I have stock Surfmaster 100s and love these little reels. I had never hopped up a 100 though, and Ted produced those killer stands, so I started seeing a project unfolding in my head. I've always loved my narrowed Surfy 250, but though it might serve me even better in the smaller 100 size. I headed to fleabay to procure a decent donor, and came across a sweet 150. I don't care so much about the number on the sideplate, this 150 will become my 100.
Pictured below are the donor reel, Ted's stand(and some longer screws), spool and bars from Pro Challenger, Bryan's 5-stack kit, Cortez Conversions stainless steel gear sleeve, a Mariner 49 drag star and additional dog/springs from Mystic, a 112H handle, and a NOS steel gear. This is going to be a rock solid little reel.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576061327_637b5c0c97_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgQ4)
Something I noticed right away was the gear I selected had the shorter slots drilled for the drag washer ears. The green arrows indicate a "regular" length slot(gear on the right) and the shorter slot on the left. Also note the rounded shiny teeth on the used gear(right) compared to the teeth on the NOS gear.(left)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575833446_ba4a9e4312_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwR765)
I stacked up the three washers that go below the first eared washer and it looks like it might be close. If the ears get held up by the slots you'll loose drag power.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576061142_75bc246b1b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgLS)
Just to be safe I bent the ears up slightly on the right washer.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576061087_48d295aaa8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgKV)
This pic shows how you can add longer screws for Ted's stand, the short screws are the stock items.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576060992_c1a6344ae3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgJh)
As always...grease these screws well...you'll appreciate it if you ever have to take the reel apart later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576059537_ce3126e765_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgic)
I added a few shims under the gear sleeve, circled in blue. The red arrow points to the stock Penn drags I added above the last eared washer in Bryan's kit. Everyone now pretty much knows the Penn HT-100 carbon fiber is spongier than Dawn's Carbontex. Sometimes the user says the Carbontex ramps up to fast. For the past few years I've been replacing the top Carbontex in Bryan's kits with a HT-100 and I do believe it adds a bit more length to the range by slowing ramp up.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575324588_f8462ac202_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwNuPE)
Now on to the double dogging. This small Surfmaster plate isn't like the bigger 250 plate. There is nothing cut out from the non-AR dog side...no starting point. I had to make a template to guide me with the dremel.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575325248_47797c95d4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwNv23)
I cut the "shelf" with a standard cutoff wheel.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575832886_53b892f14f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwR6Vq)
I use this type bit to shape everything up. Go slow...you can always take more off...but you can't put it back!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575325008_194ba88c33_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwNuWU)
The new dog was just a hair too long for simultaneous engagment so I filed a tad off it. Then I cut the spring slot and shaped a spring.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576060542_6e0d03f095_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgAw)
The spring is contained under the bridge nicely. I've assembled several of these double dog mods, but this one was the most challenging. Maybe because everything is smaller...I'm not sure...but it was challenging.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575832456_d02d1ee0c1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwR6N1)
I magged this guy too. The steel washer(on right) is epoxied to the plate and the magnets just hang onto the washers. I had to grind off a bit of magnet to keep from scraping the spool. These magnets are just a bit large for a Surfmaster, but they do put on the brakes.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575832181_b2f01f052f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwR6Hg)
The new cage assembled...looks sweet! It's strong, and solid, I can't see this thing twisting.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576060102_69824f1b5b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgsW)
Testing the fit of the Take-Apart side plate I discovered that the thumb screw hits the new bar. I just filed the end nub off, down to the first thread, that seemed to work fine. Ideally there should be a small "dimple" or hole drilled into the PC bars under the thumb screw.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576060007_0cdf207b42_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgri)
Slap in the spool and its show time.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575324168_5d296b5c5f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwNuGq)
It looks like a big reel with all the muscle added, feels smooth too, and it's light. The 112H handle and Mariner 49 star ice the cake. This should be a fun reel. 8)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49576059642_4494ba3284_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwSgk1)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49575323813_649ec0e32f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iwNuAi)
You are a master with a dremel !! Nice trick bending ears up a hair, just in case. Your junk yard dog 150 has come full circle. Where'd you get those longer flat head screws ?? I could use a few....dozen lol
Great invention, Mo! Do you plan on making this a catfish or striper reel? Or maybe saltwater?
great build and post!!!!! really like that reel, lots of muscle in a small package.
Mo, That's superb mate.
I so enjoy your "trick up's" and the detailed posts on all the procedures, many of us would have no clue how to go about this,, well I'll only speak for me I suppose. But this is perfect for someone like myself to refer back to and have a go at....
Brilliant, as always Master Mo !!.
Col
Very schmick Mo! What line and rod are you planning on pairing this with?
Cheers,
Andrew
Great work Mo - thanks for sharing.
The photos are sensational.
Cheers mate, Justin
Yes Mike x two, great detail, strong reel, cheers Don.
Alan made me one with a Tib frame, have used it for everything from cod to topwater and it will catch at least one yellowtail at Cedros this year.
Looks beautiful.
The Man
Very nice reel with guts to match. Thanks for the pics of dog addition, that will be handy
Quote from: festus on February 23, 2020, 11:45:30 PM
Great invention, Mo! Do you plan on making this a catfish or striper reel? Or maybe saltwater?
Quote from: Ruffy on February 24, 2020, 12:41:58 AM
Very schmick Mo! What line and rod are you planning on pairing this with?
Definitely gonna catfish this one. I'll use 30lb. mono and set the drag at about 10 lbs. Thanks everyone for the compliments. 8)
Very good job on that Surfmasters Joe!
I hear you about the small plates for the double dogs, did one a while back
https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=11652.msg113025#msg113025
I'm not sure, but I think Dominick might have it.
Keep up the great work!
Sal
Great build as always!
Good job, Mo ! Look like a sweet reel !
Hey Mo,
Though you have stated 30lb mono for catfish as your primary application, here's an assessment of what your 100 CAN DO...just in case you ever want to move up the reel's performance curve.
With all the internal modifications, the 5-stack and steel 5-60 should allow you to push up to 16+ lbs drag (my 27 with a standard 3-stack and smaller steel 5-155 will do 12lbs as a 40lb offshore setup). With 16+ lbs drag, we're looking at a potential 50 lb reel, but the limitation, IMHO, shifts from the internals to the 29L-100's capacity which I have found to hold about 325yds of 50lb solid braid. This, IMHO, is on the low side for a 50lb offshore setup.
This year I'm going to take on the expense and the gamble to spool up with 50lb hollow core to hopefully get 350+ yds on the 100- and 27- compatible aluminium Newell spool. The Newell has a curved profile going up to the spool lips vs. the more squared profile of the 29L-100; this curvature, I think, along with the flatter lay of the hollow core will afford additional capacity. Even with any increase of main line length, the 27 will still stay as a 40lb setup just because the smaller internals are a few notches lower in strength than what's in your 100.
Best,
Wai
P.S. One of ProChallenger's Jigmaster handle arms with one of Alan's handle grips would be another great upgrade on your 100...
Quote from: Porthos on February 25, 2020, 06:18:02 AM
Hey Mo,
Though you have stated 30lb mono for catfish as your primary application, here's an assessment of what your 100 CAN DO...just in case you ever want to move up the reel's performance curve.
With all the internal modifications, the 5-stack and steel 5-60 should allow you to push up to 16+ lbs drag (my 27 with a standard 3-stack and smaller steel 5-155 will do 12lbs as a 40lb offshore setup). With 16+ lbs drag, we're looking at a potential 50 lb reel, but the limitation, IMHO, shifts from the internals to the 29L-100's capacity which I have found to hold about 325yds of 50lb solid braid. This, IMHO, is on the low side for a 50lb offshore setup.
This year I'm going to take on the expense and the gamble to spool up with 50lb hollow core to hopefully get 350+ yds on the 100- and 27- compatible aluminium Newell spool. The Newell has a curved profile going up to the spool lips vs. the more squared profile of the 29L-100; this curvature, I think, along with the flatter lay of the hollow core will afford additional capacity. Even with any increase of main line length, the 27 will still stay as a 40lb setup just because the smaller internals are a few notches lower in strength than what's in your 100.
Best,
Wai
P.S. One of ProChallenger's Jigmaster handle arms with one of Alan's handle grips would be another great upgrade on your 100...
Sounds good Wai!
Have you ever considered x 150 size?
Best,
Sal
Very nice!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! I've been double dogging the bridgeplates on these.
Peter
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 25, 2020, 06:56:53 AM
...Have you ever considered x 150 size?
Best,
Sal
Sal,
I do have a parts Surfmaster 150 that I thought about restoring but picked up the all metal Daiwa Sealine 30H/SMF 170 before that project ever took root.
Wai
Quote from: Porthos on February 25, 2020, 06:18:02 AM
With all the internal modifications, the 5-stack and steel 5-60 should allow you to push up to 16+ lbs drag (my 27 with a standard 3-stack and smaller steel 5-155 will do 12lbs as a 40lb offshore setup). With 16+ lbs drag, we're looking at a potential 50 lb reel, but the limitation, IMHO, shifts from the internals to the 29L-100's capacity which I have found to hold about 325yds of 50lb solid braid. This, IMHO, is on the low side for a 50lb offshore setup.
Hi Wai,
Indeed, this setup will yield enough power to fish 50lb. line. The problem is I don't catch any fish tough enough to require that muscle.:D On the other hand, where the tiny spool capacity hinders your 50lb. offshore setup, it's perfect for river fishing. I never use more than 100yds. of line. And these old reels cast great with quality 30lb. mono. After trying so many line types and weights, I find it almost disappointing that what works best for me is boring old 30lb. mono!
Quote from: Porthos on February 25, 2020, 06:18:02 AM
P.S. One of ProChallenger's Jigmaster handle arms with one of Alan's handle grips would be another great upgrade on your 100...
Guess what? I
did order one of those Jiggy arms for this project, but felt the handle blade was just too long for this reel. I fell in love with that 112H handle on the little 100. It maintains a short arm, but has a knob twice the size of the stock knob. I think these slower 3:1 reels feel more natural with a short handle blade. That PC Jiggy handle blade is a
long one. It will definitely be used on a future project. 8)
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 25, 2020, 06:56:53 AM
...Have you ever considered x 150 size?
Here's something I was also pondering . That size spool seems better for off shore fishing line capacity. I thought about taking my 150 parts from this project(spool, stand, and posts) and adding them to a Monofil headplate I have. I only need the tailplate, and so far that mud brown color has been absent on fleabay. :-\
Beautiful reel Mo!
Do you think that second dog spring might "walk" up the slot or down the dog?
Ted, I'm not sure where Mo got the longer screws, but I've had good luck with McMaster Carr.
Sweeeet, Mo! Is that stand a new product from Ted?
I love those little 100, 27, 180 Penns. With braid they are a good capacity for inshore bottom-fishing. I've read Wai's posts on how he pushed the 27 Monofil to its limits too - good stuff.
Quote from: mo65 on February 25, 2020, 03:17:14 PM
...I only need the tailplate, and so far that mud brown color has been absent on fleabay. :-\
Are you referring to the "Maroon" color?
Quote from: xjchad on February 25, 2020, 03:47:23 PM
Beautiful reel Mo!
Do you think that second dog spring might "walk" up the slot or down the dog?
So far no movement Chad. With the Take-Apart side it should be easy enough to keep an eye on. I'll let y'all know if it goes mobile.
Quote from: Decker on February 25, 2020, 03:53:19 PM
Sweeeet, Mo! Is that stand a new product from Ted?
Yes indeed, that is one of his new stands. https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=30389.0
Quote from: Porthos on February 25, 2020, 04:29:49 PM
Quote from: mo65 on February 25, 2020, 03:17:14 PM
...I only need the tailplate, and so far that mud brown color has been absent on fleabay. :-\
Are you referring to the "Maroon" color?
Yes. It's not a red maroon like most Penn plates, but a more brown color. It's that very common color used on older Monofils, but for some crazy reason, I can't seem to catch one on the big auction.
Quote from: mo65 on February 25, 2020, 04:44:25 PM
Quote from: xjchad on February 25, 2020, 03:47:23 PM
Beautiful reel Mo!
Do you think that second dog spring might "walk" up the slot or down the dog?
So far no movement Chad. With the Take-Apart side it should be easy enough to keep an eye on. I'll let y'all know if it goes mobile.
Glad to hear that Mo! If that's the case, it makes things simpler for me ;D
Quote from: xjchad on February 25, 2020, 04:53:25 PM
Quote from: mo65 on February 25, 2020, 04:44:25 PM
Quote from: xjchad on February 25, 2020, 03:47:23 PM
Do you think that second dog spring might "walk" up the slot or down the dog?
So far no movement Chad. With the Take-Apart side it should be easy enough to keep an eye on. I'll let y'all know if it goes mobile.
Glad to hear that Mo! If that's the case, it makes things simpler for me ;D
I was just noting that I never mentioned how the spring was shaped before installing it. It was bent into a "U" shape, so that it had enough tension to hold itself in place, and also push in the dog.
PM'd
Tidy work with the dremel and dog Mo - you've made a great looking 100 that's ready for business. Ted's stand and the PC bars are a big improvement, both in looks and added frame strength.
Mike
Quote from: xjchad on February 25, 2020, 04:53:25 PM
Quote from: mo65 on February 25, 2020, 04:44:25 PM
Quote from: xjchad on February 25, 2020, 03:47:23 PM
Do you think that second dog spring might "walk" up the slot or down the dog?
So far no movement Chad. With the Take-Apart side it should be easy enough to keep an eye on. I'll let y'all know if it goes mobile.
Glad to hear that Mo! If that's the case, it makes things simpler for me ;D
I spooled this reel with some 30lb. Stren Catfish Mono to test casting. Slapped it on a 7ft. glass rod and tied on a 2 ounce sinker...it cast so well it's ridiculous...just fantastic. These little Surfy 100s are very close in size to a catfishing favorite, the Ambassadeur 5000, but are much stronger and cast better.
Still no movement with that dog spring Chad. The only thing I noticed odd was that scratch circled in yellow. At first it had me stymied, but I believe it is just where the frame screw drags across it while twisting on the side plate. 8)
Wow that's purdy! Nice work