So, I was fishing and found a Gander Mtn. Tournament Spinning Reel GST30F. My guess is that it was in the water several months to over a year. It had all sort of stuff growing on it and the metal is discolored with some corrosion (I'm hoping a metal polish will do a lot of good).

 

My goal is to make this a functioning reel and get how ever much life out of it I can. 

 

I started by washing it in a tub of water with dawn dish soap. I haven't taken anything apart yet. I've never taken a spinning reel apart before or done any type of maintenance before. I have Reel Oil and Reel Grease.

 

The reel current works fine, the drag is good, the bail opens and closes well, it spins but I can hear some rubbing and resistance as I do so and it also will stick a little bit when I first start to crank the handle.

 

What is the best way to clean and restore this thing? I don't want to remove every single part but I do want to be able to clean and oil/grease everything. My main concern is taking everything apart and not being able to get it back together or some small part breaking in the process. 

 

Thanks!

The right way is to strip it to the frame, no real way around it. Gander might be able to guide you to a schematic. Spinning reels are a little fussy to work on, if you get stuck we'll try to help and sending it in to be done is always an option ($19.80 plus shipping for members).

I believe they changed them a few times...but if I recall correctly that reel had a lot in common w/pflueger presidents. It may be worth looking into should you not be able to find anything.

The right way is to strip it to the frame, no real way around it. Gander might be able to guide you to a schematic. Spinning reels are a little fussy to work on, if you get stuck we'll try to help and sending it in to be done is always an option ($19.80 plus shipping for members).

X2 total tear down and flush of every bearing and part, even the handle knob, probably gona need a couple or more bearings, but you may get lucky and after flushing and re lube save em???? If you have never done it before you will certainly find out how underpaid we as real techs are we work for pennies, and just what a steel it is to have your reels professionally serviced!!! GOOD LUCK,,,,, it's a great project, and your not out anything if everything is salvageable!! 

Thanks for all the input. I plan to start this project tomorrow and hopefully learn a lot along the way.

How will I know if the bearing as good or bad? Any specific cleaner I should be using? I was planning on an all purpose cleaner I use for auto detailing and/or a degreaser.

I also have a steam cleaner if need be.