This reel was only on the scene from 2000-2004. Along with it's sister the 268, they were the last incarnation of the legendary Long Beach line. They were the only LBs that used a graphite frame. They were about as far as one could take the ol' LB platform, and unfortunately, their antiquated slow speed probably didn't excite many. That time frame saw the entry of all the super fast, multi-bearing reels. It would take consumers a few years to realize the torque advantage of a slower gear, but in the meantime, the humble Long Beach faded into retirement.
I was surfing eBay for a deal on a LB66...I had a project in mind...I wanted to put together a solid boat reel to use on the head boats and such. I saw a few of these 267s and though maybe that would be what I was looking for. I also noticed the condition of these reels' chromed parts was usually shot. The newer chromed parts seem to fall apart faster than the older chrome. I've seen this with the 209s and 309s too. On the reel I bought, you can see that the handle and top post are shot but the rings look like new. Same with the frame cover and decals.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7803/46949820881_ec0ecd3eb3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN73n)
The spool had trace corrosion too, but I think it will all wash off with a vinegar bath. It doesn't look to be penetrated under the anodizing.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7871/46949820251_dbeb93acb9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN6Rv)
These are the parts I'll be replacing, except those drag washers. I'll re-use those to make a 5-stack. None of these parts were "bad" except the gear sleeve and top frame post. The rest will make fine parts for a stock build.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7822/46949819661_dfde17d698_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN6Fk)
The photo below shows a trashed gear sleeve versus an unused one. This is common on boat reels, where folks twist and wind the fish up, rather than use the rod to lift.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7834/46949819021_07a89fe20d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN6ui)
The new goodies! I used an old Penn steel main and it's matching pinion. The new yoke, jack, and sleeve are stainless steel. The new handle is a stock #24-66 blade with an eBay knob. It feels fantastic on this reel.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4893/46949818581_d26d43c2ed_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN6mH)
The spool was undamaged and cleaned up very nice. Since this reel will see the salt I coated the outer sides of the spool with Penn Blue.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7862/46949818011_731f4a8b65_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN6bT)
I got this Cal's Purple to try on spinning reels, but I just had to sample some, so I lubed the drag stack with it. Those paying attention prolly see the two AR dogs in the background...ya don't suppose...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/46949817481_fdf2fda218_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN62K)
Yep, I double dogged this puppy! The area circled in yellow is the added dog and spring. I timed these simultaneous for lifting power.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7854/46949817131_8cf73196f7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN5VH)
Here she is...a killer boat reel for under $100! I dig me some Long Beach! 8)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7910/46949816631_8b11f4a3e1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN5M6)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7831/46949816371_71b059d919_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ewN5GB)
I really like these reels. They are basically inexpensive 4/0 Senators. They've worked for decades, and will work for decades more. Wish they made a 266!
The Man
Terrific job, Mike —
Doesn't get any better than that!
Best,
Fred
Fantastic job, I've been eyeballing those reels for a little while, but didn't know much about them.
What is your drag #'s and what will you fish it at? Also, what's the difference in the 267 & 268?
Thanks, Darin
Quote from: Darin Crofton on February 01, 2019, 08:44:27 PM
What is your drag #'s and what will you fish it at? Also, what's the difference in the 267 & 268?
Thanks, Darin
With the 5-stack that gear usually makes around 15lb. max. I'll fish it at 10lbs. and I spooled it with 30lb. mono. The 268 is just a wider version. 8)
Quote from: mo65 on February 01, 2019, 08:59:28 PM
Quote from: Darin Crofton on February 01, 2019, 08:44:27 PM
What is your drag #'s and what will you fish it at? Also, what's the difference in the 267 & 268?
Thanks, Darin
With the 5-stack that gear usually makes around 15lb. max. I'll fish it at 10lbs. and I spooled it with 30lb. mono. The 268 is just a wider version. 8)
Thanks Mike!
I like how you shaped the second dog spring. A 1/2 frame on a Penn, is a good frame. Mo, are these puppies made in the US?
That-there purple Cal's is probably right for the present ambient temps in yer neck a the woods.
Quote from: Gfish on February 01, 2019, 09:38:11 PM
I like how you shaped the second dog spring. A 1/2 frame on a Penn, is a good frame. Mo, are these puppies made in the US?
That there purple Cal's is probably right for the ambiant temps in yer neck a the woods.
They are made in the USA. If you zoom on the last pic you can see it at the bottom of the tail plate. That spring shape takes up the slack in my dremeled slot...makes assembly easier. You're right G...the purple Cal's is for colder climates. He also says it's thinner than the tan, and indeed it is. I tried it on the main and pinion and it was too light. It just felt too "free" for a conventional. I have a feeling I'll love it in spinners. 8)
G Zooza that's a nice REEL! After you put the Mo touch on it 8)
Joe
Nice work Mike, that reel will last for many many years, & hopefully catch many good fish for you, thanks for showing us, cheers Don.
Great work Mike!!!
BTW, Mike it's not the first time you've built a reel, shared it on here and I wanted to build one of my own, you do such a great job it's contagious!
Nice work with the dogs Mo, and the restoration with clear detailed photos is up to your usual excellent standard - thanks for sharing.
Mike
Thanks everyone for the compliments! Getting the nod from you folks tells me I've done something right. I hate to see parts for these old reels becoming more scarce. It's making it so costly to restore them that nobody wants to invest in it, even though this beefed up reel is stronger and will outlast reels costing three times as much.
Hi Mike-MO, just looking @ the second dog picture again, I was thinking of maybe, the flat spring, the end away from the dog, having a right angle @ the end, would stop the spring from sliding away from the dog. cheers Don.
Good job !!
Quote from: Donnyboat on February 03, 2019, 06:42:35 PM
Hi Mike-MO, just looking @ the second dog picture again, I was thinking of maybe, the flat spring, the end away from the dog, having a right angle @ the end, would stop the spring from sliding away from the dog. cheers Don.
Hi Don. That spring wasn't sliding away, I added the "s" shape to keep it from falling out of the slot during reassembly. That slot is a bit wide from my amateur Dremel work. Also, the s-shape adds extra pressure to the dog's end when you squish it into the slot. It really makes that dog talk! 8)
Good thanks Mike, you dont need a lot of pressure to make a dog pivot, I would`nt nock the job you done, just a sugestion. cheers Don.
Just recently had a couple of Longbeaches that I serviced and did similar mods to, one was a 268.
The brass gear sleeves were in good condition, so I added an alternating extra dog in both, using some hardened brass Piston shim from a large diesel engine.
Process as follows....
Milling the sideplates on the drill press
(http://alantani.com/gallery/27/10783_22_02_19_2_19_54.jpeg)
Rough cutouts of the dogblanks from stock
(http://alantani.com/gallery/27/10783_22_02_19_2_17_42.jpeg)
Refining the dog shape
(http://alantani.com/gallery/27/10783_22_02_19_2_18_57.jpeg)
Almost there
(http://alantani.com/gallery/27/10783_22_02_19_2_22_10.jpeg)
Self made coil spring, with bridge installed. Pretty confident the spring will not pop out as there is sufficient overlap of the bridge over the dog/spring recess.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/27/10783_22_02_19_2_21_13.jpeg)
Serviced and all together
(http://alantani.com/gallery/27/10783_22_02_19_2_22_55.jpeg)
With the 268, there was still considerable side to side spool slop, even with the left end adjustable bearing screwed right in. This necessitated making a 3mm diametre shim, 0.8mm thick to drop into the right end spool bearing. The spool is now centered perfectly.
I also shimmed under the gear sleeve on both to take out the excessive clearance there. Other than that, just cleaning required on the posts and rings and other chromed parts. I advised the owner not to use excessive drag and trying to force the crank against it, to prevent rounding off of the gear sleeve ends. These reels are now ready for much more work.
The Master at work!...very nice job on those dogs Chris!
Sal
Quote from: Rothmar2 on February 22, 2019, 09:53:15 PM
With the 268, there was still considerable side to side spool slop, even with the left end adjustable bearing screwed right in. This necessitated making a 3mm diametre shim, 0.8mm thick to drop into the right end spool bearing. The spool is now centered perfectly.
I also shimmed under the gear sleeve on both to take out the excessive clearance there.
I had to do these same things to my 267. With the bearing bottomed out it still needed a shim to get the spool right.
I wish one of you guys lived close to me so I could learn some of this in person, one can only dream... ;D
Good job guys, I picked up a 268 a while ago and just haven't figured out where it fits in my fishing arsenal...bill
Quote from: Bill B (Tarfu) on February 26, 2019, 05:26:13 AM
I picked up a 268 a while ago and just haven't figured out where it fits in my fishing arsenal.
These 267s and 268s have so much spool capacity they kill at bottom fishing and deep drop situations. I can see where they would have been a lower cost solution to the 4/0 Senator on head boats. 8)
Just got back from using the 267 on a sea bass trip. It worked fantastic...no hiccups at all. It seems perfectly suited to the task. 8)
Way to go, Mike! Built you a sweet reel and put it to work, that's what it's all about brother!!!
Quote from: Darin Crofton on February 23, 2019, 06:23:53 AM
I wish one of you guys lived close to me so I could learn some of this in person.
You know anytime you have a question just send a PM Darin, and if I can't answer it, we'll poll one of the
true gurus around here! 8)