Zebco Cardinal repair question

[dan2116]

I have a Zebco Cardinal 6 with the click spring #8625 that has broken off. Can this be successfully replaced? Looking for ideas. Thanks.

[Midway Tommy D]

Yes, they can be replaced. The actual part is near impossible to come by but you can easily make one from a piece of music wire. You can get music wire at most hardware stores. Just Google K&S .030 in music wire to find a store near you. It comes in 12" & 36" lengths, around a buck or two per piece.

You'll have to remove the remains from the side plate to install a new one. If you have calipers you can measure the diameter of the piece that's left. It should be 0.030 inches. The click wire should be long enough to get past the click gear a little bit, probably as far as over the bronze bushing. You'll have to crimp/bend the new one in between the two retaining blocks just like the the remaining piece is crimped once you get it installed. I also flatten/smash the very end that goes in the end block to help keep from rotating and the lightly tap it into place. You will have to cut the remaining piece in between the two blocks with mini side cutters to remove it. Once cut you can drive the pieces out with a tiny punch or something small diameter like an ice pick, etc.

[kyreels]

Nice job Tom!

[dan2116]

That is awesome Tom. Thank you for taking the time to help.