If you work on many of the same types of reels fairly regularly —- it is important to learn how to assemble some parts safely without damaging expensive parts.
Restoring a DAM Quick large Saltwater 550 for a client.
The hidden keeper pin for the drive gear is tough, unless you make a support cradle out of a hardwood such as birch or oak to prevent mishaps and damaged parts.
These little blocks last about 500-600 reels.
It still takes some careful alignment —- but with a little practice, it is a 5 minute job.
Best, Fred
There is much to learn here. Not is this only a great specialty tool/jig that Fred created to meet a specific need, you will also note that Fred, who can probably build most vintage DAM/Mitchell/Penn et al spinners while blindfolded in his sleep, has a full schematic open on the bench for reference. Like many of us have reiterated to new folks to the site/hobby, not enough can be said about staying organized, take your time, use a schematic, and/or take LOTs of detailed photos during disassembly. - john
Completed 3 DQ's this morning for restores to new —- 220, 248, 110N.
This DQ 550 took 3 hours this afternoon. Replaced a lot of SW blasted parts with new parts. It is smoother than when it was new. Client just wanted a service and any parts replaced as needed. But since I have a fairly massive inventory of new parts —- he will be surprised at the result and the low price. It is just hard for me to let a reel leave the bench unless I was proud to fish it myself.
Got three more easier ones for today. (2) DQ 330's, and a Cardinal C4. But might wait until 05:00 tomorrow morning. Sue made corned beef for dinner, and we'll have CB sandwiches with hot mustard, pickles, and sourdough.
After I get the 3 reels done early tomorrow, I'll install new AirLift suspension bags on the Tacoma. They are 24 years old, and I am stripping off the compressor, lines, wiring, solenoids, switches, and gauges —- then just going to a direct fill on each side under the rear bumper. Tired of leaks. Just making it simple.
Onward...
Best, Fred
:) Yer I have to make one block of wood to do all the jigging for punching .
Better dress the head on that brass hammer Fred, you have an image to uphold. :d
Steve
Quote from: Steve V. on March 13, 2026, 02:43:39 AMBetter dress the head on that brass hammer Fred, you have an image to uphold. :d
Steve
Some things need to show the honest years of wear, Steve —-
It was old when I inherited it from my wife's uncle. Now it may have helped work on a few thousand reels over the last 25 years. I just use it to remove and install keeper pins for cranks and gears using a punch. I might have 30-40 different types of hammers for lots of uses. Next to the bench hangs this one, along with a Craftsman nylon & rubber faced hammer for knocking out the worm pinions from the main bearings. Then right behind me also hangs an old 16 oz. claw hammer, which is the "persuader" for the really tough stuff.
I am thinking of getting an arbor press for the main bench.
Best, Fred
Quote from: foakes on March 13, 2026, 04:46:34 AMSome things need to show the honest years of wear, Steve —-
Just look at Dominick... :d Dominick
Got the (2) DQ 330's & the (1) Cardinal C4 completed this morning. Full disassembles, cleaning, burnishing, lubrication with modern synthetics, adjusting, and micro-tuning, minimum of parts needed —- just bail springs, drags, and a few screws that were goobered.
Truck came by to fill our 500 gallon propane tank a few minutes ago. $1,115 for 308 gallons of LP.
Now to change out the 24 year old Air-Lift suspension bags, strip off the compressor and all other components.
Last week I installed new ring & pinion gears and axles in the rear differential. It is a locking differential, so a little more complicated than usual. Also installed new valve cover and intake manifold gaskets, and camshaft seals, along with NKG Iridium spark plugs. This was a harder and more time-consuming job than doing the rear end! The amount of stuff that had to come off just to get to the valve covers and spark plugs took nearly all day. This is a 3.4L V6 with 4 camshafts —-
I used to change out plugs and do valve cover gaskets in a couple of hours. No more. Those days are gone on newer vehicles.
Best, Fred
Curious how did the rear end gears look , worn or more bearing wear than anything else ?
Quote from: foakes on March 13, 2026, 04:46:34 AMI am thinking of getting an arbor press for the main bench.
Sorry if this is obvious question but would that tool be able to reset the pressed in rotor counterwights that are loose in old Mitchells and Dams? Seems like that might be a better fix (cleaner anyway) than epoxy.
Russ
Quote from: oldmanjoe on March 13, 2026, 11:45:43 PMCurious how did the rear end gears look , worn or more bearing wear than anything else ?
Not much wear, Joe —-
It was my fault when I was trying to get out over 2' of hard frozen snow, then getting stuck —- then rocking back and forth too quickly and aggressively.
But there must have been some wear, since the gears are much quieter now after installing everything new. Bearings, axles, all gearing.
253,000 miles, I bought it new in '02, and have taken good care of the maintenance.
So it was better it happened at home, instead of somewhere on a steep grade, pulling the trailer on a road trip.
No big deal. Glad it is new now.
Best, Fred