Well, I decided to start experimenting and this is what I came up with...next to a Accurate 501 conversion. What do you think?
I think it is perfect. Did you ever figure out the gear ratio for the 259?
Ron
Nice Bryan! ;) I need to get me some of those hot dog handles. They have a classic look. 8)
Looks great Bryan!
Please tell more... Did you use a 30-49 stand, 29L-501 spool, 37A-506 spacer bars with the Long Beach Deluxe side plates & custom stainless-steel arms w/ a Delirium handle and your custom 1+5 drags?
And more photos please.
That was some good experimenting buddy ;)...gorgeous....
looks like a long beach 60 main gear and a squidder pinion gear. i thought i'd seen every penn that was ever made, but i've never seen one of these before. very nice!
Bryan, I think you started something! Very nice reel! Bob
Bryan Very nice job. Did you go with your 5+1 drag 5-60 upgrade kit ? If so you have a very strong little reel. BTW I think the retrieve rate on the orginal 259 was 2.5 to 1 according to penn. I guess it depends on what pinion gear works, in any case a very strong little penn and a really nice job Doug
Quote from: noyb72 on February 21, 2014, 07:53:46 AM
I think it is perfect. Did you ever figure out the gear ratio for the 259?
Ron
Hi Ron,
Without taking the gears out and counting the teeth on the gears, it appears to be 2.8:1.
Quote from: Shark Hunter on February 21, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Nice Bryan! ;) I need to get me some of those hot dog handles. They have a classic look. ;)
Hi Daron, these are Alan's new SS Penn Jigmaster Power arms and is Pete's spinner handles (3.5" long x 1" diameter). You can get both of them from Alan Tani. They are on the reels just for demonstration purposes...or I may just have to buy them from Alan if I'm going to keep them with these reels...they do look good on them ;D
Quote from: Dabigono on February 21, 2014, 10:29:01 AM
Looks great Bryan!
Please tell more... Did you use a 30-49 stand, 29L-501 spool, 37A-506 spacer bars with the Long Beach Deluxe side plates & custom stainless-steel arms w/ a Delirium handle and your custom 1+5 drags?
And more photos please.
Hi Al,
The reel stand, cross bars and spool came straigth off of a Penn 501 Jigmaster. Parts used are:
Reel Seat Plate - Part #30-49
Cross Bars - Part # 37A-506
Spool - Part #29L-501
Guts of the 259 has been upgraded were possible. So the reel now has a jigmaster fine tooth gear sleeve from Alan Tani, and the star is now a Penn Part #10-505. It's a little larger than the Penn Part #10-60 star that came on the reel. This reel also had steel gears, so I upgraded the drags to a 5+1 set of my own, and think I have the right washers now for the 5-60 gear set. This should give me similar drag numbers as my jigmaster set, minus a 1/4# per washer, or so.
That reminds me, Lee, do you have any SS 15-60 pawls available?
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 21, 2014, 11:59:25 AM
That was some good experimenting buddy ;)...gorgeous....
Thanks buddy. Coming from you, I am honored :D
Quote from: alantani on February 21, 2014, 12:14:02 PM
looks like a long beach 60 main gear and a squidder pinion gear. i thought i'd seen every penn that was ever made, but i've never seen one of these before. very nice!
I got THE MAN!!! ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D Finally a reel he hasn't seen. ::)
Main gear Penn Part #5-60 with the Pinioin gear Penn Part #13-140 or #13-99. used with Bridge Penn Part #3-99.
Quote from: Cone on February 21, 2014, 01:23:12 PM
Bryan, I think you started something! Very nice reel! Bob
Thanks Bob, This may very well be an awesome alternative to Penn's 1/0 reel and I'm sure will be an excellent live bait reel with braid. I'll upload pics of the tolerances between the spool and sideplate rings shortly.
Quote from: Doug on February 21, 2014, 03:32:27 PM
Bryan Very nice job. Did you go with your 5+1 drag 5-60 upgrade kit ? If so you have a very strong little reel. BTW I think the retrieve rate on the orginal 259 was 2.5 to 1 according to penn. I guess it depends on what pinion gear works, in any case a very strong little penn and a really nice job Doug
Thanks Doug. I do have my new 5+1 drag kit installed with steel gears. I don't have 2.5:1 and the spool takes almost a full revolution on the third crank. I don't know what pinion came in my 259.
On a personal note, my 259 was given to me as my first casting reel for Ulua, which my largest was about 36# I haven't fished this reel in probably 30 years since I picked up a 113HLW for my Ulua fishing. But, this may be a perfect little tuna reel with live bait, and I think I got to try this one out and bring this reel out of retirement.
Look at the tolerances between the spool and the side plate.
I think this reel is braid ready
Awesome reel Bryan! Looks like I'll need to build one of these.
Bob
Quote from: BMITCH on February 21, 2014, 04:19:44 PM
Awesome reel Bryan! Looks like I'll need to build one of these.
Bob
You know, in the past, I could easily find a 259 for $20 or less...and now the prices are going to rise...I knew I should have baught more 259s for some reason.
Enjoy folks. Hope you can find a 259 for your building...along with a 501 spool.
Bryan your right just a good 501 spool and space bars will cost about $100 if you can find them and that's without the 259 reel or anything else Doug
I've got the Tib frame and a 501 spool. Now I just gotta keep my eye out for a decent priced 259. ;)
Nice work Bryan !!! I like it.
John
great albacore reel that can handle the bluefin that are in the mix sometime.
Nice!!! Do you know what the gear ratio is? It reminds me of my 3:1 Surfmaster 250N, a 501/250 Franken reel.
Lee
It is the exact same as your reel except it does not EXPLODE!!
Doh!!
Ron
:D
Quote from: Keta on February 22, 2014, 12:30:47 AM
Nice!!! Do you know what the gear ratio is? It reminds me of my 3:1 Surfmaster 250N, a 501/250 Franken reel.
I didn't count the gears but the rotation of the spool and I think its 2.8:1.
Thanks.
Nice job Brian. I do like narrow reels somehow they feel so much better balanced on the rod. A 259 is,a rare beast indeed over here in the u.k. I don't remember seeing one come up on ebay but then we also rarely see 501's either. I had to buy mine from your side of the pond.
Jeff,
If this reel interests you it would probably be easier to find a 1/0 Senator. It is all but the same thing.
Ron
Both the 259 and 250 use a 13-140 pinion gear and a 5-60 main gear so this reel has a 3:1 gear ratio.
This thread has "forced" me to pick up 250 Hand Grenade to make another Surfmaster 250N.
Quote from: Keta on February 22, 2014, 10:52:29 PM
Both the 259 and 250 use a 13-140 pinion gear and a 5-60 main gear so this reel has a 3:1 gear ratio.
This thread has "forced" me to pick up 250 Hand Grenade to make another Surfmaster 250N.
:D :D
You know, I was happy about Ron's comment, but it isn't helping any, I keep getting outbid on the 100 & 150. Is it you Lee? ;D
No but there are 2 nice 100's I'd like to bid on right now. I jumped on a "buy it now" 250 for $18.00 and reasonable shipping. There is a 501 for $100!!!!!! I thought $50 was too much when I was buying them.
Guys,
I'm bidding on the mismatched 501 with the stupid handle. If I get it, I'll be looking for a 500s right plate.
Ron
I just bought a 501 for about 46.00. It did have a Newell aluminum spool and stand.
Bob
I'm leaning toward a Tiburon 501 kit for my next 250N.
Nice looking work Bryan.
i got the chance to fiddle with and realized that it would make a great left handed reel!
OK,
This page:
https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn259.aspx (https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn259.aspx)
says the 259 uses the 13-500 pinion, and it doesn't list the gear ratio. Where are you guys seeing that it uses the 13-140? I think it should use the 13-140, because then it would be the same as the 110, but that isn't what Scott's says.
Thanks
Ron
"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"
Hi Ron You are right but if you look way at the top of the page for the 259 there is a picture on the right hand side and under the picture it says the ratio is 2.5 to 1 so maybe if the 500 pinion works it lowers the gear ratio or its a mistake. If it works it kinda makes sense to use a 500 pinion on a 501 spool to ensure fit but it might still be a misprint its happened before Doug
Quote from: noyb72 on February 23, 2014, 08:25:24 AM
OK,
This page:
https://www.mysticparts.com/pennParts/Penn259.aspx (https://www.mysticparts.com/pennParts/Penn259.aspx)
says the 259 uses the 13-500 pinion, and it doesn't list the gear ratio. Where are you guys seeing that it uses the 13-140? I think it should use the 13-140, because then it would be the same as the 110, but that isn't what Scott's says.
Thanks
Ron
I think you found a mistake, look here. https://www.mysticparts.com/Assets/images/pennparts/schematics/259.pdf (https://www.mysticparts.com/Assets/Images/pennparts/schematics/259.pdf)
"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"
Thanks Lee!
So, Bryan has made a different 1/0 then. Pretty cool.
Ron
GREAT JOB BRYAN. IT APPEARS TO HAVE THE LINE CAPACITY AND LOOK OF A PENN SENATOR 1/0 WITH THE 4 TRIM RINGS. AS A LOVER OF PENN REELS THUMBS UP. I THINK I WILL PUT ONE TOGETHER TO FISH WITH. THE OLDER PENN LONG BEACH 259 REELS HAVE ALL STAINLESS STEEL GUTS INCLUDING THE GEARS, BRIDGE, YOKE AND ECCENTRIC.
Bryan, you got my attention. For a log time I have wanted a narrow 259. Recently a friend passed away, and one of the things I got was a fair 259.
It has his name engraved on the chrome rings. This is sentimental to me so it will be narrowed. The reel has a Power House transmission, and Newell bearing cups on it, but they will go. At one point I thought I would leave the Trans. and use the reel to YoYo, but my new Andros A-12SIIa will be a little faster and have a low gear making it a better choice.
So A little direction from you all would sure help. There are a couple of narrowed 500 on ebay at this time. Needing a spool, bars, and a seat makes
them tempting. Also Penn/Newell 500 bars might be a option if I cut them down, but I am not sure about corrosion on the cut end. I don't think I will
find a pair of 37A-506 bars. I am considering 37-180's but would like the 506's. I think a Tiburon frame will add a lot of weight, so I am shying away
from that.
The guts of the reel are in great shape. I will do as much up grading as I can. The fine tooth gear sleeve, drag, gears and any thing else you guys think are doable will go in it. It sure would be nice to have as much SS as possible. I do have one of Alan's handles that will go on it. If I remember years ago I tried to put 500 gears in a 259 and it did not work, so the reel will stay in the 2.5-2.8:1 ratio. This will sure be a great Grouper/ bottom fishing reel,
and be fished with a lot of memory's.
Thanks,
Dave
That's awesome Dave. Regarding the stainless steel gear sleeve, I discovered that Penn had 2 different bridge plates. One of the gear sleeve post is the same as the jigmaster and the other had a smaller OD then the jigmaster. If you are lucky as I was on my 259 then you will be good to go.
If your reel has steel gears, I have a 5+1 drag kit for your reel as well. I'm not sure I'd do that with the brass gears and how they would hold up.
Good luck, have fun, and please to be sure to post your build.
Thanks Bryan, I will look into it. My friend also engraved the date on the reel, 1958. So it is a fairly early version, I hope it has the correct sleeve post.
If not I will find one.
Bryan, I have several questions. I looked thru all 11 pages of stuff about Alan's SS bridge sleeve. I did not see any info about the I.D. or about bridge post O.D. My 3-99 bridge post measures 0.187", 4.76mm, will it work with Alan's sleeve? If not what will?
The gears in my 259 are steel, and in very good shape. The washers are HT100. I would assume your 5 stack will give me a little more drag, if so that
will be the way for me to go. will the 5 stack require the fine thread sleeve?
Are the cross bars on your reel from BP? I would prefer that to the 37-180 bars.
My 9-60 spacing sleeve measures 0.49", 12.47mm that is at the top of the chart on Scott's site. Will the SS spacer be of Value?
And lastly, I will use the correct star but is there anything else I can do to this reel? I do have Alan's handle.
Dave, the 259 is a classy looking reel, with the chrome rings and all. I sometimes see the 506 spacer bars on ebay, as well as the Newell ones, so be patient. Shortening the wide 500 bars might be difficult, getting them the exact length and the ends squared.
BTW check your email.
George
Thanks, no blue sky picture about bar modification! That is a last resort, or a fill in until bars pop up.
Thanks again.
Hi Dave.
Let me pull my reel apart to see what the gear sleeve shaft ID is and will get back to you.
With my 5 stack drag kit, you should get a comfortable 12# of drag. You don't need the fine thread gear sleeve. I just like it better because the fine adjustment is easier. The course gear sleeve, the drag tends to jump up quickly.
Parts - spacer bars, spools,...let me see what I have around.
The crossbars on my reels are from Penn. BP didn't have the SS ones available at the time of the build.
SS spacer from BP - For this reel, I don't think it's necessary because of the low drag setting of #12 or so. If the drag setting was near my jigmaster kit, I would highly recommend it. What happens is that the spacer during hard cranking, rests on the sideplate, which helps keeps the gears in alignment. I was thinking of making this part out of Delrin similar to Newell's design, but never gotten around to it... and now I don't need to. :D
I think that's about it you can do to this reel other than a SS handle arm and AT's 3/0 handle...just a great balanced reel.
Bryan, I have acquired a new 30-99 seat, and two new 501 bars. So I am getting a little closer to having what I need.
Great Job Bryan, I really liked my 1/0 build and am getting into putting one of these 259's together. I am debating on narrowing it like this and this this will be a great 20-25# reel.
Quote from: noyb72 on February 23, 2014, 08:25:24 AM
OK,
This page:
https://www.mysticparts.com/pennParts/Penn259.aspx (https://www.mysticparts.com/pennParts/Penn259.aspx)
says the 259 uses the 13-500 pinion, and it doesn't list the gear ratio. Where are you guys seeing that it uses the 13-140? I think it should use the 13-140, because then it would be the same as the 110, but that isn't what Scott's says.
Thanks
Ron
The 259 is just a wide 1/0 that has been relabeled. All other side plate and internal design is the same. The jigmaster pinion (13-500) fits both the 1/0, 259 and 99 reels and brings this reel up to a 3.3:1 gear ratio (same as the squidder). Also, when BP rolls out his squidder gears, they will be a direct drop in for the 259, 1/0 and 99 reels.
Quote from: Normslanding on January 11, 2015, 10:44:41 PM
Bryan, I have acquired a new 30-99 seat, and two new 501 bars. So I am getting a little closer to having what I need.
That's great Normslanding. I'm building a lefty for my son.
Quote from: fIsHsTiiCkS on March 24, 2015, 09:16:08 AM
Great Job Bryan, I really liked my 1/0 build and am getting into putting one of these 259's together. I am debating on narrowing it like this and this this will be a great 20-25# reel.
Quote from: noyb72 on February 23, 2014, 08:25:24 AM
OK,
This page:
https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn259.aspx (https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn259.aspx)
says the 259 uses the 13-500 pinion, and it doesn't list the gear ratio. Where are you guys seeing that it uses the 13-140? I think it should use the 13-140, because then it would be the same as the 110, but that isn't what Scott's says.
Thanks
Ron
The 259 is just a wide 1/0 that has been relabeled. All other side plate and internal design is the same. The jigmaster pinion (13-500) fits both the 1/0, 259 and 99 reels and brings this reel up to a 3.3:1 gear ratio (same as the squidder). Also, when BP rolls out his squidder gears, they will be a direct drop in for the 259, 1/0 and 99 reels.
I'm thinking of building a 99 width one as well....thinking. Would be neat to have a narrow, medium and normal 259 while fishing.
Quote from: Bryan Young on March 24, 2015, 02:28:17 PM
I'm thinking of building a 99 width one as well.
Exactly what I'm thinkin' too...so maybe someone can answer a question for me: Is the Tiburon P29K frame drilled to accept LB 259/Senator 110 sideplates? I saw on their site the P20 is...just wondered about the "99" size frame.
Quote from: Normslanding on January 11, 2015, 10:44:41 PM
Bryan, I have acquired a new 30-99 seat, and two new 501 bars. So I am getting a little closer to having what I need.
The 99 seat is wider than 501.
I believe you'll need a 30-110 seat for a 501 spool and bars to work.
Quote from: mo65 on November 05, 2016, 08:38:18 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on March 24, 2015, 02:28:17 PM
I'm thinking of building a 99 width one as well.
Exactly what I'm thinkin' too...so maybe someone can answer a question for me: Is the Tiburon P29K frame drilled to accept LB 259/Senator 110 sideplates? I saw on their site the P20 is...just wondered about the "99" size frame.
I'm unsure of the Tib frame sizes. Sorry.
Great thread! Just picked up a 259 as part of an auction lot and will post pics. Aninteresting history lesson to compare it to a jigmaster...
OK...I can't stand it any longer...even though its not done I gotta sport my 259/99 conversion. I'm really liking this reel at 99 width. 8)
Quote from: mo65 on January 22, 2017, 10:50:41 PM
OK...I can't stand it any longer...even though its not done I gotta sport my 259/99 conversion. I'm really liking this reel at 99 width. 8)
Wow!
Aha, now we know why Tiburon is out of silver 99 spools Lol
Looking good so far Mo
Quote from: mo65 on January 22, 2017, 10:50:41 PM
OK...I can't stand it any longer...even though its not done I gotta sport my 259/99 conversion. I'm really liking this reel at 99 width. 8)
I don't blame you, beautiful reel!
I love the black and silver color scheme, I'm not usually picky about color but that looks great to me, especially with 4 rings. I'd love a silver framed Grouper Special. Maybe I'll get a Newell kit redone in silver some day.
Ron
Ron, the 113h YTS Tiburon frame fits the "Grouper Special" & it comes in silver too. ;D
Rudy
Good looking reel Mo, looking forward to seeing the finished reel. Are you going to put in one of Bryan's 5 stack drag kits for the 5-60 gears? It would make a good set with a silver framed grouper special - what's a small diameter grouper special called?
Ron, you're right about the black and silver color combination looking good on a grouper special and Rudy is right about the Tib YTS in silver or you could use Teds narrow base and bars in silver.
(http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg549/mhc14/AT%20forum/DSCF2725_zps6axiuubt.jpg) (http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/mhc14/media/AT%20forum/DSCF2725_zps6axiuubt.jpg.html)
Mike
Quote from: mhc on January 23, 2017, 08:22:11 AM
what's a small diameter grouper special called?
Mike
A bait special ???? ;D ;D ;D
Beautiful Mo.
Quote from: RowdyW on January 23, 2017, 08:52:05 AM
Quote from: mhc on January 23, 2017, 08:22:11 AM
what's a small diameter grouper special called?
Mike
A bait special ???? ;D ;D ;D
This may only make sense to a few, but I think an appropriate name would be a scampi special. This thing would be perfect for slow dragging 2 tailed soft plastics in shore. A lot of reel for that task, but a perfect one in my book.
Ron
Quote from: mhc on January 23, 2017, 08:22:11 AM
Good looking reel Mo, looking forward to seeing the finished reel. Are you going to put in one of Bryan's 5 stack drag kits for the 5-60 gears? It would make a good set with a silver framed grouper special - what's a small diameter grouper special called?
Thanks everyone for the interest...I took that pic after dark so only had room lighting...but you can get a feel for what a sweetie this one will be. Yes Mike...she's got a 5 stack on deck and ready. Mizmo just shipped me a ss gear sleeve and a few other pieces. I was calling this one the Catfish Special(since that will be what I'll use it for) but my brother called it the "River King" and I really like that name. This one is small in stature...but will ride high in the saddle when it comes to power. We tend to like these smaller/lighter hot rods for packing down through the rip rap...toting anything bigger is a chore. We like to save the big reels for the boat. 8)
P.S. I'll post 'er up in the Photo Gallery when she's finished so as not to crowd Bryan's fine thread here.
Post away buddy.
Quote from: noyb72 on February 21, 2014, 07:53:46 AM
I think it is perfect. Did you ever figure out the gear ratio for the 259?
Ron
After much debate(on this thread
and several others) it's been determined that the original 259s used a #13-99 pinion for a gear ratio of 3.08:1 but a #13-500 can also be used for a 3.33:1 gear ratio. 8)
I have a 259 that I'm not going to have time to work with. Hope someone can use it. Thanks. http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=20793.msg225470#msg225470
I have a decent 259 I'm thinking of narrowing to 501. Going thru this thread it looks straight forward with changing bars,base and spool. Any hiccups I should be aware of? I was looking for a decent 1/0 but this maybe a better choice and I have one. Thanks Sheridan
Quote from: Swami805 on April 28, 2018, 04:08:03 AM
I have a decent 259 I'm thinking of narrowing to 501. Going thru this thread it looks straight forward with changing bars,base and spool. Any hiccups I should be aware of? I was looking for a decent 1/0 but this maybe a better choice and I have one. Thanks Sheridan
Sheridan,
Did you ever build one of these?
I have two 259's and I'm getting ready to build one of them with a tiburon 501 frame I recently acquired.
Post some pics if you did, would love to see another one built up.
Darin
Still have the 259 but haven't gotten to it yet. I keep getting distracted by shiny new things,it gets addicting. I had a 1/0 but it was too nice to fool with it,pretty sure it never had line on it so it went to a good home. One of these days
lol, I'm learning all about it myself these days...
Had some free time so I pulled out the 259 to see what I could do. It's an older one with no part numbers but some had put a Newell spool in it and was no beauty queen so I figured it won't be on the shelf. Checked the bone yard for parts and found a Newell base and bars and some "Teflon " bushings also had a progear handle arm and a pro challenger 501 spool looking for a home. Had a few Cortez Conversions levers so I used one on this.
I opened the reel up and a nice steel main gear with smoothie drag washers which I replaced with CF. Nice clean and greased inside, the only thing wrong was the gear sleeve was rounded off. Found a nice one to replace it with and the insides are ready to go!
Got it all back together and it should be a nice reel for fishing 20-25lb.
BIG thanks to Sal for the nob he made for me. This ones walnut,it's very light and a perfect fit in the hand.
Looks great Sheridan! I love how you made all the parts work together!
The knob is a beauty too!
the 259900 LongJohnSilverBeachLiveBaitmasterJigCaster....went together no issues with 259 tail plate, 99 spool, 24-66 stand, 500 jigmaster headplate, and some stuff from Maxed Out: customized 99 width solid bars. I later replaced handle with progear blade (from Ted also) and custom knob.
You should have little to no issues if all parts are factory-true.
Very cool build also John!
I love those Penn handles too!
Great builds, it's cool seeing different plays on an old classic
Sheridan, I've forgotten all about that knob :), it looks good on that nice reel...enjoy it!
Sal
Quote from: Bryan Young on February 21, 2014, 04:05:33 PMLook at the tolerances between the spool and the side plate.
I think this reel is braid ready
Where can I find one of those handles?? Love that reel.
Are you referring to the cigar handles? Alan no longer makes those. The replacement 3/0 handle is better and more comfortable.
Welcome Homer Hires! A fisheries Biologist, Cool!
This might be what Bryan is referring to. 2nd picture; A great product IMO, this "knob". The "handle" with it is no longer available. However, Maxed-Out in the for sale section may have some those nice fish picture anodized handles in different colors.
1st picture is my LB LBC-259. Not pretty, but beefed-up for trolling and bait fishing.
Relative to a Jigmaster, the 259 has a slower 3:1 gear ratio. But a + are the steel rings on both side-plates, not to mention the printing and picture on the bakelite plates.
Quote from: Bryan Young on March 07, 2023, 04:47:03 AMAre you referring to the cigar handles? Alan no longer makes those. The replacement 3/0 handle is better and more comfortable.
WHile I own several of the 3/0s, I don't like them as much as the hot dogs, I don't think I'll ever find something that fits my hand better.
The Man
Hmmm, I have relatively large hands and I like the way the 3/0 and 5/0 from Allen T. taper-down on one side for the 2 smallest fingers.