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!