Mitchell Reel Museum Discussion Group

Ed, welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum.
What version of the 300 do you have? What is the serial number? Are you interested in just getting the reel up and working or do you want to use the same as original production parts?
Kind Regards,
Bill

Ed,
Well I agree your serial number dates your reel to 1954. That makes it, what we call here at the MRM a late 4th version, as established by Wallace Carney, our founder.
See:

http://www.mitchellreelmuseum.com/index ... tegory/133

I might add that I was not really surprised when you told me someone on an auction site sold you a shim instead of the washer. I see many wrong, mislabeled parts, on there every day.

Looking first at the baffle plate washer. If you are willing to use a baffle plate washer that is not the exact washer used on late 4th versions then it may be easier to find. The most readily available New Old Stock (NOS) seem the be the ones used for the 300A reels. These are colored black and are steel. You should look for an add that says Mitchell #81011 NOS baffle plate washer, in the description of the washer. I like to look for some type of Mitchell label or packaging shown in the photograph of the add that also says Mitchell #81011.
When you search now, you will see more copper colored shims being sold as baffle plate washers, but, you are now looking for a black colored one.
Don't worry, the 300A washer will work just fine on your reel and is definitely easier to find new. But, if you want or can settle for, a used baffle plate washer, then there is another method that you might want to try.
There are several people who take apart Mitchell 300 reels and sell the parts on eBay. What they often do is take off the baffle plate, washer, and 1-3 shims from a junker reel and put the group for sale on eBay. They then know the parts are correct because they all came off the same reel and they don't have to worry about part numbers. They just say Mitchell 300 baffle plate and washers and show a photo. You might want to try this method.

Looking now at the bail screw, it is just like the baffle plate game. If you want new, look for NOS #81013, Bail Screw #2. Make sure it says NOS #81013 Bail Screw #2, in the description or something very close to that, and that it is for a Mitchell 300.
If you want a used part, try the same method described above for the baffle plate washer. Find Mitchell 300 parts and see what he has. I should mention, that many of the used part sellers also have what is called a "Store". Make sure to check their store if you are not finding what you want. By the way, if you can buy both parts from the same seller you can save a little on shipping by combining the two parts in the same shipment.
Hopefully I have also answered your question as to who do I like to use for parts. I like whomever has the part I want, in the condition I want, and at the lowest price including shipping. (Watch out for excessive shipping charges)
Kind Regards,
Bill

I certainly can't add anything to Bill's reply explaining the parts, but in regards to the seller you mentioned in your first post, I have bought from him several times and have never had a problem. Most of his parts are priced very good, and he does combine shipping to save you money.
Sometimes if you have an item you are watching, he will drop the price for a few days, and you can get an even better deal. He usually has quite a few of each part available, so you don't normally have to worry about missing out if one sells...

I have also bought a couple parts and a complete reel from a seller in Canada that sells under the name of Kennyboyskidog. He sells a lot of used parts and I was happy when I dealt with him.
The only downfall is the shipping costs a little more for the small parts for shipping from Canada to the U.S, so while his prices are usually very fair, when you add the cost of shipping, it ends up costing a little more, but if he has a part you really need, it's still not bad because he parts out a lot of earlier reels so it can be easier to find certain parts for the early reels.

You're welcome Ed. I'm glad you were able to get your computer and your Mitchell working again, and even had a chance to use it.
There is a lot of satisfaction in bringing something back to life...
Don't give up on your other Mitchell yet. Sometimes a reel can be a little frustrating and test your patience, but I have a feeling if you keep after it, you will find the magical combination.

Mike