BEFORE:
AFTER:
I already knew that the faceplate can only be taken-off the reel by first removing the central screw then holding the spool so it can't turn while unscrewing the faceplate.
The trick I had to re-learn on this reel is how to remove and correctly re-install the cross-pillars. Each pillar has threaded tips. One of threaded sections on each pillar is longer than the other. That longer threaded end is the end to insert into the thicker side plate fist, starting it with half to one full turn so it grabs the threads in the hole, but don't screw it in yet. Do this with the sideplate laying flat on the work surface. Then assemble the next 2 pillars in the same way. If they are in correctly, all will tighten in the same direction but don't do that yet. Then add the simple spring and spool. Finally, rest the opposite side plate on top, aligning the spool and pillar tips with corresponding holes in the side plate. Then slide the pillar tips into the correspond holes. Then, one at a time, tighten each pillar one turn or so, screwing into both the side plate resting on top and side-plate on bottom simultaneously. They need to stay approximately evenly threaded throughout this process or parts quickly get cock-eyed and tighten into the wrong position. Then move to the next pillar and so on until everything tightens completely. It may require "some" tinkering with the spool journals and simple spring to get everything lined up. (I think I re-assembled this reel a dozen times before I figured all this out and got it all lined up.) It now turns lightly and smoothly. The smallest mis-alignment leaves unsightly gaps between the pillars and side plates and also pinches the spool and makes it difficult to turn. A small piece of leather helps grip the pillars when you are twisting them, especially as things tighten up or if you need to undo what you started several times over
.The owner originally thought about having me clean it up for a sale but seeing the final result is making him think about keeping it on his shelf.
