Mitchell 600 series boat reels
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Hannibal Mike
- Frequent Board Poster
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:09 am
- Location: Hannibal, MO
Mitchell 600 series boat reels
About every headplate that I see is cracked on these ivory colored headplates. Any idea on how to clean the oil stained cracks/sideplates? I don't want to melt them! Also, is there a way to keep them from cracking or repair them? I just like the reels and they are not too expensive.
I've collected the entire range of Mitchell 600 series reels & a couple dozen extras, but remain puzzled why the headplates routinenly crack, while the tail plates rarely crack. The brass threaded inserts appear to be installed the same way on both sides. Perhaps the grease weakens the plastic or causes it to shrink against the brass? I've destructively analyzed these press fit inserts. The headplate's is significantly bigger & there's little 'meat' in the Delrin between it & the hole for the crank, but both are knurled & apparently pressed into finished casts. Mitchell boasted the use of high grade Dupont Delrin, presumed to be superior to Penn's contemporary version of Bakelite. Penn's plastic side plates often expanded enough to break the chromed brass trim rings.
I've found that the Delrin often develops a skin on it, presumably from oil/grease contamination & oxidation. Sometimes I've been able to scrape this degraded surface away w/dental tools to reveal much cleaner Delrin below. However getting the dark contrasting line of dirty grease out of the cracks seems impossible. Some very dry 600 Series reels I've found can be Super Glued, securing the insert in the Delrin, but grease can prevent this. I've never seen a single NOS replacement headplate for sale.
Only my NOS reels remain w/o cracks. I have fished w/used ones, but retired them, along w/Penn Senators, after switching to bullet proof, all metal frame/side plate, Daiwa Sealine H reels.
I've found that the Delrin often develops a skin on it, presumably from oil/grease contamination & oxidation. Sometimes I've been able to scrape this degraded surface away w/dental tools to reveal much cleaner Delrin below. However getting the dark contrasting line of dirty grease out of the cracks seems impossible. Some very dry 600 Series reels I've found can be Super Glued, securing the insert in the Delrin, but grease can prevent this. I've never seen a single NOS replacement headplate for sale.
Only my NOS reels remain w/o cracks. I have fished w/used ones, but retired them, along w/Penn Senators, after switching to bullet proof, all metal frame/side plate, Daiwa Sealine H reels.
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Hannibal Mike
- Frequent Board Poster
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:09 am
- Location: Hannibal, MO
Thanks!
I have not found any printed lit. on these reels. Where might I find service or pics of the different models? I have a captain's version, but have no idea of the difference from normal.
Doesn't "a captain's version" have a black plastic "fiberglass-reinforced Noryl spool"? Most of the 600 series Mitchells have "heavily chromed metal spools".
Basically there are 2 diameters, 2 widths each & variants that have trim rings inside & out or just inside. Add to that the "AP" versions w/plastic spools & early/late versions that acquired 3 thumb screw take down & you've got the range.
Mitchell annuals, Mitchell parts/repair manuals & of course 600 Series owner manuals cover most of the details.
Basically there are 2 diameters, 2 widths each & variants that have trim rings inside & out or just inside. Add to that the "AP" versions w/plastic spools & early/late versions that acquired 3 thumb screw take down & you've got the range.
Mitchell annuals, Mitchell parts/repair manuals & of course 600 Series owner manuals cover most of the details.