Hello all; it seems like a good way to improve the rigidity and strength of the penn frames is to replace them with a full machined frame... while that works great it is also prohibitive to many fisherman, a hundred dollars or more to swap out your parts, then throw away your old stuff, or maybe try yo sell to your buddys to help them.
(http://i1344.photobucket.com/albums/p660/gst6814/014_zps6333997d.jpg) (http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/gst6814/media/014_zps6333997d.jpg.html)
attatched is a couple of pictures of an idea that may be for some folks, and certainly not for others,
Simply use the factory spacer strut in place of the brass bar. at the top. Drill and countersink 2 more holes. replace with 3/4 inch sst screws and your set........its 1 inch wide against 1/4inch wide as the bar was, and you have 2 more (doubled the) screws holding the flex togather at almost no cost......these penn spacers are advertised cheep.......use the for your advantage....or not??????????????????????
(http://i1344.photobucket.com/albums/p660/gst6814/016_zps4095e628.jpg) (http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/gst6814/media/016_zps4095e628.jpg.html)
Looks a lot like a 349 with Newell bars. I like it! Should let the graphite frames use a few more pounds of drag.
Ron
very ingenious gstours!
I've thought about that before and you just reminded me. Glad you followed through as the thought escaped me years ago.
Very imaginative and resourceful.
Leo
I wonder if the line hits the bar while casting? Just a thought.
Ron
Those bars work well on the Long Beach 67 and the 113HLW bars on the LB 68