Penn 550SS

[Alto Mare]

Hello Greg, no I haven't seen any.
I'm not sure of the age or if it is from the first run, but I have one that appears to be one of Penn very first 550SS

I have a couple of reels with this box, this one for some reason is much thicker, same size, but much thicker

here is a pic of how the handle is held in place

This reel is new, but the lrttering on the emblems is starting to wear


Best,

Sal

[seacane]

Sal
Is their a way to completely remove the anti reverse from the 5500SS?
Thanks

[Alto Mare]

Sal
Is their a way to completely remove the anti reverse from the 5500SS?
Thanks

I do not own any with the two zeros , but from looking at the schematic it just a matter of pulling the dog out
https://www.mysticparts.com/Assets/images/pennparts/schematics/5500ss.pdf
The problem though woul;d be with it afterwards, you will not be able to fish the reek, unless you get creative with the bearing, part#20 and make it one way .
Why would you want to remove it completely?

Sal

[seacane]

I always hitting the anti reverse lever at worst time. Finally I wrapped tape over it and that works but I thought there might be a way to do it internally.
Thanks though.
Regards

[basto]

Hi Sal
Thanks for your reply. I saw a 650ss with the silver lettering coming off like that. Otherwise it was perfect. It was advertised as NIB. Same box as the one you show above.
I have two 7500ss reels. One has all bronze gears, including the ocillation gear. It has the better pivot too and the brass spool cap. A cheap buy at a pawn shop.
Didn't`t know how lucky I was until I opened it up.
cheers
Greg

[Alto Mare]

Hi Sal
Thanks for your reply. I saw a 650ss with the silver lettering coming off like that. Otherwise it was perfect. It was advertised as NIB. Same box as the one you show above.
I have two 7500ss reels. One has all bronze gears, including the ocillation gear. It has the better pivot too and the brass spool cap. A cheap buy at a pawn shop.
Didn't`t know how lucky I was until I opened it up.
cheers
Greg

Very good Greg, I never turn them down if they're priced right, but sounds like you did much better than priced right🙂.
You could pretty much bet from the 550ss and lower, you will always find aluminum gears.
On the 6500ss , same story, but on the 650ss you will always have a good chance of finding brass gears.
On the 7500ss, 8500ss and 9500ss, it will be hit or miss on the brass gear.
If you find a 750ss with the same box as I'm showing, there is a possibility you might find a stainless steel pinion gear, I'm not sure why they stopped making those, just what the doctor ordered for these reels.
Cheers Greg,
Sal

[basto]

I will get a 650SS one day. I have a good 9500ss with all brass gears, but I would swap it for a good 650ss because I don't have a use for the 9.
Greg

[joe k]

can pinion spacer go in only one way..seems like a slight beveled edge on mine or is it worn out..both surfaces suppose to be flat?..

[Alto Mare]

can pinion spacer go in only one way..seems like a slight beveled edge on mine or is it worn out..both surfaces suppose to be flat?..

No, you are seeing it correctly. Slight bevel goes towards the rotor, but I don't believe anything would happen if you get it backwards.
On the larger ones, as the 650SS & 750SS, there is no bevel, just a raced center on both sides and doesn't really matter how you set it in.

Penn shows the bevel spacer on the 550SS  facing the rotor, I would keep it that way.

Sal

[Alto Mare]

Hello Joe, I will check tomorrow and let you know. i'm pretty sure I have  one.

Sal

[foakes]

if you do not have one, Sal —

This will back you up for Joe.

Best,

Fred

[Alto Mare]

I did find one , but it is used, Joe might be better off with yours Fred.
Sal

[foakes]

I should not have butted in, Sal — I was just trying to back you up, if needed...

A used one should be fine for a used reel — but if you only have the one — I can send Joe mine.

I only have (2) — they are kind of tough to find.

Your call, Sal...

Again, I apologize for interfering.

Best,

Fred

[Alto Mare]

Not at all Fred, I always appreciate your help.
A new one will be a better choice for Joe and I'm sure he will be getting it at N/C, weather from me or you.
Parts for these are getting harder and harder to get, I've seen some new 550ss getting close to $300.

Keep some parts for yourself for the small greenies, a new 716 recently went for $350 .

Thank you Fred.

Sal

[Midway Tommy]

Keep some parts for yourself for the small greenies, a new 716 recently went for $350 .

Sal

Not trying to change the subject or derail the thread, but somebody has way more money than sense. Penns are quality reels, but a few come to mind, ABU/Zebco Cardinal 3, first Shakespeare 2052, Pflueger 550, Dam Microlites, etc., that are just as durable & well made but usually much more reasonably priced. I've been keeping my eye out for a nice green 716 & 714 for 10+ years but refuse to pay the exorbitant prices they fetch.