Old Mitchell

[Bub B.]

I got this reel from my mother-in-law that belongs to her husband.  I think it belonged to his father.  But she wants me to clean it and make it work.  My question is this- if this was your reel would you try to refinish the outside or leave it as is?  I will post a picture later and would appreciate any feed back.  My personal belief is to leave it as is.  It will not be used for fishing just for decoration.

[alantani]

leave it as is.  just replace the drag washers.  they're great reels.  alan

[Alto Mare]

I'm with Alan,I would leave it as is and put it on a shelf. Having scars from your father- in- law and probably his father makes it that much more interesting, once you refinish it it's all gone. If you just want to clean the inside and make it work, you're at the right place.