I am starting to try and pickup parts for my rebuilds. What aluminum frames are available and where. I have reviewed post on the topic I can find but many of them are older and I can't find them available. I did find the Tiburon site so that is an option. I am looking for red if I can find although color isn't critical. Are there other options out there that are somewhat cost effective? I realize that this whole project isn't really cost effective but willing to accept that to some degree for the enjoyment. I am building reels to fish and not display if that matters. Thanks for any info. Ken
Ken, I have red Accurate and/or Tiburon frames for the 4/0 in narrow, standard and wide widths, and for the 6/0, in standard, wide (114HLW) and extra wide (Black Marlin-Super Six) widths. I also have other colors. These frames are all in unused or near mint condition, so they are going to be more expensive than frames that are not so nice cosmetically. \
Be careful if you plan to buy any used complete reels with aluminum frames, especially if you see any signs of poor maintenance. Be sure to check to see that none of the screws have become corroded and frozen into the frame's threads. This happens when the side plate screws, or rod clamp studs, are assembled to the frame without being thoroughly greased. I think that there may be some kind of electrolysis that results the different types of metal are exposed together with saltwater. The stock Penn screws break off unbelievably easily when this happens, as I have learned the hard way more than once.
Randy, Sent you an email. Thanks for the post. Kenneth
Kennth, I've purchased both frames and plates from Randy. They are beautiful and flawless! You can't go wrong buying from him. (http://www.urban75.net/ubb/thumbs.gif)
~A~
Randy and Aiala are right, Ken --
What has always worked for me -- and it is an easy-burger -- just back out the frame screws at the end of the season -- inspect -- clean them up and regrease with a salt water resistant marine grease like Penn, or I use Yamaha Marine grease. If you are servicing your reels annually, this gets done automatically. If you decide to just do a service every other year -- just address the screws, if nothing else, every year.
Grease the threads liberally, along with the sideplates and stand hardware.
If the threaded screw hole in the frame is blind (no through hole) -- be cautious of over greasing. The hydraulic effect could/will/has blown out holes by cracking the frame. Accurates and Tibs are less prone to this -- but the factory frames on Shimano, Internationals, and Okuma are more likely. Just a caution.
Better to pay a few bucks more for a good, new, or nearly new frame. You will never be sorry.
Just my opinions.
Best,
Fred
Thanks Fred. My plan is to service yearly but we know how that can go. Alaska winters were designed for servicing and upgrading reels in front of the fireplace with a snifter of tequila and bowl of citrus to keep you warm. What else is there to do for the 18 hours of dark? I start planning my fishing trips in November as you can start reserving forest service cabins 6 months in advance. Pouring over charts, reading fishing blogs and dreaming of the big one are almost as much fun as getting out and doing it, at least when it is 10 below. I appreciate all the advice I am getting here. Ken
X3 on vintage offshore tackle, Randy is easy to work with and may have a cargo ship full of reels and parts.