Cleaning vintage reels

[dcoffey]

Greetings,

I just recently purchased a Hardy Golden Featherweight and would like to give it a good cleaning Two questions:

Is there anything better than the traditional warm soapy water and air dry?

What is the best reel lubrication for these older click and pawl reels? Penn reel lube?

Thanks

Donny

 

[steveo27]

Ive followed the tips in this thread - http://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1385 - when I was cleaning up an old Pflueger Gem and Medalist. The vinegar bath did wonders on both of them without damaging the finish.

 

[turkey]

I've used the vinegar bath too with good results. Quantum Hot Sauce and Grease for the movin' parts after she's dry.

 

[dcoffey]

Thanks gentlemen, great tips.

 

[hendeylathe]

http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Cleaner-Degreaser_p_14.html

https://www.kbs-coatings.com/KBS-Klean.html

These are the 2 best cleaning products I've ever used.

Their paint products are just fantastic also.

 

[barbless]

Just don't leave it in the vinegar bath too long. I'd say 4-6 hours in plenty. Probably not an issue with your reel, but others have more fragile finishes. And pay attention to the dilution ratio, whatever it says in that FF Reels thread. Follow the instructions, and you'll be fine. Great tutorials over there- Bulldog and the other guys there definitely know their stuff on gear. And their fishing advice is almost as good as what I get here ;-)

 

[mellowluke]

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but does anyone know how to fix an older hardy / ll bean reel?

I got the reel below for free in non-working condition.

http://s88.photobucket.com/user/gardebclark/media/P1030020.jpg.html

I've rehabilitated the reel to the point that it works, but the drag doesn't really increase or decrease tension based on moving the drag crank. Internally everything looks good and functions, so I'm pretty sure I just need a new spring. I've tried tweaking the spring (bending it to increase tension) but it doesn't seem to change the tension.

Anything obvious that I could be missing? I'm pretty new to tinkering with reels, so any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[bikerfish]

New springs and pawls are available from Hardy.

 

[bikerfish]

New springs and pawls are available from Hardy.