Mitchell Reel Forum

So I received a Mitchell 408 this week. I like paint on my user reels, so I'll be painting this one. I know the paint I want to use, doesn't match the original color. But I think this color will represent the reel well. I will fish it first till fall.
So what do you think?

That's a nice colour Don, it will look good.

Glen

Hey Don,

I've never been able to find the dark blue paint like the color Mitchell used on the 400 series reels. I even had a paint company mix some paint they said it would be the same. Well it wasn't. I don't think you can find any better than what you found, especially for a user reel. I can't wait to see the final results. When ready please take one pic with a flash and one under natural light. That will tell all!

Best Regards,
Wallace

Hi Wallace,
I have two cans of exact matching "Sky Blue" - think Mitchell 440A and the "regular blue" for the 408/410/440 etc. which was researched and ordered by our mutual friend Doug B. I have the numbers for the mix and would be happy to share with anyone interested. They are a custom mix that can likely only can be made by an automotive paint dealer (Mine are in spray cans) and they're not inexpensive.

Kind Regards,
Chris

Chris, I sent you a PM.

Hi Chris, I am interested. Thanks, Wallace

Hello Mates,
Don and Wallace, here's the paint codes for the 400 Series Mitchells and the 400A Series Mitchells. I have no idea what they mean as I have absolutely no expertise in automotive painting but I think to the right person who does, they may be able to make the right concoction for the above mentioned reels. I hope this helps all of our Mates interested in restoring their beloved Mitchells. Kind Regards,
Chris

Thanks Chris, means nothing to me either. I did reach out to a friend that has an auto body shop. He gave me a lead to another guy, that may be able to mix paint for me, and in spray cans. Going to try to call him today, and maybe email him the pictures of the cans. If it makes sense to him I'll get a cost to make it.
One other thing I'd like to put out there. I'm going to put at least 2 cots of Max2K glamour clear on the reel. So would you guy's use matte or gloss? I'm thinking the clear will bring up the matte nice.

No opinions on whether to use matte or gloss paint?

So the place I sent the email of Chris's paint cans, could not come up with a formula. I took the reel and he scanned it, and still came up with nothing. I had a friend give me an air compressor last week. Bought a paint spray gun yesterday. So the trip wasn't all for nothing. He did give me a pint of satin black, to practice with, I'll strip some old parts. OH speaking of stripping, he's going to sell me some commercial stripper, pick it up Friday. He guarantees will strip the paint.
I guess I'll never get the formula for the Mitchell blue's. But if anyone does I can get it made in spray cans.
Again thanks to Chris for trying to help!

Hi Don,

I would spray it with gloss, but that is only my opinion.

Glen in Nova Scotia

Hi Don,
I'm sorry that didn't work out for you. I've had this paint for several years but I didn't have the paint mixed myself so unfortunately I'm probably of little help . I haven't had a reason to use it yet but I can tell you that it came from a highly experienced Collector who assured me it was an exact match for the standard 400 Series and the 440A reels. I'm hesitant to use it to display and then have it sit around for several years (or more) and clog the nozzle, or worse make it unusable in the future - hope you understand.

Kind Regards,
Chris

Chris not a problem!! I just though I'd try a true restore with this one lettering included. But you know me, I'm about saving Mitchell's. I'll do this in the color I picked, and try the lettering. I'll have a one of a kind 408
Just hope I'm not to excited about the stripper.

So this morning I went to my friends auto shop, and picked up the stripper (industrial). After 2 coats and a brass brush, I got 80% of the paint off, a 300 side cover. I did it this way to see if I can get the lettering to come out. But I don't see how that's going to happen the lettering is very thin and not stamped very deep. I thought I took a picture of the side plate but didn't. Right now I'm getting things together for flounder fish in the morning 3:30 AM. I'll get back to it Thurs.

Hello Don, thank you for sharing my friend. Regards, Wallace

The first time I took paint off a Mitchell, it took me I believe just under a week using aircraft paint remover. Like I said before takes me about 1 - 1 1/2 hrs. With my 5" soft steel table top wheel. Since this is a practice piece I used the remover I posted last post. I am happy with the Product taking me about 5-6 hrs. with a brass brush. I have to put some more remover on the (Made In France) and try to get in their with a dremel brass brush. For some reason the paint on the foot is very stubborn, I'm using the wheel on that. So a little more prep, and polishing I'll be ready to paint. And lettering fingers crossed. The reel really does look better than the photo's.

Hi Don,

Did you practice with this stripper on a 300C body?

Glen

Yes. I havs 2 300's that I sometimes fish. If this comes out good, I'll display it, and leave it to a grandson.

Last of the clear coating is done. I'm 99.9% satisfied, one tiny spot on the foot the paint came off due to being tacky. Now to clean up the internal parts, and put it back together in a few days. Funny how glare effects a photo, makes them look like flaws. I'm also going to build a rod just for this reel. I'll make it with a blue & silver reel seat and Blue thread.

Well this is the 408 I'll be keeping for myself and fishing. The reel is smooth as butter! I just wish I could have the lettering come out better, but such is life.

Nice Job Don, looks really good. The lettering is ok, it's hard to replicate the original factory job while lacking the gear that the factory used to do it.

Best wishes, good fishing

Glen

Is that metal flake paint. Sure is Pretty.

No straight blue paint.

I saw a duplicolor aerosol called Ford Medium Wedgewood which looked less blue than what was used by this poster. it's ID is BFM0355. Looks closer to the original 408 blue, will follow up when I get it on the reel.