Fix Broken Foot - Mitchell 302 Saltwater

Started by Tuffecs, March 21, 2022, 02:20:48 PM

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Tuffecs

After many years of using this reel, I decided to see if it can be fixed.  Although it's somewhat secure on the rod, a snug fit would be better.

How can I fix this?  I have no welding/fluxing equipment.  As you can see, I did file it a bit (it was corroded).

Hmmm...maybe leave it be?

Gfish

Don't know about repairing aluminum like that. My thinking would be to find a beat-up parts reel and use  the frame from it as well as any other needed parts. eBay might have some of those. The 302 is a rather complicated spinner but very well made IMO, can you disassemble/reassemble yours?
Fishing tackle is an art form and all fish caught on the right tackle are"Gfish"!

foakes

Quickest, easiest, and the best result would be a new or used frame.

I have both.

Best, Fred
The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

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--------

The first rule of fishing is to fish where the fish are. The second rule of fishing is to never forget the first rule.

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Tuffecs

Was looking for an easy and cheap fix.  Not sure if I want to go through the effort of replacing the frame.  I received new Slammer and Fathom reels this past December (yeah, like I already have over 50 reels  ;D ), and am anxious to use them when the weather warms up.  Maybe just retire the thing.  But there's something about using this low-tech heavy nostalgic cranking reel after having caught fish for over 50 yrs.

Cuttyhunker

Easy quick and ugly spoken here, if it fits in the seat, just fish it, if not or if just barely makes it then lash it in with twine or even electrical tape and go fishin.  With twine start with a clove hitch the just keep adding hitches, pulling each one real tight for the length of the foot, nylon is best as it is more elastic than other fibers.  Here is a split reel seat I fixed with the clove hitches, add some spar urethane to really lock it in. Go fish!! :fish
Doomed from childhood

JasonGotaProblem

If you're dead set against replacement, is consider filing the front of the foot down a bit so it can fit a bit deeper in the reel seat.

I'm terrible at describing what I mean so I went ahead and sketched it. I'm also a terrible freehand artist. But I'm sure you can figure it out.
Any machine is a smoke machine if you use it wrong enough.

Tuffecs

Ok, both quick/cheap/ugly ideas seem good.  Twine and more filing.  Thanks to all!

Gfish

While we're on the subject, what's a good corrosion protector to paint on aluminum that has lost it's anodizing? 
Fishing tackle is an art form and all fish caught on the right tackle are"Gfish"!

Redhed

Quote from: Gfish on March 23, 2022, 02:08:27 PMWhile we're on the subject, what's a good corrosion protector to paint on aluminum that has lost it's anodizing? 

Late to the party but you could use a brush on alodine like they use for repairs in the aircraft industry. The down side is it's expensive, so get a buddy with an airplane.  :D 
Gary