Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I picked up this old school Penn 50 with a Tuna Stick trolling rod for short money the other day. It hasn't been used in years and will need some love and grease before I put her into the rotation. Right now she is spooled with dacron and I plan to respool it with 50-60lb mono for trolling offshore in the northeast. The only mechanical issue is that the strike button won't return all the up, which I'm guessing is a worn out spring. Anyways, I found the PDF schematics, but are there any online tutorial for these old guys (I couldn't find one in the Penn section here)? Also, I would like to make some upgrades to the reel, but don't want to dump a ton of money into it. Are there upgrades that you guys would recommend such as drag, handle, or bearings? Thanks!

The strike button is a simple fix...new spring and/or clean the gunk out of the old one. I've also had one where the button liner needed to be "opened" up a bit. The button itself was binding on the nylon liner in the hole.

I would definitely look at the drag and determine if it needs replacing. The new DuraDrag drag system is a far better drag than the original asbestos on metal plate system.  Any of Alan Tani's handles would be nice...but not necessary (sorry Alan). I would certainly open up the bearings for a looksy, and decide if cleaning will work or replacing is necessary.  

parts are here....https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn50.aspx
Be sure to read the fine print on the various drag systems that were once offered to make sure you get the correct one.  I believe only one is available??   #117Dn-50

Oh yeah....a complete tear down and greasing/cleaning would do wonders. You'll get many more years out of this work horse.

This would be very close........http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=630.0


"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"

If you don't mind me asking, How much is short money? I'm looking to get an older International myself.

Leave the Dacron on as backing.

Shark hunter I have seen the old school single speed 50s and 80s for like 200-250, I would get a international II if it was me, the can be found pretty cheap and are the best ever made IMO

Thanks for the input guys. I think I might upgrade to the duradrag and grease her and call it a day. I also found that there is a seperate forum for Penn International's from the regular Penn forum, whoops

Sharkhunter - I picked mine up for a $130 with the rod at a garage sale.

Sounds like you got a good deal. Short Money indeed.