Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Well, we discovered that the rod holders on my friends new t-top were far too close to each other. It was rough and we didn't hear or notice this happening but the side plate of my reel got beat against another reel on the way out on our last trip. It thankfully doesn't affect function but cosmetically it looks like I drug it on the road. I have 30 year old reels that are in way better shape now. Are there any solutions to this beyond just replacing the frame?

It depends on your description of "fix". 

The metal could be cleaned up with a file, some sanding and finished with polishing to bring in back to a smooth surface,  It may require some filler, like JB weld epoxy added to fill in the cavities. 

BTW, after applying JB Weld epoxy, about 45 minutes to an hour, after the surface starts to set, it can be smoothed with some spit on our finger and some rubbing.  I tried some diluted dish soap but it doesn't work as well as spit.

Restoring the anodized aluminum surface is not a DIY project that I would tackle.

Here's an article that might help you decide how to approach the project - https://www.metalfinishingsltd.co.uk/articles/can-anodising-be-refurbished/#:~:text=Any%20pitting%20will%20likely%20be,removal%20it%20may%20be%20possible.

I guess you could do your best to match the color with some paint but it will never match. Your options seem limited so pick the one that best fits your budget. GL!

What he said.

Other option would be to remove the rest of the anodizing sand it smooth, maybe polish, and then clear coat. "Protectaclear" would be the product I'd use. It'll be a 2-tone reel and I bet you'll get some compliments on it if you do it well.

Or... See if Shimano has replacements available and decide if it's worth what they're asking.

    Creative paint job or a decal or two .

I really don't have a fix in mind. But I experienced a similar situation on a sportfisher. My new reel got boat rash from bouncing around hitting another larger reel. So now I have reel covers that I leave on the reel till I grab it and fish.

I just enjoy the patina of a good boat rash.  And an extra scratch or two is now nothing to worry about.  If you are the guy with the showroom condition gear, the pressure is on you to not get skunked

On this reel:  It looks to me like Shimano has some sort of top coating on this reel.  It doesn't look like anodize alone.  If the foot is riveted on, anodizing would no longer be possible, along with a dozen other reasons why anodizing would be a shaky proposition. 

Getting a matching paint repair  would not be likely. I would either get the frame blasted and powder coated with an interesting finish (you will have to use the right metallic filler in the gouges), or shell out the probably hundreds of dollars that Shimano will want for a replacement frame.

Or just let it sit out for a bit to form a protective aluminum oxide layer, slap some epoxy paint on top and cover it with a Shimano pro-staff sticker.

-J

   What did the other reel look like ?

Quote from: troutman561 on September 23, 2024, 11:13:49 AM. Are there any solutions to this beyond just replacing the frame?

like others have said, depends on what do you mean with solution.

cosmetic "problems" are hard to "repair", the only problem I see on your reel is now the bare aluminum seems to be exposed to saltwater, so, if that was my reel the only thing I would do is to try to find an automotive touch-up pen paint for scratches that look similar in color and cover only the scratches without caring on the new look of the sideplate, the more the new color match with the sideplate color the less noticeable will be while using the reel.

at the end nobody will care how you reel looks, not your fishing partners, not the boat captains and not the fish, only you, so, cover those scratches and forget about it.

Quote from: jurelometer on September 23, 2024, 07:38:43 PMI just enjoy the patina of a good boat rash.  And an extra scratch or two is now nothing to worry about.  If you are the guy with the showroom condition gear, the pressure is on you to not get skunked

On this reel:  It looks to me like Shimano has some sort of top coating on this reel.  It doesn't look like anodize alone.  If the foot is riveted on, anodizing would no longer be possible, along a dozen other reasons why anodizing would be a shaky proposition. 

Getting a matching paint repair  would not be likely. I would either get the frame blasted and powder coated with an interesting finish (you will have to use the right metallic filler in the gouges), or shell out the probably hundreds of dollars that Shimano will want for a replacement frame.

Or just let it sit out for a bit to form a protective aluminum oxide layer, slap some epoxy paint on top and cover it with a Shimano pro-staff sticker.

-J

Boats are rough on tackle and so are rocks.   I won't say all my tackle looks like that but for sure not like some of the beautifully reconditioned equipment on show here.   Functionality is what matters.

I don't see the value of painting scratches to protect the aluminum.   The big problem comes from  satwater in an anaerobic (oxygen deprived) environment which is what will happen if any corrosion gets underneath the paint.

Anodize is just an aluminum oxide layer formed under ideal conditions.  Aluminum oxide will also form naturally on bare aluminum (like a fresh scratch) that is exposed to oxygen (air has plenty of oxygen).  Self healing if you let it dry out and don't mess with it.

  Here is one of my favorite anodized reels that has about a gazillion panga hours on it- getting splashed with saltwater all the time.  I just give it a nice soak in fresh water and no corrosion damage on the boat rash after over a decade of use.

No boat ride in a neoprene cover for this puppy.  Plenty of exercise, a warm bath, and a good air drying keeps a saltwater reel happy and healthy  

-J

Thanks guys. It isn't gonna tear me up to used a tell with this, I just wasn't sure if there was an "easy" solution. No worries.

As far as what the other reel looked like, we have no clue how this happened to mine because anything next to this reel was fine. I'll just make sure to keep her extra clean.

It's right where your left hand goes. I'd paint something on there. Supposed to be a real good jigging reel. But, if it bothers you too much just get another one and send that one to me 😝!

A frame is less than $100. I couldn't deal with it, it would annoy me every time I looked at the reel.

Quote from: boon on September 24, 2024, 12:17:10 AMA frame is less than $100. I couldn't deal with it, it would annoy me every time I looked at the reel.

left sideplate is once piece with the frame, in shimano USA is around $163 + tax   

Possibly a nice Shimano or other sticker might cover it up and make it look more pleasing to the eye.