Johnson Century reels from parts reels lot

[Skip]

I recently purchased a nice True Temper 63BT Uni-Spin kit with the case and the 3 different rod tips. Unfortunately, when it arrived the stem to the foot had been broken. On the scout for a parts reel I grabbed a lot with a 63L in it that had a frame in remarkably good condition and included all the paperwork, if not in the best of shape. I felt like I overpaid, but I figured I could salvage some of the investment by selling the parts reels or even fix some of them.

Included in the lot were a Century 100 and a 100A. The 100A was dirty and stiff but actually worked. To my surprise it was dry inside, virtually no lubricant. Most every old reel I get that is stiff has congealed grease, some are literally packed with the stuff. Anyway, cleaned and lubed and reconfigured to LH crank it seems to run fine, although it's well worn.

The 100 is actually nicer cosmetically but its much stiffer, also lacks the crank handle and nut and the threads on the crankshaft are boogered. I may have a die to clean it up, if not, I'll find the right size/thread nut and make one. That failing I'll just have to replace it. Coming from the same lot I'm not surprised this one is dry too, but hopefully all it needs is a cleaning and oiling.

These are the first Centuries I've had and they seem like good little reels. I'm looking forward to fishing with them.

Can someone tell me the part number for the correct crank? I gather some of these were single knob and some were dual knob.

I did search Johnson Century on the site and found some good info but would appreciate anything you can tell me about them. Looks like a fellow name of Justin on here had a site on vintage Johnsons but the link is bad, if the site is even still up.

Pics are the lot, the 100A and the 100.

[Skip]

BTW, all the other reels work or are fixable with minimal effort/parts, except the Johnson Force. The little baitcaster is corroded and is pretty much junk, though.

And there is the bottom half of a Century box with the paper on the 100A. So I'm feeling ok about the $35 investment.

Here's the 100A cleaned up.

[Midway Tommy D]

Looks like you're having some fun, Skip. It's always rewarding getting old clunkers back into working order no matter what type of reel they are.

Looks like a fellow name of Justin on here had a site on vintage Johnsons but the link is bad, if the site is even still up.

That site's been defunct for quite some time.

Here's a site where some Johnson reel enthusiasts frequent.

and..... they, and others, are discussed over here, too.

[Skip]

Thanks for the info, Tommy.

I am having fun with the old reels. Like guns and small engines and old motorcycles, it's fun to bring the old stuff back to life. In many cases the older stuff is made to last and higher quality than the wear out and throw away stuff made today. I spent a relaxing hour cleaning up and studying the 100A. Spent more time researching the reels and other old Johnsons. I've got a couple of sidewinders but no Johnsons, so those are now on my list. Also will be looking for the Century Anniversary and the original Century Deluxe, the one made in the USA.

I'll check out those sites.