4 Brothers Question + Cleaning ??

[CJ]

I recently found a 4 Brothers "Special" No. 42, 250 yd. The reel is extremely tarnished, to the point where the finish is rough on the head side. First, is this a good find? as a yungun in the reel collector world, I don't know much about these.
Also, could someone shed some light on the approach to take in getting this reel to shine again. I tried some MAAS but forget it, you would be rubbing forever and it would still be the same. Is it ever acceptable to break out the ole' Dremel? Any solvents that can cut through the cement like tarnish to see if there is anything left underneath?

Thanks...cj

[SWIM JIG]

cool-thumb USA CJ! NEVER! use a dremal tool on the outside of a reel! never! I attempted to look up a description for you, my Lawsons 3rd edition dosent have it in ! Now are the sideplates all metal? or hard rubber or a NON METAL SURFACE? If its total metal we use 100% pure mineral spirts to clean of the (CRUD) Its best to take the reel apart first, carefuly set aside the parts so you can re asemble the reel when done. As for brushes we use brass gun cleaning brushes , NO STEEL WOOL as it will scratch! use proper screw drivers and wrenches those that fit perfect in the slots etc. When attempting to take out the screws we always make a partial turn to tighten then start to back them out, We soak around the screw heads etc with a few derops of Marval OIL any parts store will vary it, Once the reel is apart fill a container , a cake pan anout 2 or 3 in feed will work ok use the mineral sprits again make certainits pure no additives fo low oder etc, as that can destroy the reel, we get ours at Lowes stores! let the reel soak for several hrs, and then start to use the gun cleaning brush to remove the dirt! When you get down to the metal then you can use either Simachrome, get it at most motercycle shops or antique shops, or use metal glow same type of cleaner. and both work on hard rubber sides etc. You cannot rush this ! or damage will occur! If you find salt water intrusion, or detreriation there is not much you can do except clean it and trust the metal will only be a copper color. When you reasemble use a good grade of teflone or silicone grees ZEBCO HOT SAUCE is good as for oil the Marval oil is veryb good, and a small amount goes a long ways! If you have any more questions put them on our board or email me at ( ask for MILT aka SWIM JIG your Ohio Conection SWIM JIG

[CJ]

Whew...thanks for setting me straight on the motor tool. The reel appears all brass but that determination will have to be made after the cleaning attempt. I will disassemble the reel this evening and begint the soak. No rush...I will let you know how I make out. Thanks for your reply it is much appreciated...cj

[Ron Mc]

check this thread for cleaning:
http://reeltalk.orcaonline.org/viewtopic.php?t=1641