anybody have any thoughts on them? I know they are easy to make aftermarket upgrades on.

that reel sucks.  Take it from me, I bought it for my little brother and he couldn't really get used to it.  I tried the reel, and it sucks.  It doesn't cast far at all, and it is the reason my brother hates baitcasters now.  Anyways if you're looking for an old reel to fix up, check out abu garcia ambassaduer reels.  I heard their old models, after supertuning, are magnificent fishing reels.