices were not carefully calculated by Corporate bottom line profits, or gobbling up of competitor companies to add to their stockholder values and future potential spin-offs of their companies.

Good business was instead measured by a steady output of products designed by engineers who were also anglers — and who wanted their products to last for generations, instead of a few years.  They designed reels that could be repaired by the owner, or an experienced tackle repair shop.  They supplied parts and dealer support.  The real product was quality.

Those days are gone — except for a few remnants here and there...

I gave up most all collecting a couple of decades ago.  When the realization hit me (after a few close friends and family members passed on all too soon) that my efforts would be better served by servicing, restoring, and offering parts to folks for these older quality brands.

So I made a 20+ year effort to amass all of the parts to make this possible.

Now, I can just be a reel mechanic, restore a few reels for folks, specialize in the brands I prefer and have hundreds of thousands of parts — organized and accessible.

Sort of like a Surgeon performing a serious and complicated operation on us — last thing we want to do is go into a messy hospital operating room, not cleaned up, not organized, supplies not to hand, inexperienced helpers.  Then we hear the Doc say — "now, where is that XYZ device?  Thought I saw it around here somewhere yesterday, or maybe last week!".

Folks can get a reel serviced or restored, get parts, fair advice, and fish their reels for the rest of their lives — or put them on a shelf.

Most of my reels are priced below market value, and if on my bench for service or restoration — many parts are installed for a very low cost, or free.  No one should get gouged on reel parts — since I am fortunate to have so many. 

It is old fashioned — it's corny — lots of folks laugh (including my wife) how I ever manage the parts, and only a few will ever understand. 

However, I just stay in the right hand lane, in my little niche — and enjoy what I do — until the time comes to pass on the parts and inventory to someone else down the road.

For each of us — it probably boils down to steady progress, a basic plan, daily activity & purpose, and the satisfaction of helping others who also enjoy our reel passion.

So, get a plan with possible sensible financial and time commitments — work it steady, enjoy every minute!

Just a few thoughts...

Up at 3:50 this morning — the deer and their fawns have visited early — the hummingbirds showed up at 5:44 — the cats are back to sleep — and I am starting my 4th reel for the day.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: jgp12000 on July 29, 2021, 04:57:03 PM
My personal experience on Ebay has been positive except for the last 3 reels.The sellers claimed the reels ready to fish,I won the bids and received fixer uppers.I don't know if they were inexperienced of what ready to fish means or shysters.I can service and repair most anything provided I have  good parts.I ended up sending Fred 2 of these reels because he had all the parts plus some that were missing for the DQ 220.I would have been better off just buying some he had restored than messing with these jackwagons.I appreciate and am thankful for what Fred does.This world needs more people like him...

Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: jgp12000 on July 29, 2021, 05:37:53 PM
Also, I recently got a rebuilt PENN Battle 2(2500) at BPS for $50,originally $120.BPS in Springfield,MO and Macon,GA are the only 2 stores that have the outlets with the rebuilt reels, stated the manager. This is my max normally unless it's vintage and will probably outlast my modern reels made in China,of course.
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: Midway Tommy on July 29, 2021, 08:33:46 PM
Quote from: foakes on July 28, 2021, 10:41:31 PM
Quote from: Midway Tommy on July 28, 2021, 10:03:15 PM
Quote from: DougK on July 28, 2021, 06:03:05 PM
I've been looking for that or the 1001, they typically go for about $80-90 if beat up, well into the hundreds in good condition..
$70 is a steal in fact ;-)



Each person has their own mind set as to what they think is a good deal, or are willing to spend. Me? It takes a special example for me to fork out over $40 for just about any used spinning reel unless it is in mint or new condition and includes its box.  

Hey, Tommy —

Everyone likes a bargain or a steal...

But how many of your reels would you sell for $40 - $60 - $80 - $100 — even without the box?

You have one of the nicest collections around anywhere.

However, the times they are a changin'.

And...you know very well what your reels are worth!

What we might have thought was worth $40 — someone else is willing to pay 2 or 3 times that amount for today.

That is not an opinion — it is what folks are willing to pay for quality, vintage, usable spinning reels from the 60's through the late 80's — providing they are a good, solid brand — and parts are available when needed.

;D ;D ;D

Best, Fred

Believe me, Fred, when I say it's sometimes very difficult not to part with some of my reels when I see the prices many of the sought after examples are bringing. When I show those to my wife she always says "maybe you should sell it now".  :o  Don't get me wrong, I've over paid more than once to fill a specific hole in a grouping, but I can count on all my digits how many times I spent over $50 for one. I'm a cheap skate at heart, and quite deliberate, so generally I'll just keep looking and waiting until a really good deal surfaces. I guess a NIB DQ 1001 for $5 that only needed a trip lever bumper, a NIB Penn 420SS w/ex spool for $18, a NIB Penn 712 w/ex spool for $25, a NIB Abu Cardinal 52 for $18 and a mint Zebco Cardinal 3 with a broken bail arm screw that needed extraction for $10, among a host of others, have kind of spoiled me.  ;D I've learned, over the years, that if you're patient good deals will eventually present themselves.  ;)

As far as selling some of them for a decent profit, the money isn't quite as important to me as admiring and enjoying fondling them every now and then.   8)     
Title: Re: Well used 1202
Post by: jgp12000 on July 31, 2021, 12:02:50 PM
Tommy it sounds like you have found some great deals ! I am pretty content with my collection for now, I was looking for certain models/brands from the 60s, I just want to fish with them and keep them maintained for my grandchildren (they all love to fish). I have never even felt a Cardinal. I see they are quite pricey now, must be great reels. I know all my other Abu Garcia reels from Sweden are great. I think for now I will just look for those hidden treasures like you have found when I travel and stay off Ebay, it's too tempting for me.