Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I've used this reel about 10 times in saltwater. The spool feels, sounds and looks like aluminium. There's a paint job on it, is that what some call "powder coating". What to do?

Pictures; 1) paint loss, and bubbling of paint. Note the reel: a Zebco Cardinal 6, I love this reel as an light inshore reef caster. But, notice the lable on the rotor. Not a big surprise...

2) modified photo("tonal") difficult to see, but the paint( oh man! Hopefully not the aluminium) is really bubbling.

It is just the paint, Greg —

Due to salt on the line.

Aluminum should be OK.

One approach would be to use an old shaft to chuck it up in a drill — the sand with emory paper or tape — then "0000" steel wool — then either paint it or leave it bare with a coat of sealer.

Also, before the fire, evacuation, and COVID increases got things behind and mixed up — you sent me a Quick 110 spool a few months ago.  And I would like to return the favor.  How about I send you a new Cardinal 6 spool as a trade for the DQ spool?

Then you will have (2) spools — one loaded with line as a back-up.

Best, Fred

Cool!, thanks and double-thanks buddy. Do you need my address?