Earlier this year, after 40+ years of working on all types of fishing reels — I decided to specialize in the restoration, building, and servicing of quality vintage spinning reels. DAM Quick, Penn, ABU/Zebco Cardinals, and Mitchell's.
The backlog of unfinished reels — not counting new builds for folks — was at 89 as of yesterday.
A good client for the last 20+ years likes to go to yard sales — as well as buy Penn conventional reels from eBay.
So he sent me 12 to restore and set up for salt-water use.
So, since we are back from evacuation — and close to normal except for the Pandemic deal — I decided now was a good time to start on the backlog of reel jobs.
I also decided, in honor of Sal, who taught me so much directly and indirectly — to start on the Penn Conventionals yesterday. I finished them up this morning. Pretty cruddy reels inside and out — but with serious cleaning, full disassembles, buffing and shining all internals, new drags, Cal's drag grease, Yamaha Marine lube, synthetic oil, replacing missing parts, and some upgrades — they turned out pretty well.
Here are the first (6) — 2 Jigmaster 500's, 2 Jigmaster 501's, 3/0 112H Senator, and a 4/0 113H Senator.
Free spool is close to a minute or more on each one — some would not even crank over easily before cracking them open.
Thank You, Sal — for the instruction, inspiration, and help — over the years...
Best,
Fred
Fred, holy catz! Incredible job... and a fitting tribute to the memory of Alto Mare, whose unmatched skill brought back countless numbers of these neglected gems to their original glory. Bravo! :)
~A~
way to go FRED, those reels are in good hands, you do top notch service , they are going to work great thanks to you. yes our friend SAL ,the master inspired us all, a great loss for his family and our family, take care FRED, you and your wife be well and safe. harryk
Good job, Fred....Sal would be proud !
Fred, that third photo of the 6 reels laid out and ready to should be photo of the month. Nice work as usual. Dominick
Here are 5 1/2 more ready to go after servicing and restoring.
The half was just a head plate change out with new drags and clean up — for a change out when fishing, if needed.
The others are a couple of 501's, a black 4/0 Senator, a 4/0 Senator 113H2, and an old Shimano TR 2000 Lever Drag Charter Special.
He is sending 9 more later this week.
Sure takes a toll on the lacquer thinner supply at $20 a gallon.
Best,
Fred
Awesome work Fred! You and your friend have saved a dozen classic reels from neglect, that is for sure!
Cheers,
Andrew