Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Ok so I know the Z series had "greenies" and black n gold ,,but this appears to be neither..what is the difference? Are there internal differences? Is there a good page about the Z series?

The Z series are the black and gold ones.  That's from the so-called "greenie" series that did not have the Z suffix.  Internally it is a normal 704.  Sal may know when that paint pattern came out.  I think it was fairly soon after the collapsible handle and 704 introduction in the greenie era but am not sure.
-steve

Very early 704.  It matches my 704 which is from the first year of production.

Its a thin aluminum cover on the early models. Internally its all the same. The older spools use a different heavy duty clicker.

Pretty much the same reel.
the early 704 have a cast aluminum side cover and spool, the one above has a thin aluminum cover. the 704z come with metal side cover and a plactic cover.
Some of the differences when comparing  are  the clicker as Keith has mentioned, the line rollers, bail wire, side cover plate, spools.
if you look close enough you'll notice the stem on the housing has a slight different bend,  the white drag knob is also beefier than the black of the same style.
Bottom line, all are the same internally.

Steve, I'm not syre on dates, this is mine from 2002:


Sal

I was thinking of picking one up....so from what I am getting from you guys is they are all pretty much the same..?? Want to try old school surf fishing with one..maybe drilling the rotor to release water n salt etc.. thoughts?