I purchased a Penn 180 from an Ebay seller. This reel was $20.00 with free shipping. I received the reel in pretty good condition. First remove the handle.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010343_zpsm4vhanne.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010343_zpsm4vhanne.jpg.html)
Turn off the star.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010344_zps6anxit57.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010344_zps6anxit57.jpg.html)
Remove 6 screws holding the left side plate. Note that the 2 screws that hold the base on slightly shorter.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010345_zpschqwaaef.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010345_zpschqwaaef.jpg.html)
Remove the spool from the left side plate. Note there are no bearings in the reel this is a bushing reel. Inspect the left side plate. Check that the clicker ring is in good shape and that the actuator is crisp and snaps back and forth.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010346_zpsezxalqu0.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010346_zpsezxalqu0.jpg.html)
Look at the gunk in the reel. Rust, brown grease and salt crystals.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010347_zpsz5eccb6v.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010347_zpsz5eccb6v.jpg.html)
Remove the bushing and spring.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010348_zpsbj3sayuw.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010348_zpsbj3sayuw.jpg.html)
Remove the screws holding the posts.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010349_zpszjxw1u3f.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010349_zpszjxw1u3f.jpg.html)
Lay the right side plate flat on the table remove the 4 screws holding the bridge. Slowly lift the plate up so that you do not lose any parts.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010350_zpsa7ixm2oo.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010350_zpsa7ixm2oo.jpg.html)
Note that the screws that hold the bridge are different. The screws with the threads on the tip are for the yoke.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010351_zpsbccaxifn.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010351_zpsbccaxifn.jpg.html)
Remove the eccentric lever.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010352_zpsddazotvl.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010352_zpsddazotvl.jpg.html)
Remove the bling ring. I have an old stainless steel knife that I put in the crack between the ring and the plate and press until you hear a click. Then roll the plate and press in another spot until you hear another click. Continue all the way around until the ring is loose and can be removed.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010353_zps72dvoyqy.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010353_zps72dvoyqy.jpg.html)
Next attack the bridge with the guts of the drag system. Remove the main gear by lifting it off of the sleeve. At this point not the positions of the parts. In this next photo you will note the sequence of the order which you will reverse when re-assembling. The order from the bottom of the sleeve going up is: Red fiber washer-main gear-drag-metal washer-drag-eared washer-drag-metal washer-tension spring (belleville)-tall spacer.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010354_zpsa1l6bnqf.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010354_zpsa1l6bnqf.jpg.html)
All the parts go into a hot Simple Green solution for an overnight bath.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010355_zps4gwk3pe0.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010355_zps4gwk3pe0.jpg.html)
The next morning the parts are clean and some needed to be brushed to remove crusted on grease. Here are the parts laid out and fully drying.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010356_zpsfhx8jqhd.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010356_zpsfhx8jqhd.jpg.html)
Here is are a couple of close-ups of the main gear. I did not know the channel for the eared washer went all the way through.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010356_zpsfhx8jqhd.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010356_zpsfhx8jqhd.jpg.html)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010358_zpsfaylarj5.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010358_zpsfaylarj5.jpg.html)
I thought I had a UFO but upon closer inspection I realized it was a UFO disguised as a cloud formation :D
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010358_zpsfaylarj5.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010358_zpsfaylarj5.jpg.html)
Before reassembling the reel I polished the plates with black shoe polish. Hey Justin notice I am using New Zealand shoe polish. :D ;D
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010361_zpsjmoc5spd.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010361_zpsjmoc5spd.jpg.html)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010362_zpsssgjay3h.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010362_zpsssgjay3h.jpg.html)
Put the posts and base on the left side plate, grease it with a brush, then sign and date it.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010362_zpsssgjay3h.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010362_zpsssgjay3h.jpg.html)
Grease and replace the left bushing and spring.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010364_zpsfebceqot.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010364_zpsfebceqot.jpg.html)
Drop in the grease spool and set it aside.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010365_zpscw4veubo.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010365_zpscw4veubo.jpg.html)
Rebuild the bridge by reversing the parts as I listed them above. This is what it will look like when it is done. Place it aside.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010366_zps3t7mwkjv.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010366_zps3t7mwkjv.jpg.html)
Replace the eccentric and bushing.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010367_zps1yx4aydc.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010367_zps1yx4aydc.jpg.html)
Drop in the 4 greased screws for the bridge making sure the short threaded screws go into the upper holes where the yoke will reside.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010368_zpsrxdzbdax.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010368_zpsrxdzbdax.jpg.html)
Now you get to do the Alan Tani 2 finger hold by gripping the plate like this which will hold the 4 screws in place.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010369_zpsqnaxfqpw.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010369_zpsqnaxfqpw.jpg.html)
While holding the screws in place start to put the reel together. Put the yoke in place then the eccentric plate, pinion gear on the yoke and drop in the bridge assembly. Still holding the screws have the bridge assembly slightly off center and slip in the dog and spring. Rotate the bridge assembly until it clicks in place then tighten the 4 screws completing the right side assembly. Also slip on the bling ring.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010370_zpsxrdzqwdm.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010370_zpsxrdzqwdm.jpg.html)
Put the 2 sides together putting only moderate pressure on the greased screws so that you do not crack the plate. I only mentioned greasing parts in passing above but you should be greasing the parts as you assemble the reel.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010343_zpsm4vhanne.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010343_zpsm4vhanne.jpg.html)
Here is the reel all cleaned and serviced. It is ready to fish but will become a shelfie.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010372_zps4ckxpcos.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010372_zps4ckxpcos.jpg.html)
Completed. This a nice little reel. According to Mike Cacioppo's the History of Penn Reels this reel was introduced in the 1939 catalog. This reel could be 66 years old. I am thrilled with it.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/lmdl4law/PENN%20180/P1010373_zps3apel3ee.jpg) (http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/lmdl4law/media/PENN%20180/P1010373_zps3apel3ee.jpg.html)
Great tutorial, Dominick --
Thank You.
I agree with you -- that could be one of the very earliest -- if we can base any theory on that being an original handle supplied with that reel.
Beautiful little Penn.
Best,
Fred
Hey Dom,
You better go back and read Mikes book again. Pretty sure 180 came out in the late 30's and by the looks of your reel I'd say it is pre WWII.
Not sure what reel that tailplate came from, but both plates should have inner chrome ring. I like it !!
Ted
hi dom
ready to fish, ya wont catch nuttin on the shelf ;)
do you need to staighten that reel foot
looks bent
cheers to you and linda
Quote from: Max Doubt on December 23, 2015, 11:24:53 PM
Hey Dom,
You better go back and read Mikes book again. Pretty sure 180 came out in the late 30's and by the looks of your reel I'd say it is pre WWII.
Not sure what reel that tailplate came from, but both plates should have inner chrome ring. I like it !!
Ted
Yeah, that handle is a lot older than 1949 -- that is why I mentioned if it was original to that reel.
Agree with Ted -- that reel is possibly 10 years older -- than 1949.
Check Mike's book -- and I think Michael could date it closer for a final verdict.
Here is a little 180 I pulled out of the bin -- has 2 inner rings.
Your handle is older than mine -- the left side plate on yours or mine may be wrong though.
Again, great tutorial, Dominick.
Best,
Fred
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/1-100_3711_zpstvfv5gfh.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/1-100_3711_zpstvfv5gfh.jpg.html)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/2-100_3712_zps09i4yvuk.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/2-100_3712_zps09i4yvuk.jpg.html)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/3-100_3713_zpswz22k1ik.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/3-100_3713_zpswz22k1ik.jpg.html)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/5-100_3715_zpsgxxjjqe0.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/5-100_3715_zpsgxxjjqe0.jpg.html)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx130/foakes1/6-100_3716_zpsiuc76zui.jpg) (http://s748.photobucket.com/user/foakes1/media/6-100_3716_zpsiuc76zui.jpg.html)
Quote from: Max Doubt on December 23, 2015, 11:24:53 PM
Hey Dom,
You better go back and read Mikes book again. Pretty sure 180 came out in the late 30's and by the looks of your reel I'd say it is pre WWII.
Not sure what reel that tailplate came from, but both plates should have inner chrome ring. I like it !!
Ted
Ted you are right. It was introduced in the 1939 catalog. I took a closer look at the left side and it does not look like there was ever a bling ring on it. The left side plate is smooth. Dominick
Quote from: wallacewt on December 23, 2015, 11:30:22 PM
hi dom
ready to fish, ya wont catch nuttin on the shelf ;)
do you need to staighten that reel foot
looks bent
cheers to you and linda
Hi Wallace cheers to you and Elizabeth also. BTW I caught a 24 lb nuttin, photo got erased by mistake. ::) Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on December 23, 2015, 11:41:31 PM
hi dom
ready to fish, ya wont catch nuttin on the shelf ;)
do you need to staighten that reel foot
looks bent
cheers to you and linda
Hi Wallace cheers to you and Elizabeth also. BTW I caught a 24 lb nuttin, photo got erased by mistake. ::) Dominick
[/quote]
The only thing you caught is a bottle of zin ::) ;D
Great job on the tutorial pal, its about time you do something around here. ;)
Slow down on the anchovies, salt is a killer and we need you around for a little while longer ;)
Great Work Dominick! ;D
Looking good. ;)
Nice tutorial Dom...
You are inspiring me to give it a try.
Thanks.
Steve
That should be worth a wrench.
This would be a great starter reel for someone's first complete reel service. Fairly simple reel. I would maybe edit the dates in the tutorial itself to help avoid confusion. Also, Fred... that sideplate us actually correct for your reel, and the one on Dominick's is also correct. Good eye though.
Quote from: Alto Mare on December 24, 2015, 12:36:26 AM
The only thing you caught is a bottle of zin ::) ;D
Great job on the tutorial pal, its about time you do something around here. ;)
Slow down on the anchovies, salt is a killer and we need you around for a little while longer ;)
Hey paisano insteadayou maka da fun a me make a da pinna the posta. Capeche? Dominick
Great job. One of my favorites. I love them with a Newell kit and carbon fiber drag stack.
Ron
Hey All, all kidding aside. I tried to find photos of Penn 180 and I could only find photos of obviously later models. As far as the left side plate is concerned are there lighthouse side plates that will fit perfectly. I don't know what I have and if it is very rare that makes me happy. I like it whether it is rare or not. Dominick
Quote from: foakes on December 23, 2015, 11:39:06 PM
Check Mike's book -- and I think Michael could date it closer for a final verdict.
I hate to criticize Mike's book because it is unique. However, it has the worst index ever. As a matter of fact it has no index. Try looking up the Penn 180 and if there is any information in the book you have to read the whole book to find it. A reference book is only as good as its index. Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on December 24, 2015, 04:22:03 AM
Quote from: Alto Mare on December 24, 2015, 12:36:26 AM
The only thing you caught is a bottle of zin ::) ;D
Great job on the tutorial pal, its about time you do something around here. ;)
Slow down on the anchovies, salt is a killer and we need you around for a little while longer ;)
Hey paisano insteadayou maka da fun a me make a da pinna the posta. Capeche? Dominick
Yes, well deserved!
Quote from: Dominick on December 24, 2015, 04:55:04 AM
Hey All, all kidding aside. I tried to find photos of Penn 180 and I could only find photos of obviously later models. As far as the left side plate is concerned are there lighthouse side plates that will fit perfectly. I don't know what I have and if it is very rare that makes me happy. I like it whether it is rare or not. Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on December 24, 2015, 05:08:14 AM
Quote from: foakes on December 23, 2015, 11:39:06 PM
Check Mike's book -- and I think Michael could date it closer for a final verdict.
I hate to criticize Mike's book because it is unique. However, it has the worst index ever. As a matter of fact it has no index. Try looking up the Penn 180 and if there is any information in the book you have to read the whole book to find it. A reference book is only as good as its index. Dominick
Hello Dominick,
I use the yearly Index in the back of the book. It can be a slow way of finding the year the reel was introduced but it can save flicking through the whole book. There is a photograph of the catalog on page #82 showing the #180 with description .
If you have Mike's green book then pages 142-147 will answer all your questions re the side plate and handles with photos as well. The Table of contents in the start of this book is more specific as it targets individual models instead of whole year availability.
Ray
Thanks Superhook. I did see that and I got to that page the same way you did. That is all the information there is (I guess). If there was an index that said something like "Penn 180 pp 82, 89, 96." As you know that would mean the main description would be on page 82 (emphasized by the bold) and the reel was again mentioned on pages 89 and 96. If there was just the bold number that would mean that is all the information in the book on that subject. So as you can see I am left with searching the entire book to find out if there is more information on that model reel. It would have been very easy to do it that way with the automatic indexing in most word processors. That aside interestingly enough my reel seems to have a Penn 170 left side plate and a 180 right side plate. The spool is plastic so it looks like someone made a reel out of parts or repaired the reel using interchangeable parts. I'll stick it on the shelf as an oddity unless someone comes up with a better answer to what it is. Dominick
PS Mike I enjoy picking up your book and reading about the reels I have and reels I probably will never see. I consider it a major work on the subject of Penn reels. The only criticism is I think the indexing could have been better.
QuotePS Mike I enjoy picking up your book and reading about the reels I have and reels I probably will never see. I consider it a major work on the subject of Penn reels. The only criticism is I think the indexing could have been better.
Dom,
I totally agree with you. The Indexing is terrible. That is because when I wrote the book, I did not index it at all and the publisher did an index for it in a last minute effort to get the book printed. Part of my problem is I am a mechanic, not a writer. I think I am getting better; but, I have a long way to go before I consider myself a writer, possibly never.
At this time I am writing a book about Ocean City reels and I am doing the index as I am writing the book. The Ocean City index will be much better than the Penn index.
About your Penn 180, it is most definitely a pre-war Penn 180; but, it is not a first year model. The tail plate is incorrect, it should have trim ring cut. Your tail plate is from a Model 170 or 190. The handle knob on your 180 is a match to the one used on the first 109, which would be a 1942 model. I would feel that your reel is a 1942, Penn 180 / 170 / 190.
Here is a first year, Model 180. You can compare this reel to the one in the 1939 catalog or in my book, whichever one you have:
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Light%20Tackle%20Reels/1939%20Penn%20MOdel%20180%20Light%20Tackle%20Bay%20Reel%20005%20640%20x%20480_zpslgbkpcka.jpg)
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Light%20Tackle%20Reels/1939%20Penn%20MOdel%20180%20Light%20Tackle%20Bay%20Reel%20006%20640%20x%20480_zpsetanxdur.jpg)
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Light%20Tackle%20Reels/1939%20Penn%20MOdel%20180%20Light%20Tackle%20Bay%20Reel%20010%20640%20x%20480_zpsgzm8vchd.jpg)
The stands of the first 180's were bent for mounting on Freshwater bait casting rods, hence the bent and short stand legs.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Light%20Tackle%20Reels/1939%20Penn%20MOdel%20180%20Light%20Tackle%20Bay%20Reel%20011%20640%20x%20480_zpstzqxdwwo.jpg)
Here is a Penn 109 from its first intro year of 1942. These handle knobs match the knob on your reel.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo244/m3040c/Penn%20Light%20Tackle%20Reels/DSC00001%20676%20x%20507_zpshxqpybyn.jpg)
Hope this helps. Sorry about the bad index. Life is a learning process and I still have a long way to go.
A 1942 Franken Reel is a good find Dominick. ;D
I have a couple 180's, but none as unique as yours.
Saw this and got inspired. I have a 180 covered in corrosion but could see part of an aluminum spool. Took it apart and found the inside looking like new except for some dried grease. There are ht100 washers that looked like new. I had a decent set of bars base and handle to use and I did what I could with the rings. I didn't take a before pic but the bars and base are next to the reel. Spins well drags smooth and it's ready to go! Thanks for the tutorial another tool for the Arsenal
Dominick,
Your Left side tail plate is from a #170 or #190 as they were the same size and era but without the rings . Your plate should have a step and a chrome ring. The earliest reels had a more bulbous knob . I would say your reel is early 1940's.
Ray
PS. That was a waste of time. Mike got it done while i was posting.
Dom,
The easiest way to find a 180 in my book is to know how I built the work. First, I want to say, I am a mechanic, not a writer. This was my first book and when I wrote it, I did not write an index. The publisher added an index before he released the book.
Every Penn reel is represented from 1932 to 1957. Use the Summaries at the end of the book. Find the Model 180 in the summaries, then find the year the 180 was introduced. Once you have the introduction year, that is the chapter the 180 will be in. Every represented reel is represented in the year it introduced and each chapter is a chronological flow from 1932 to 1957. When you get used to the summaries, finding any Penn models will be easy for you. You will not have to search page by page. I know I screwed up with that part of the book and it will not happen again.
Any of my future works will have an index constructed by me as I progress through the work.
Hi Dominick
You and the purchase of my 185 have inspired me to buy a 180. Great job on the tutorial. The shoe polish brought the plates up very nicely.
My 180 will get to me in about 3 weeks from USA.
It has the lighthouse scene on the tail plate like yours , but has a mottled spool like the one Mike shows.
I think these are great little Penns. Fast becoming one of my favourites.
Thanks for the tutorial.
Basto
Here's one I just found that has the same handle as the op's: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Penn-180-Trolling-Reel/142967967250?hash=item21498e0e12:g:x~sAAOSwHupblXRq:rk:10:pf:0