Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I just painted my 220 with VHT flat black wrinkle paint and it looks great. Before I did so I removed the trout decal that was about to come off. I was just curious and I know Fred has the answer, is there an exact location or was it just in the same general area the technician installed it when manufactured?

D-A-M used a flexible type of adhesive similar to a rubber glue —

— that is why the emblems flex a bit — but stay mostly intact over the decades.

I use either 3M Automotive Emblem Adhesive or clear Gorilla Glue.

Just about halfway between the A/R-Crank hub area and the rear of the casing.

So pretty much directly East.

Best, Fred

...and speaking of decals. Fred, what do you do about the spool wraps on DQs?

I have two; one is a 5001 that has some pretty awful bin rash to the spool wrap. I haven't touched it yet because I can't decide if I need the reel (or if I should sell or trade it). If I keep it, I would probably just peel the wrap and leave the spool plain and get rid of the annoying little flap.

The other is a 1202 and isn't going anywhere. The only flaw is in the spool wrap. It has a few of those wrinkles that will let sand and water under the label. I have tried just ironing it back down with a little thumb pressure but the adhesive seems like that flexible adhesive or rubber glue that you just spoke of. When I try to iron the sticker down, the wrinkle will just migrate like a little wave. I've been tempted to just lift some of the wrap and re-apply it with a little tension and hope that it will remain flat. I really want to fish this reel but feel this wrap/sticker should be addressed before getting dirt under it. If I do remove it, I plan on dry mounting it flat so that I can scan it. I'm not really certain I want try the whole decal printing thing but I would want to preserve it for later. Who knows what technology will bring us in the next 5 years?

My other possible solution would be to look for a foil tape or contrasting vinyl tape and do a generic wrap. I really do think I should do something before using it and just removing the wrap might be the best solution unless there is a better way.

-Mike

If they are wrinkled, torn, distorted, or faded, Mike —

I just remove them and clean up the spool to remove any adhesive — then treat the spool with Penetrol for 3 minutes — wipe it down — and that's it.

Best,

Fred

Thanks Fred! I'll just fish the 1202 until the label flaps, then peel it. This one's a keeper. I see why you love the 1202...just an amazing reel.

After I made my first post I remembered I have a label maker that makes some pretty slick colored labels. Next time I have it out I'm going to experiment a little. Maybe after I spool it up I'll do a wrap with the model no. and what line I put on it.

-Mike

Great idea, Mike!

Best, Fred

I just checked the 3/8" tape options for the Brother P-touch. I have some decent options; Black on red, white on black, white on clear, and black on gold. Too bad there's not a yellow on black.

-Mike

I got to monkeying around with the label maker today. It's not perfect but it's good enough. I could do a few tweaks and get it a little more refined but I'm just learning how to use the label printer with my PC. I have a lot more options this way.
-Mike

That is great work, Mike!

Best, Fred