How many different size side plates does the Long Beach series have?
I want to build one, using a silver Tiburon frame, and find that the only one available is for the 259. Is there a different Long Beach that I could use it on?
Thank you,
Steve
here are the long beach schematics. if i have time, i'll go back and take a look, but for now you can see what parts match up and if you can switch parts around. on first glance, i don't think the frame will fit any of the other long beach reels. :-\
https://www.mysticparts.com//PennParts/Conventional.aspx#Longbeach (https://www.mysticparts.com//PennParts/Conventional.aspx#Longbeach)
"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"
So, there must be more than just two side plate sizes for the Long Beach or perhaps there is another reason.
I think that I will search for the right Long Beach anyway. Maybe I can convince Tiburon to sell me an undrilled frame and I'll drill and tap it myself. Of course, I will need to find the proper Long Beach and compare it to the reels I have that Tiburon does make a frame for. This is going to get a little more involved than I originally intended. That's O.K. I'm old, retired and don't have enough to do.
Thanks, Alan
Steve
one thing to consider. the drag range in these reels is not really high enough to torque the bar frame very much. off the top, i really wouldn't think that a tiburon frame would be of much benefit.
Perhaps not. I really have no quarrel with the way any of my Penn salt reels perform.
The Tiburon frame just looks cool. I'm planning a new rod, using an old, gold Fenwick fiberglass blank that has been hanging around and a modded 140. If I wrap the rod with a nice maroon thread, the 140 looks to be just the reel to use.
My favorite setup, so far, is a Fenwick fiberglass 1870C and a 112H with 30 lb. mono. The new setup should be a bit softer and with 20lb. mono line, should be just the thing for stripers.
Thanks, Alan, I appreciate your honesty.
Steve
Sorry, Alan, I was caught up in thinking about my latest project. When I read your reply, I forgot that I started this thread concerning the Long Beach series.
I didn't mean to go off topic, but I did.
Steve
Quote from: Stevedel on September 11, 2017, 03:42:48 AM
So, there must be more than just two side plate sizes for the Long Beach or perhaps there is another reason.
The Longbeach 60 and 65 use the same size plate, the 66, 67 and 68 use a larger size plate, and the 61, 62 and 63 use a smaller size plate.... then, if you really want to consider the Longbeach Deluxe models and the Live Bait Caster, you've got other size plates and a drastically different design to talk about.... but those reels don't really have anything in common with the Longbeach series other than the name. Since the Deluxe models evolved into the Senator series you might find a match there, but not the 259, that's in a class by itself.
Sid, maybe I haven't finished my coffee, but I think some jigmaster parts fit 259? I think Bryan and Mo souped them up and I have one but I don't recall what I may have done to it lol.
A 65LB can be blown out wide using a 112 Spool, bars, and 30-200 stand. That was actually my first Franken Penn.
Thank you Sid and Thorhammer.
This helps me wrap my mind around the Long Beach series. I get the Senators, Jigmasters, Squidders and the levelwinds. I just need to understand the Long Beach series, the Surfmasters and some of the other Penn lesser knowns.
Looking forward to acquiring a few Long Beach series to use as "loaners" when I go out with a friend or relative. That doesn't mean that they will be treated with anything less than full respect.
This also gives me an excuse to attempt more rod building projects.
Good fishing, Steve
I have to ask: What are the 61, 62, and 63 Long Beaches? And when were they made? I thought I knew this series...
O.K. Thorhammer, that's twice thanks.
If the 65LB can use 112 bits, perhaps it can use a re-drilled 112 Tiburon frame. If not, I can E-bay another 112h, use the frame on that and move the old bits to the Long Beach.
I'm thinking that this may work out.
Note: 112 and 112 H are very different reels. You bring up a good point. The H frame may fit. Be sure about spool compatibility. 112 and 112h very different.
That's O.K., Thorhammer.
I can always source a 112 spool. It's not like I was looking for Unobtainium.
Or, I can pick up an E-bay 112. I don't have one of those.
That's a thrice thanks.
Yessir. pics on this please, and keep us updated. This could turn out very cool. and gove me something to do with the LB's and 3/0's I have in totes...
Quote from: akfish on September 11, 2017, 03:08:05 PM
I have to ask: What are the 61, 62, and 63 Long Beaches? And when were they made? I thought I knew this series...
These were the early Long Beaches with smaller diameter side plates...100,
150, and 200yd. models. These models were cancelled in 1940.8)
Anybody have the lowdown on the LB 267 & 268?
I've got a 267 nib that I haven't opened yet. What am I missing?
Thanks, Steve
Well, Swill88,
I cannot speak with authority but the 267 and 268 appear to be a modern version of the Long Beach 67 and 68. They feature an aluminum spool. The 268 is just a bit wider than the 267. I'm sure there are other improvements.
Thorhammer,
I will certainly document the evolution of my Long Beach. I first need to find a nice 60 or 65 that is not cosmetically challenged. This may take a while. Que music: Searchin' I'm always searchin', searchin' someday I'll find, doopa-doopa-doopa-doopa.
You guys should buy Mike C's Penn books, all will be revealed, and more!
Sid
Steve, 267 and 268 have graphite frame instead of six posts and stand.
Quote from: thorhammer on September 12, 2017, 02:31:22 AM
Steve, 267 and 268 have graphite frame instead of six posts and stand.
thanks John...I'm gonna open the box this weekend
Hey Sid, do you have the small three? I've never come across any of those.
Damn! I keep looking for a suitable Long Beach for modification and experimentation. I have been searching E-bay diligently.
So far I have come up with two pristeen Squidders (140,146), a beautiful, unfished Jigmaster (deep burgundy with round posts rather than bars, chromed bronze spool that shows no evidence of even having line on it) and a 200 Surfmaster. Maybe I can do something with the Surfmaster when it arrives. I certainly don't want to molest the other three.
O well, I'll keep looking.
Quote from: thorhammer on September 12, 2017, 10:46:44 AM
Hey Sid, do you have the small three? I've never come across any of those.
No, I've only seen one of the three smaller LBs on eBay. Ever. It was shortly before we all met in Philly for the Penn tour last spring. Theyr'e in the tote with the hens teeth....
No kidding. Never even heard of them before AT.
Dude there's plenty you can do in the Surfmaster. However functionally the gears are small so will become the weak link after drags, frame, power handle, stainless sleeve. Some do have carbon steel gears though and can soup for a good size fish.
Quote from: thorhammer on September 14, 2017, 09:22:25 PM
Dude there's plenty you can do in the Surfmaster.
Absolutely! You can narrow it, add a frame, double dog it, add stainless steel components, and hop up the drag. Change the handle, the star, or the spool. A Surfmaster is a blank canvas. 8)
Cmon Mo. you already posted the Monofil today.
I'd say "killing me Smallzzzz" except I know I can hide behind you and I'm 250 lol!
The world is your oyster with a 200. Here's one with a full Newell kit and a progear handle. Nice small versatile reel
So, It appears to me that the most productive path is to keep going over the Jigmaster/Squidder/Surfmaster forum with a fine toothed comb. More information is better than less.
Thank you lady and gentlemen, the information presented here is invaluable.
no you didn't just say jigmaster....the AR-15 of the reel world, in terms of stuff you can do to it.
Thanks, guys, for all of your positive feedback on the Surfmaster.
I think I am going to have a side-by-side upgrade project on the Surfmaster and my new Long Beach 60. Well, maybe not new but sure looks like it.
I found the Long Beach on E-bay. It was shown with a blue/white box and 34B instruction and parts booklet. The chrome is beautiful, has a chromed bronze spool and the side-plate screws appear to be unmolested. Looks like someone bought it, used it once and put it on the shelf. I have the perfect rod for it, an old home-built boat rod with chrome real-seat, roller guides and hardwood handle. It should be period perfect. Well, until I start on the upgrades.
Looks to be a fun winter.
Good job Steve... Hey guys we Turned Another one to the Darkside ;D there's no turning back now for Steve... Bwwwaaahahahahaha ... :D Please keep us updated on your progress....We love to drool on other peoples equipment and upgrades....Bill
I'm posting this to see how the image attachment works.
There is a certain elegance to the Long Beach. Simple, purposeful, "Form follows function".
That's a very nice looking LB. 8)
Thanks, Mo.
A little chrome and plastic polish and she should glisten.
What years do the 34B catalog cover? I'll do more searchin', dooba, dooba, dooba, dooba.
Quote from: Stevedel on September 23, 2017, 07:07:49 PM
What years do the 34B catalog cover?
Around '70-'72 I'd say since I have a 35B catalog dated '73. 8)
Quote from: Stevedel on September 23, 2017, 05:27:04 PM
I'm posting this to see how the image attachment works.
There is a certain elegance to the Long Beach. Simple, purposeful, "Form follows function".
Well said, hoss.
Gfish
Well, the USPS tracking says that the Long Beach should be here today.
I've been studying this website and have started to question when and how to modify these classic reels. Not just the Long Beach, but the entire Penn lineup.
A lot of the reels I see on E-bay are very rough. Much green corrosion and other rust. They can also be perfectly functional. I'm modifying mine to be fished. I don't want it to be perfect because it is going to get banged around, dunked in saltwater, subjected to sand and sun.
The last several reels that I E-bayed are in such good condition that I want to keep them stock. I would rather find one that shows moderate use and modify it for increased performance. Just a thought.
I also scored a lovely Silver Beach 99. It has some rough edges, but that quite often is more of a problem with lighting in the image rather than flaws in the finish of the reel. We'll see.
Love to hear your thoughts.
Well, there's good news and bad news. Nothing new there. The Long Beach is in exquisite condition. Not a mark on it. I stripped off the line and found an almost perfect spool. It is much too nice to experiment on.
On the other-hand, the stand mounting screws on the handle side are not correct. The gear lever does not engage and it's obvious that something is amiss.
I think that I would be better served with a 67 or 68 with good, but not perfect, cosmetics.
I think that I'll also look for a challenged, black, 500 Jigmaster to merge with the, yet to be shipped, Silver Beach 99. I'll order a Tiburon 500/99 frame and see what that does. If not, I can use it on my 500S Jigmaster.
My Long Beach project is swerving over, under, around and through but there is an alternative. Unfortunately, there are, also, a few medical bills that will pop-up in the near future.
Regards, Steve.
Well, shucks. All I have to do now is order all three coil springs and assemble the reel properly. Looks like the seller took it apart and couldn't get it back together. I guess that accounts for the low "buy it now" price. Good luck, indeed. I need to place a parts order, anyway.
If you really want to go in style, look at the Cortez 500 sideplates too. Or the whole classic 500/99 kit.
This particular Long Beach 60 is much too nice to modify. I did, however find a reel (haha) cheap 66.
I guess I'll start over. It looks to be in good condition with a bit of "green" on the spool. If the 66 can't be upgraded, I can use it for bottom fishing red snappers and find a 67.
You guys are right. This is addictive. Filtering through old postings provides a wealth of information. I'm spending a lot of time on this site and also "Penn Parts", trying to identify parts shared between different models.
My mind gets overloaded and I have to back-off a bit while my brain can filter through all of this.
And yes, Rancanfish, those Cortez parts are striking. I do have some more Jigmaster parts on the way. Instead of having a 500/99, I'll have a 99/500. I have a Silver Beach 99 just crying for attention.
A note about the 68: It is 4/0 wide capacity and holds about 600 yards of 30 which is a lot of line to retrieve with a slow reel. If you go up to 50 or 60 test, it has six bars so should be okay but check for steel main gear and upgrade the drags. I would not go to 80 on that reel with drag locked for bouncing as I think you might torque it. I have five, all with 50. I doubt the gears are big enough to get 20 lbs of drag from anyway which doesn't make full use of 80lb. This my opinion and I've been wrong before. If there is anyone who has tested this out they will be on this site.
Another point: probably a three piece spool; back with some braid or Dacron to keep from blowing it. 600 yards of 30 is very constricting
One of the things about the Long Beach is it's name. I spent a lot of time in Long Beach CA, with my cousins, when I was young. Very fond memories. Holding one of these reels does not disappoint.
I didn't really realize how lovely the Long Beach 60 is until I actually had one in my hand. I had only seen them pictured in the old Penn Parts and Instruction catalogs and wanted one even then.
I shouldn't post this as their E-bay prices will go up.
Hacking up a pristine example of a classic reel creates a quandary and moral dilemma. You want to save it in original condition for posterity, but the quality and functionality of the final product after modification is strongly influenced by the quality of the reel you start with. It's the same with hot rodding cars. Developing some sense of how many of the old reels are out there helped me get over it.
-steve
The 68 can be built to be pretty bullet proof. The stand doesn't have an upgrade but steel gears are easy to find and an aluminum spool is available from a 113LW. Brian has a drag stack that will do 20#s easy and I believe Sal demonstrated that a clamped stand is up to that. It would be nice if Newell bars fit but honestly, 90 some odd percent of the time you'd be fine with all those bars. Upgraded SS bars are available and are probably not a horrible idea. Come to think of it, I believe the Newell Blue Fin Special stand would fit, but that is a spendy way to go and the wide 112H is probably as good a reel.
Anyway, just sayin, there is a lot you can do with any of the big LongBeaches. Especially if you are OK with a SS spool in a 66.
Ron
Carefull. Boughta LB 60 offa E-Bay for parts. Turned out to bea 65 with a 60 labeled head-plate. So the posts, stand & spool were not usable. Became a "brother-in-law" LB65 with a few old 60 parts in it. Either it was a head plate repair for an original 65, or a 60 was modified to be wider. Didn't fault the seller, 'cause I'm sure he thought it was a 60 based on the head plate number.
Anyway here's a vintage
aftermarket stand that was on the 60 and from what I gather, kinda rare with the clamp(no part numbers). You like?
Gfish
Exactly, oc1
The problem with old Penn reels, is that it is hard to find a really clean one. When you do, it comes at a premium. Especially the more popular ones. Still, it's a lot cheaper than a number of hobbies I can think of.
I just can't get into the new Shimano/Daiwa designs. I guess that I'm just an old-school, do it myself, kind of guy. Besides, who can afford them.
And, Ron, a person can find a cheap reel, tear it apart and play with bits and pieces. If you find something that works, buy a nicer one.
This is the perfect hobby for me. It doesn't take up much space.
You are right, Gfish. You do have to be careful. Being able to look at images, close-up, can be a big help.
The 68 Longbeach is available with an aluminum spool 27-268 & has been for quite a few years. I don't know what a 113LW spool is. ??? ??? A 113"H"LW spool will not fit.
Quote from: Gfish on October 06, 2017, 09:11:51 PM
Carefull. Boughta LB 60 offa E-Bay for parts. Turned out to bea 65 with a 60 labeled head-plate. So the posts, stand & spool were not usable. Became a "brother-in-law" LB65 with a few old 60 parts in it. Either it was a head plate repair for an original 65, or a 60 was modified to be wider. Didn't fault the seller, 'cause I'm sure he thought it was a 60 based on the head plate number.
Anyway here's a vintage
aftermarket stand that was on the 60 and from what I gather, kinda rare with the clamp(no part numbers). You like?
Gfish
Yep, depends on how you define "kinda rare".
In the collector world the word "rare" is seldom used by most.
I'd describe it as fairly uncommon, or non typical. The clamp seat added 30%to the cost of the reel. By that time you could add another $1.50 and buy a nice senator. That likely explains why the lb60 clamp seat was only offered as an option for 5 catalog years in the 40's. A very short lived option for a reel that never needed a rod clamp in the first place. ;D ;D
Ted
The thing is, RowdyW, if I buy the wrong spool, I get to find a reel to go with it.
A blessing, or a curse?
I'm still trying to figure out what a 113LW spool is & what it will fit.
Penn makes, or made, a wide black sided 113 Senator. L depicts an aluminum spool. Same width and frame as the 113HLW, only with slow, small Senator guts.
Ron
The spool on my 113HLW is anodized red.That is one reel I'd like to keep "spotless".
Did Penn use anodized red for their 50th anniversary? That is about the time I bought my 113HLW.
You made me go out to the garage and get it out, just to look at it. It's gorgeous. Thank you.
That reel and the Long Beach, are a tribute to Penn's classic design. Sorry, but I just can't warm up to the "new" stuff.
Quote from: RowdyW on October 06, 2017, 11:06:51 PM
I'm still trying to figure out what a 113LW spool is & what it will fit.
Or, you could say it is a 113W with a 268 spool.
Ron
Quote from: Ron "Jones on October 06, 2017, 11:34:44 PM
Penn makes, or made, a wide black sided 113 Senator. L depicts an aluminum spool. Same width and frame as the 113HLW, only with slow, small Senator guts.
Ron
Ron, Penn never made a 113 wide with black plates. Any that are around were made outside of the Penn factory by individuals. The ones in existance with aluminum spools are homemade frankinreels using Longbeach 268 spools. Rudy
The Penn Long Beach 60, in top condition, is a lovely piece of early Penn art. Not as "blingy" as the Senators or Squidders, but beautiful in their own, dignified, way. I'm hoping my E-bayed 66 will be the same.
Sadly, it's gear-set seems to be the limiting factor. The world has moved past the 2.5 to 1 ratio. However, a lot of fish have been caught on exactly that. Unless someone can find an upgrade to it's internals, the Long Beach will be limited to loaner or "party boat" use.
I will not give up. For the time being, I will move to other projects while looking to improve the Long Beach internals. There's gotta be something that can be done.
About the only way to improve the gear ratio & internals on the LB 66 is to remove the screws from both side plates and insert them into a set of 113H plates. ;D ;D Rudy
Thanks, Rudy, sounds like you've been there before.
Quote from: Stevedel on October 07, 2017, 08:56:38 PM
Sadly, it's gear-set seems to be the limiting factor. The world has moved past the 2.5 to 1 ratio. However, a lot of fish have been caught on exactly that. Unless someone can find an upgrade to it's internals, the Long Beach will be limited to loaner or "party boat" use.
Sometimes gear ratios can be deceiving. The diameter of the spool is often overlooked...and is half the equation. A reel like the Long Beach has a fairly large spool and can make the otherwise slow sounding 2.5:1 ratio more of a "mid-speed" retrieve. Let's look at this in terms of line retrieved per handle turn.
Many modern reels with smaller spools had no choice but to increase gear size...just to keep up. As an example, the Mag 10 has a 4:1 gear ratio, and brings in 17 inches of line per handle turn. The ol' LB's 2.5:1 gear ratio brings in 14 inches per turn, not so bad when viewed this way.
As far as upgrades, the LB is more limited than some Penns, but there are a few mods that will make it fish very well. An aluminum spool, stainless steel gear sleeve, 5-stack drag kit, stainless steel dog, and various handle choices are all easily obtained for these reels. 8)
Quote from: RowdyW on October 08, 2017, 01:24:51 AM
About the only way to improve the gear ratio & internals on the LB 66 is to remove the screws from both side plates and insert them into a set of 113H plates. ;D ;D Rudy
Rudy is right, IMO --
The Longbeach line is a solid reel that was sold in the millions over the years -- many different models.
The limiting factor on these has always been the gears and the size of the drags within the main gear.
That, and the fact that other Penns are tougher with double rings, larger gears, higher ratios, upgradable drag stacks, stronger stands, posts, etc..
A LB will do whatever it is designed to do well -- as will a Senator, Squidder, Surfmaster, 99.
Each has its place and purpose -- just like tools in your toolbox.
While we do learn about how to switch parts and pieces from different Penn models, into something unique -- sometimes that is kind of neat to do -- and other times, a different reel is called for.
Plenty of ways to switch parts around -- and some yet to be discovered...
Here are a few that are ready for homes -- and another 3 large bins that have not been restored and serviced as of yet. That will be a Winter project with plenty of coffee, a warm heater, tunes & enjoyment.
Best,
Fred
Thanks for the perspective, gang.
My "60" is quite lovely and I am waiting on a "66". (This week, sometime) As my Penn collection expands, I should expect to add a "67" and "68". I'll just have to wait until I collect more internal parts to play with.
We'll just call it "pay to play". Perfectly legal in this context.