I'm cleaning up an early one and found a crack. I need to keep this reel original. Any suggestions on filling this crack or should I just find another plate? It looks like it could get worse over time. I hate to see an old plate go to waste, but it is a defect on a decent early model. Luckily, the gear cover is good...note the orientation of the logo.
My go to is CA glue for cracks 1 or 2 application , than scrap with a razor blade for clean ups .
the rings would likely hold the side plate rigid enough to not be a problem. alternatively, you could use a hot stapler. lots of youtube videos out there. they are not hard to use.