What is the best product for restoring the side plates on old reels ???
What do you mean by restoring? It leaves a lot to interpretation.
I rub with excess CorrosionX and seems to make sideplates look almost new.
Thanks Bryan for the reply back.
I have purchased some old Penn's dating back to the 30's and 40's and the bakelite side plates are dull. I am hoping to find a product that will restore the color to some degree and also preserve the material
Metal polish and a little elbow grease does a pretty good job at shining up side plates
I'd leave them like they are
I have a side plate on an older 114H with some initials etched in them. The initials are very faint and I missed them on my first pass. Do I dare try to take these initials off by buffing them or using some gentle type of abrasive like one of those new "Magic Erasers" ???? They are on the handle side and not near any of the raised Penn lettering.
High speed tool like a dremel, a buffing wheel and a little wax has worked for me in the past.
Is the affect of this to fill in the scratches or does it actually wear away the upper layer slightly? I was thinking about using a buffer but wasn't sure how to approach and how.
I bought a orphaned 155 Beachmaster at a yard sale. The metal parts were in good shape but the sideplates were beat up. I soaked them in a lye bath (it's what I use to strip grease off cast iron skillets) and they came out with a nice matte finish. Your mileage may vary.
I use Gel Gloss. Takes off the oxidation and makes them look pretty nice.
I would probably try some fine Automotive rubbing compound.
Shine em right up...... Without taking to much surface off....
Like a Jewelers polish...
I "think" I have posted this before and has worked well for me. Take the sideplates off and strip of any hardware. Scrub them with Soft Scrub cleanser and a toothbrush under water to remove any dirt and oxidation. Let dry thoroughly (at least 24 hrs.) and soak with Armor All. You may want to let the first coat soak in overnight and repeat. Wipe off excess and reassemble. You now have a good looking reel that will also shed water and fight oxidation better.