Reel Repair by Alan Tani

First of 2 Pflueger 551's has arrived. From what I can determine, only built 1967-69. Basically a Shakespeare 2062 with a different finish and emblem...and a stylized "P" on the drag knob.

You are correct.

Thanks Tommy!  I have at least for the moment started focusing on Shakespeare reels, 1959-1980ish, US production, including private label products like Wright & McGill Eagle Claw and Ted Williams, and of course Shakespeare and Pflueger. I figure that's manageable.

The 2nd 551 just arrived this morning, this one has a plain drag knob, no stylized P emblem. It's also locked up, I took a quick look, something seems to be binding, I'll figure out what when I do a proper disassembly this weekend. I can steal parts off of one of my 2062 parts reels if something is tweaked.

Side view

Front view and other side with funny looking crank handle.

Fixed the 2nd 551...oscillation rod was stuck, not oscillating. Soaked with a little reel oil and it popped loose, working like it's brand new.

Looks like someone did some sort of a crank handle adaption on that second reel. That handle shaft nut looks like it may be from a Mitchell reel handle. 

Agreed, strange looking handle. It works but it looks peculiar.

I have an Eagle Claw ECM in shipping too...baby-poop brown variant on the Shakespeare 2062/Pflueger 551.

Love that gray look of the Pfluegers.  That cost extra over the Shakespeares, even thought they were basically the same reels.

Frank

I might argue that the shiny maroon Shakespeares looked "fancier" than the dull textured gray Pfluegers, even though the gray was a nod to Pflueger's traditional spinning reel color.

I'm not a fan of any of the matt or dull textured finishes on spinning reels. About the only textured finishes I don't mind are the 00 & O1 Dam Quick series & that's only because they're somewhat shiny, slick & clean up easily.

Quote from: Midway Tommy on August 31, 2025, 01:48:32 AMI'm not a fan of any of the matt or dull textured finishes on spinning reels. About the only textured finishes I don't mind are the 00 & O1 Dam Quick series & that's only because they're somewhat shiny, slick & clean up easily.

Agreed. I do like the hammered finish on several of my earlier Bretton reels though. Silver with a little greenish tinge to it. I just received a Pflueger 550 the other day, and cleaning that textured light gray is no kind of fun.

Quote from: happyhooker on August 27, 2025, 07:27:31 PMLove that gray look of the Pfluegers.  That cost extra over the Shakespeares, even thought they were basically the same reels.

Frank

So, given the popularity of the classic Shakes. 2062, are the Pflueger versions cheaper?