Various Mitchell questions

[Fisherman1927]

Hi all,

I’ve just wrapped up a thorough take-down, cleaning, degrease and regrease and reassembly of a Mitchell 300 6th variation which I have been fishing with.

I also just bought a pretty rough 300 5th version, no Garcia, chevron AR lever and serial # on case. Lots of damaged paint that someone tried to cover over with what appears to be a grease marker.

I pull it apart today, damaging one front cover screw. The inside was filled with both tan and graphite grease, a really messy and sloppy looking reel interior. My plan with the 5th version is to completely degrease and strip all the paint off of it and use it with no paint. My questions are:

1. What is the best replacement for the damaged front cover screw, does it have to be from another 5th version or will pretty much any 300 or any vintage Mitchell cover plate screw work?

2. What is the best dip (immersion) method of both degreasing the entire disassembled reel, and the best way to get the paint off? I was thinking acetone, but not sure I want to have all that acetone it an open container. Id prefer to use acetone first just to remove the paint.

3. Recommended grease to use during the reassembly?

4. Any chance a good clear lacquer would stick to bare aluminum or should I just buff it up and use it as-is and do the best to keep it clean?

Thanks!

[don309]

Fisherman, I am more into the 204 and 308's. I do have some 300 parts, form multi reel deal. I would think the screws didn't change. If you want to PM me I can send you a couple.
I have a bench grinder with a soft steel brush I use the brush to strip the reel parts, usually takes me about an hour.
I have repainted a few Mitchell's. I have used Dupli-color auto paint, and air brushed with Createx wicked colors (muli-surface) paints.
I remove all paint. Apply a light primer base enough to cover the parts.!!! Paint and let it dry, I usually let it dry 5-6 days to cure. I have also baked paint to dry.
Than add a clear coat I strictly use Max 2K Glamour. It is expensive and only last, I believe 24 hours. So I do multi projects at a time.
Be sure not to paint where paint is not needed. A few places where threads are, where pinon gear seats, center of rotating head.
I should add I don't worry about the engravings on the reel.
I use Purple Power to degrease, witch is just ok. But have a lot of it.
If you PM me we can arrange to show you photos.
Good luck, Don

[Midway Tommy D]

The nice thing about repainting Mitchells, for the collector that is, is that it's near impossible to bring the engraving back to original condition. It's pretty easy to tell whether or not they have been repainted.

[don309]

I pretty much buy 204 & 308's that need work at a cheap price. The prices on selling sites are outrageous. I just restore them, and if they need pain I paint them. I give young Anglers a reel and rod that I build, that look like they're really interested in fishing. But I have seen some Michelle's restored, that were very hard to tell.