Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn Senator Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: Shark Hunter on November 19, 2013, 10:18:02 AM

Title: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 19, 2013, 10:18:02 AM
Why do they attach these to older reels? Is it something to keep the spray off of you or what? Maybe for easier drag pressure applied to the spool? I am Curious.
This reel should arrive today, I will post better pictures then. By the way, I got this 10/0 for 80 Bucks! ;D
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Alto Mare on November 19, 2013, 10:50:20 AM
Thumb break, so you don't loose your skin on your thumb.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: DaBigOno on November 19, 2013, 11:46:26 AM
Growing up in Hawaii, I saw my grandpa do that mod on many of his reels.  This was a time before Hex gears and 9+1 CF drag systems and braided lines.

This is the Thumb-brakes I was referring to in that other thread "How to get more drag from my 14/0".

Back then, when we would get hooked up with a big Ahi or a big marlin, and the line was just going, that's what the old guy would use to get more drag.

I believe that flap of leather needs to be flipped over.  As you can see, it will meet the couture of the spool.  You can also note that the leather started to fray in the direction the line would peel off from the spool.

Thanks for bringing back the memories Shark Hunter, I haven't seen it in a long time.

BTW, 80 bucks is a steal!
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 19, 2013, 05:21:09 PM
You are Welcome Ono. Thanks Guys.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: sundaytrucka on November 19, 2013, 07:18:39 PM
I was wondering if people have added on some sort of external braking system to reels. Thanks for posting this.

Do you guys know if there are or have been any reels that employ an external, mechanical braking system as an original option?

I am interested in the idea of a braking system that works as a thumb "rest" and interacts in contact with the spool itself when depressed.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Ron Jones on November 19, 2013, 07:30:41 PM
I always used those things to keep from losing skin on your thumb when casting heavy weight.

Ron
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Dominick on November 19, 2013, 09:08:42 PM
I am considering putting one on (gasp) the Tank.  I burned my thumb pretty bad once live lining for Tuna.  A fish hit and instinctively I pressed my thumb down on the spool.  I had the biggest blister ever.  Karl looks like he works well with leather.  Hey Karl how about making some thumb brakes for us AT members?  BTW we haven't heard from Karl for a while.  Dominick
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 19, 2013, 10:11:08 PM
Maybe you need some gloves Dominick. The mechanics gloves are pretty spiffy. I don't know if you can find them Hawaii style though. :P
The reel came today and it is a piece of Penn Nostalgia. Feels well used, but well taken care of. There is lots of slop in the handle, not so much lateral movement, but the dog feels like its worn out. I wish it could talk. I'm sure it would have some stories to tell.
Ono, if you want the thumb brake, I will send it to you buddy. Free of charge! ;)
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: DaBigOno on November 20, 2013, 02:17:44 PM
Thanks Daron, I'll take you up on that offer.  I'll PM my address.

It looks like that reel has many stories to tell about the great fishes it has submitted, and the ones that got away.

Keep us posted with the rebuild, I'm sure it's gonna get the treatment.

Nice Ruger.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bryan Young on November 20, 2013, 03:07:25 PM
I guess that particular reel comes with a body guard.  ;D
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 20, 2013, 05:23:44 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on November 20, 2013, 03:07:25 PM
I guess that particular reel comes with a body guard.  ;D
You never know brother! ;)
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bunnlevel Sharker on November 20, 2013, 11:07:57 PM
Daron I will give you 80 bucks and a half smoked pack of cigs and a pack of Oreos for everything in the picture! ;D
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 21, 2013, 01:30:17 AM
Uh, No.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bunnlevel Sharker on November 21, 2013, 11:01:09 AM
Ill throw in a 4/0 to, keep the wife from getting to mad about 2 of your hobbies.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 21, 2013, 05:24:45 PM
Negative. My wife is Ok with my Hobbies. ;)
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bunnlevel Sharker on November 21, 2013, 10:52:36 PM
Ok i just need to be as lucky as some of you guys after i get lucky enougb to find a nice girl to marry me ;D I hope there will be another 15 years before that or kids though
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: DaBigOno on November 22, 2013, 02:02:52 AM
Don't wait too long Grayson,

The good ones might be gone in 15 years...

IMHO
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 30, 2013, 01:16:05 PM
I had to earn my Money on this one. I unbuttoned this baby, and this is what I found. Yuck!
This is not going to be an easy task. Lets start the degreasing! ;D
I don't know what kind of grease this is, but lets just say its a royal PIA!
I took it outside to spray the degreaser on and it was not cooperating. It was like Mud that wouldn't come off! I had no Brake cleaner on hand, so I broke out the WD and started scrubbing.
Three hours later and a lot of rags and towels and Q-tips, I finally got her cleaned up!
I think I'm going to have to break out the stainless posts after this.
After lots of Degreaser, WD-40 and Chrome polish, I finally came to the re-assembly. I'm tired, to be continued. ;)
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: DaBigOno on November 30, 2013, 01:49:57 PM
Looks like it's gonna be a beauty ...
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bunnlevel Sharker on November 30, 2013, 08:22:28 PM
That looked like a combination of river mud, old grease, and porta john sludge!
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on November 30, 2013, 08:24:49 PM
I know it was Nasty!
I'm glad it didn't smell like porta-John Sludge! :D
What made it bad was the grease had broken down and left hard deposits on everything. I had to scrape it off, then reclean it. The toothbrush was not phasing it. I think this was a type of wheel bearing grease. Not meant for reels. It would have been fine if it was synthetic, like mobil 1 Red or similar.
I'm headed to the parts store for Brake Cleaner. This was by far, the worst reel I have had to clean up!
Guess it was 80 bucks for a reason! :P
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bunnlevel Sharker on November 30, 2013, 09:19:38 PM
Hey, this is a good excuse for an ultra sonic cleaner now ;)
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Tightlines667 on November 30, 2013, 09:45:11 PM
That mess looks O too familiar.  I've cleaned at least a few that looked similar.  The worse is old, cheap grade mixed with old WD-40 that has formed a sticky/ garfish varnish.  Soaking parts overnight in gasoline, MEK or some other strong solvent helps.  I typically stick to engine degreaser, simple green, or vinegar for most of my cleaning (carb cleaner for bearings). I've been using a phosphoric acid gel product (made by loctite), followed by sone chrine polish, to restore the chrome parts.  And often use a soft brass brush wheel on my grinder to buff out the gears, pinion&yoke.  I have been considering getting a sonic cleaner, but am thinking it might just end up creating more hassle then it's worth?

Nice job!
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: bluefish69 on November 30, 2013, 10:15:16 PM
I've soaked all my Spinning reels in WD-40 over night & they came out perfect. All the metal parts on my Newell's & Penn's I put Brake cleaner in a jar with the parts & Shake a little. Side Plates & all  plastic parts go in Greased Lightning cut with water.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Alto Mare on November 30, 2013, 11:50:30 PM
That's a lot of reel for $80, if it's still getting to you, put it in a baggy and send it over, I'll give you the $80 plus $30 for your troubles ;). The reel doesn't look that bad to me, I bet it will clean up nicely.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on December 01, 2013, 07:51:04 AM
Yes, It did clean up nicely Old Buddy! Found a perfect thin aluminum shim for the sleeve rooting around in the garage.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4331/36995364706_d0d4b59e54_b.jpg)
Then I found this little Gem, Look familiar Grayson? The Plinth for the Jack has been broken off.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4339/37185017435_983ee48009_b.jpg)
I busted open a 12/0 to see what I needed to do. These pics show all the crud I didn't get out!
Since the break was so jagged, I cut it off flush with the plate. The work begins to solve this little snafu.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4415/36371028763_50f5850a9d_b.jpg)
I found a button head grade 5 allen head the correct length, found the fine thread nuts and with a little measuring, I think its better than new. I double nutted it with Loctite on the top. No worries!
Same allen as Alan's handles. Bonus! ;)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4385/36787604980_4dfe33032f_b.jpg)
Nice and clean, Looks like it came like this.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4399/37185056485_24bfb81989_b.jpg)
Stainless posts in, proper grease over applied. Repair looks good and is functioning well.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/36371076123_a3893dc497_b.jpg)
Got the stand on and greasing up the spool, Quite a fine looking spool for this old 10/0!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4337/37185103235_36139e0515_b.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4434/37043018021_5e1c8e720e_b.jpg)
While I was digging around in the Garage, I found an old Navy Pin. I cut the pins short, about 3/16"
and drilled the non handle side careful not to go through, added epoxy and it is the finishing touch! ;)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4415/36787664050_12427871b9_b.jpg)
Finished Product! This reel is special to me for some reason. I took my time and did it right!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/36995514136_0d7469836a_b.jpg)
Next!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4371/37185168165_1448d3310b_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Alto Mare on December 01, 2013, 11:28:55 AM
Nice Job Daron, you're getting very comfortable with those monsters. I like your solution with that broken post, that's not going anywhere ;).
Also, nice touch with that Navy pin, you did forget about a little something though, where is the second dog? ;D .
Nice job!...
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: George4741 on December 01, 2013, 01:54:25 PM
Very nice, Daron.  This oughta be another photo of the month candidate.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: DaBigOno on December 01, 2013, 02:23:25 PM
Great job Daron.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bunnlevel Sharker on December 01, 2013, 05:18:09 PM
Thanks Daron, i will have to try that when i get a chance ;D
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on December 01, 2013, 08:53:05 PM
Quote from: Alto Mare on December 01, 2013, 11:28:55 AM
Nice Job Daron, you're getting very comfortable with those monsters. I like your solution with that broken post, that's not going anywhere ;).
Also, nice touch with that Navy pin, you did forget about a little something though, where is the second dog? ;D .
Nice job!...
Thanks Sal,
Means a lot coming from you Buddy. You taught me everything I know. ;) Well, most everything.
I'm going to double dog a 12/0 tonight. Thanks for the kind words everyone! ;D
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Ron Jones on December 01, 2013, 09:12:23 PM
That is cool. I maybe might steel that idea and put an anchor on some of mine. It is much cleaner than scratching your name in the side plate!
Ron
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: floating doc on December 02, 2013, 05:32:37 AM
Great repair, and I really like the idea of using the pin.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Dominick on December 02, 2013, 07:02:15 PM
Daron:  Nice job.  I like the pin thing.  If I find a pin I like I might do the same.  Dominick
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bryan Young on December 02, 2013, 09:17:58 PM
Daron, wow, you took what would have been tossed and created a fish catching moster that looks almost too good to fish.  ALMOST...
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Shark Hunter on December 02, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
Thanks Bryan,
Your washers came today. I'll see if I can make a 10 stack with them.
Title: Re: Older senators add on mod
Post by: Bryan Young on December 03, 2013, 12:15:30 AM
Quote from: Shark Hunter on December 02, 2013, 09:52:35 PM
Thanks Bryan,
Your washers came today. I'll see if I can make a 10 stack with them.
Very good.  Wow, 3 days First Class Mail...better than Priority Rate and cheaper.  lol.

Good going USPS.  Glad you service us.