Once disassembled, I performed my usual cleaning process. I soaked all the unpainted metal parts, except the plated side-plates, for a couple of days in lacquer thinner. All other parts, including the plastic spool and handle knob, were thoroughly scrubbed with my favorite reel cleaner/degreaser, Original White GOOP Hand Cleaner, and then washed in dawn dishwashing detergent and scrubbed with tooth brush. After cleaning, the painted parts were a little dull and somewhat oxidized so I used some of my old Turtle Wax Aluminum and Fiberglass Boat Rubbing Compound, which is fairly mild, on the painted surfaces inside and out. I used Clear Coat Polishing Compound on the plated side plates. I then applied a coat of Formula One Carnauba Auto Wax on everything for an amazing glossy shine.
I went to the hardware store and bought a ¼” O.D. stainless steel tube with an I.D. smaller than the main shaft. I also picked up a couple of ½” stainless steel fender washers to make the bail trip cross bar. With a lot of time, patience and the original for a pattern, my finished part turned out great and works perfectly.
I had read about the Minerva in Ben Wright’s books and had also discussed it with him but he said the one he used to own had found it's way back to Italy. One day I visited the Italian Collector site ANTIPES and discovered that Italian ORCA Member Sergio Di Marco, a contributor to the Reel News, had authored an article in September this year about the Minerva: https://www.antipes.it/ulteriori_mulinelli_Minerva.html This was the most detailed written information and photos I had been able to uncover. In the article Sergio indicates that the Minerva clearly originated prior to 1943 because it was referenced in G.R. Olgiati’s 1943 First Edition “Run” as, when translated: "Minerva jack prendifilo automatic hook with rotating pulley, Limited - capacity. To throw light". Basically, in my interpretation, inferring in those early days to a half bail ultra-lite.
I contacted Sergio, at Ben’s urging, and asked if he had any photos of the inner mechanical workings of the reel so that I could determine whether or not my reel was complete. A friend of Sergio’s, Luigi Colombo, graciously disassembled his Minerva, photographed it and Sergio sent me the pictures. The reel has a number stamped on both sides of the body frame and on the back of both side plates. Luigi’s reel is # 94. Thanks to Sergio and Luigi I was able to confirm that my Minerva, which is # 51, is indeed complete. Sergio also informed me that the Minerva is extremely rare and that only 2 or 3 models are known to exist in all of Italy. I think the Minerva at the bottom of this page (2), which has a burgundy spool and drag knob, may be the only other one known to exist other than mine and the two shown in Sergio’s article: https://www.mulinelliantichi.it/galleria ... tri%20rari
Below are a few photos taken throughout my process. Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos of the reel before I started disassembly. I did, though, take a couple during that process so I could remember how to put it back together again.
Here are the three photos I took while taking the reel apart. The tube is retained by a through pin at the back of the body but it is completely hidden by grease. You can see in the 3rd picture that the tube is broken at the front of the slide slot.
These are some of the tools I used to make the main shaft oscillation tube. The ¼" SS tube, solid brass insert to strengthen the pinned end of the tube, a couple of chainsaw files to ream the inside of the tube to fit the main shaft, fine flat file, 5/64" bit for the 3/32" through pin hole and mini plumber's hack saw. Not pictured are a bench grinder, drill, mini torch for brazing the tube to the trip arm and an extra fine mini file.
Here are what's left of the SS tube & SS fender washer and most of the parts all cleaned up and ready to reassemble. You can see the #51 on the body and back of both side plates in the 2nd picture.
Here are a few pictures taken during assembly. I opted to add 2 thin Mylar washers that were not included originally. I added one between the body and rotor cup to help prevent dirt from entering the rotor cup/pinion gear bushing. I added the other one between the bail trip cross bar and a felt washer inside the rotor cup to help eliminate some dirt from getting into the felt. Originally the felt washer was the only thing between the rotor cup and bail trip cross bar.
Here are a couple of different angles of the reel complete and ready for display, but it could actually be fished. It looks great and works perfectly!
Sometimes a guy's just plain gotta do what a guy's gotta do, even though they're no longer factory unadulterated!
Tom
As the old saying goes, "Haste Makes Waste". Those types of projects can be pretty tedious work. Especially when don't have the equipment and you're not a machinist.