Hey all, I just inherited an old Quantum EX501 baitcaster from my dad (I'm 20 years old and never knew he had it). It's the first baitcaster I've owned so I figured I'd clean it up and give it a shot, but the magnetic brake system is horribly rusted--all five magnets and the plate they sit on. The rest of the reel is easily cleaned and oiled/greased, but given the state of the brake system will it be worth the effort?

For at least the sentimental value I think it's worth fixing up.

I would have a professional look at it though.

This looks like one of the special store models sold by BPS in 2001 or so. They were $44.95 then. They do not show as a Quantum  model on their parts/schematic site. Parts are going to be unavailable for the most part. About the best that can be done is a bath in WD-40, Break Free, or CLR and hope you can free up the parts enough to work. You may be better off to just wipe it off and display it on a shelf if it has sentimental value.

Once those mags start to fall apart they are toast...

Checking my EX500 schematic on my website.

The part number I have is from June, 1996 when I was on the Quantum service team....

 

Part#: QW330-01 Magnet Plate Assy

 

Give Quantum a call and check

 

As Mike stated over 6 years old and no parts support...

 

Good Luck & Tight Lines! 

If the reel were really important to me, I would look for a used one in operating condition on eBay, buy it cheap and use it for parts.

We have without a doubt the best consumer reel support on Bass Resource that you could ask for!

Thanks for all the feedback y'all!  I bought some CLR and did what I could...got most of the rust off anyways.  I should clarify something though--the word "inherited" was a poor word choice.  My dad is still alive and well, I just found the baitcaster and rod (Quantum Classic 6'0 Medium Moderate Action) as we were clearing out his garage.  Sorry for any confusion...

 

Thanks again for the replies and information!