Reel Repair by Alan Tani

The only reels I've ever polished were quite pitted to start with. Just use some 120 grit. What you end up with us a reel that weighs a bit less. The frame is beefy enough to lose a lot more meat without missing it. Or if you didn't go that far you'd have a pitted reel that was at least a uniform color. And would still see the same rail-side-respect effect. And the process is very zen-like. I enjoyed it. And this is an easy collective n of shapes to work with.

Not my reel not my sandpaper, just an opinion.

I try to take care of my reels,but I don't fish with my shelfies.

If I was on the boat & saw that reel I would think,this guy fishes a lot,he will probably out fish us all !

Rat rod beats the shiny new Corvette 

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on July 11, 2025, 04:53:23 PMThe only reels I've ever polished were quite pitted to start with. Just use some 120 grit. What you end up with us a reel that weighs a bit less. The frame is beefy enough to lose a lot more meat without missing it. Or if you didn't go that far you'd have a pitted reel that was at least a uniform color. And would still see the same rail-side-respect effect. And the process is very zen-like. I enjoyed it. And this is an easy collective n of shapes to work with.

Not my reel not my sandpaper, just an opinion.

When I'm fishing in Florida like fort peirce at night,,,, you don't want to take anything that looks to nice,,,,

I kind of like idea of stripping with ez off and polishing on a wheel. Then put a clear coat. Sounds like a winter project but its summer fishing! The ugly reel will have to wait and catch more bluefish and porgies. Resume thus discussion winter time!

It's now a real with a lot of character. A great conversation starter and a feel good reel every time you use it.
This Abu 6500 was dredged up from the bottom of the Ottawa River. Holes in the side plates, arms corroded off the star drag among other things. I cleaned it up and used all original parts. It has been fished and caught fish. Has its own personality.

You could have it powder coated i filled the deep scratches with panel bond,,,,but jb weld might work,,,,

Quote from: Benni3 on July 13, 2025, 04:05:43 PMYou could have it powder coated i filled the deep scratches with panel bond,,,,but jb weld might work,,,,

You need special filler with metal in it, or the powder coat won't attach. Lab-Metal is one such product. The powder coating is lightly held in place by an electrostatic bond until it cures in the oven.  The coating will fall right off sections covered with Bondo or other typical filler products.  Plus these other products can crack or outgas during the powder heat curing, as the part surface has to get up around 400F.

I haven't tried using filler when powder coating, but have heard that it can be tricky to get right, even with the right product.

But is it worth it? I saw a clean looking  975CS just went for under $200 on the auction site.

-J

Spray paint for cars?