Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I have an unusual reel being shipped, late 1960s era Old Pal 500. I didn't know such a thing existed until very recently, apparently built by Zangi with some potential influence from DAM Quick, which seems peculiar. Pics to follow once it arrives.

The Reel-Lectric 1000 and early Cougar 600 are the only "Cat" reels that had much Dam influence. The others were either KP Morritts rebrands or Zangi/Coptes productions. The European version of the Cheetah 500 was sold as the Coptes 500.

Thanks Tommy, I kind of figured you had the inside scoop. I didn't pay much for this thing, sort of stumbled on it and the seller had initially identified it as English production, which probably didn't help anything.

So, it arrived today, looks great, BUT the bail springs don't seem to have any tension. I did the WD40 trick, and checked to make sure they are seated, and they are, but there doesn't seem to be any spring action. Should they be pretensioned or something? What am I missing here?

Quote from: CincyDavid on Today at 03:05:49 PMWhat am I missing here?

Just some photos, Dave

Best Regards, Fred

Here's a couple of pics...serial number engraved on foot and one of the gears. There are two springs, identical per the exploded parts diagram.

The 5189 on the foot corresponds with the 189 on the gear.

Solid looking and well engineered reel, Dave.

Slow Bail issues can typically be fixed with a new bail spring, plus more importantly —- observing and adjusting any excess friction points, or any tweaked bail components (angle arm, bail wire, mounting screws, a bail nut torqued down into a position that "sticks", worn friction points, etc.).

I wonder since the reel looks so much like a DAM Quick or a Zangi —- if another bail spring might help in the right direction.

If you could show a photo of the bail spring, leg orientation, measurements, and the cup it inserts into —- I might be able to match up a new bail spring.  That would help us start there —- then if not the culprit —- adjustments would be in order.

Best Regards, Fred

Fred, I'll take more pics and get some measurements. It is a Zangi, but it's a little unusual in that it has two springs. I don't feel any sticking points or anything like that, just no spring action.

I might also add that the chrome looks WORLDS better than what I see on most of my Italian reels.

Here are some pics...dropped one of the springs on teh carpet and had to hunt it down. They are nominally identical but they have seen better days.

Couple of things.

Someone etched those numbers into the gear and foot. Zangi, nor Coptes, did that type of ID.

Those bail springs have been pretty much tweaked, mangled and distorted, but at least they are opposite orientation. You may be able to readjust their ability to provide spring tension but it will take a lot of trial and error, and patience. If you can get them adjusted correctly they probably won't hold their tension ability very long.

Are you sure they were installed on the  correct sides?

Those Zangi/Coptes springs are a somewhat unique size, gauge and loop number. You may have to custom make replacements since parts for them have been obsolete for quite a few decades.