Mitchell Reel Forum

In the past I've asked many a novice questions and have been paid with good answers and helpful insights. Now a little give-back.

Last evening I went through my 14 300's, 410 and 400. I picked the smoothest and quietest of the bunch and began to dis-assemble.
Thinking of one message that many of you contributed to it was mentioned that the number of shims can vary from year to year or run to run. Well the reel I chose had very very few shims in it and I was looking hard for them.
Another message I wrote myself was about looking for tips on how to choose a "good one". As I opened this reel I saw no scratches and little corrosion and no tool marks. There is a possibility that this reel was in storage for a long time. The gears are shiny and the case walls were as well. here is how it looked when I opened it. This is the newest looking that I've seen yet.

Looks great, I would assume has been in storage for a long time and grease has solidified, good cleaning and lube you will have a nice one.
What Year is the Reel?
Should be good for a long time.

Schrack,
You are right the grease wasn't greasy anymore. Grunk!
The reel is sparkly now and will be going back together next session.
So I don't need to worry about the lack of shims? Just put it back as it was?

By the way I found three Hollow ground screw drivers at a yard sale and am thrilled. They are the cats-meow for reels.

I bet you paid all of $6 for it you lucky dog.

Conflatulations. (that is congratulations from an old fart)

Glen

Conflatulations accepted...Actually I took 3 reels for $15. If I remember correctly it was the 410 and two 300's. Big spender, eh? It provides a steady flow for me to learn before getting on to more expensive reels.

It came out nicely.

It sure did. That is a nice looking reel.

Gleni

Thanks.

Baron2 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 11:40 pm Schrack,
You are right the grease wasn't greasy anymore. Grunk!
The reel is sparkly now and will be going back together next session.
So I don't need to worry about the lack of shims? Just put it back as it was?

By the way I found three Hollow ground screw drivers at a yard sale and am thrilled. They are the cats-meow for reels.

Baron, shims in Mitchell reels are over rated but the truth is that it's more likely you'll ruin the operation than to fix it by adding or removing shims! Congratulations on the new find...

Best Regards,
Wallace

Wallace it was uncomfortable feeling to take it apart and not find shims inside. And that seemingly from the factory as it didn't have any tell-tale sings of it ever having been open before. I had read about that on this site I believe that the # of shims can vary. However the other 300's I took apart were older models (mid-50's) and were full of shims. I was glad to see that this baby really hums now. Thanks for the encouragenment.