I'm new to cleaning and maintenance myself. I've learned a lot from the videos, very helpful. However, as I was cleaning my vintage 33, a small metal plate fell out. I searched videos for hours...to no avail. Upon putting it back together I realized it had something to do with the drag. Noone ever mentioned this little plate which fits into a slit in the drag peg on the spool shaft. ( not sure those are part names🤔) I finally figured it out through lots of trial and error, but wow. Maybe this will save someone the headache it caused me.
I am working on videos for as many models of Zebcos as I can get my hands on. Sorry I must not have a video on your model. One suggestion is to video your own service. Then you can watch the video if you forget something.
The third reel (202) is the first version that Zebco made in that model. It is scarce and has some value to reel collectors. Not sure what that value would be currently.
It all depends on condition and the particular version. I have seen 202s that are in top NIB condition that are rare, sell for $200+. Others of the same vintage around $5-10. The one I cleaned up is the plain version and in good shape, but it doesn't have a box or paperwork. It might be worth $10-15 even though it is scarce.
Thanks for the video! I have been getting some good tips from you while I sort out and clean my father-in-laws old reels. I have 2 black 202s like you have there, any idea where to find a handle with the white knobs? I’m missing one. Keep up the good work!
It all depends what model and the condition. Join the Zebco Shop and Swap on Facebook and post some photos. You can also get a good idea of a price by looking at eBay.
I have 3 zebco pro staff 888 that I am going to service; I one of them I notice the thing you mention at mark 10.04 the line break is missing or broken. What does that do and does that mean the reel in ruined. What should I do? This reels are probably from the late 80’s early 90’s if I was guessing.
The line brake (or line entrapment mechanism) traps the fishing line between the inside of the cap and the spinner cone so you can cast it. Sometimes they dry up get brittle and break apart. Often they can be repaired with a fat rubber o-ring and epoxy it onto the spinner code. Send me a PM on the About section with a photo of the reel with the cap off.
Do you have any ebay listings for parts? I need a back cover for an old Zebco 606. It's black metal, probably aluminum. The anti-reverse works great on this reel and I hate to throw it away.
I found a 404 in some of my dad’s stuff very similar to the black and silver “1st 404” you take apart. When I tried it out it seemed to work except the anti-reverse. I figured it was just gummed up like mine had gotten, but it turned out the edge was worn on the little catch piece. Well, I decided what the heck and took it apart and used a needle file and filed it back to a sharp corner and it fixed it! Then I put it back together and it wouldn’t cast. I hadn’t noticed that the spring for the lever on the spinner cap was missing, so it won’t hold open to cast. Don’t know if I lost it (don’t know how I could have) or it was already missing. But I need to either make a spring or run across one somewhere. Have you ever had to make a new spring? BTW, I tried to look for your video on servicing the 404 but I don’t see it. (Note: I also found a black 202 like that on an old rod. I’m pretty sure it was my grandmother’s. I’ve got it cleaned up, lubed and working like a charm thanks to your videos! Only thing now is to find a new rod that will tighten down on that metal foot. They aren’t made to do that anymore.)
I have made a new spring before. Try using a spring from a ball point pen. I lost the 404 service video, so I will have to redo that one soon. But the 404 and 202 are very similar. Use a little piece of an old inner tube between the reel seat and metal foot to get your 202 reel tight on your rod. Thanks for posting. Good to hear those old reels getting back into service!
@@OutFishing13Matthew ok, thanks! Good idea on the inner tube. I was mainly looking for the 404 video because my comment would have been more relevant there. I’ve had several reels from different eras apart since I tried the first one a few weeks ago, and I’ve kind of seen how they are all alike and all different. Re: the spring, there’s also a couple of little springs in a vertical piano (thus my name) I can use or I even thought of a used guitar string. But I was concerned about which wire might rust in there - would it need to be stainless steel spring wire? And I know those will rust if they aren’t protected from the elements. I thought about buying another junked 404 somewhere, but then I’d want to just try to get it working, too.
That black Zebco 202 was from the 1960s. I remember buying a couple of new ones on sale for $2 each back then.
It is a nice little reel. I need to put it on a pole once in a while and take it fishing.
I’m glad you’re here Matthew! I’m cleaning up some of my Dad’s and Grandpa’s old Zebcos. Thanks for putting these videos together!
You are welcome. Glad you are getting those old reels out. Generally the older Zebcos clean up really well. Take em out and fish with them.
I'm new to cleaning and maintenance myself. I've learned a lot from the videos, very helpful. However, as I was cleaning my vintage 33, a small metal plate fell out. I searched videos for hours...to no avail. Upon putting it back together I realized it had something to do with the drag. Noone ever mentioned this little plate which fits into a slit in the drag peg on the spool shaft. ( not sure those are part names🤔) I finally figured it out through lots of trial and error, but wow. Maybe this will save someone the headache it caused me.
I am working on videos for as many models of Zebcos as I can get my hands on. Sorry I must not have a video on your model. One suggestion is to video your own service. Then you can watch the video if you forget something.
I had a 202 just like the black one that I used as a kid in the 60s. I remember taking it apart to clean it. I probably used the wrong oil.
I think all oil will eventually dry out. Although some oil is better than others.
i enjoyed your video.....thank you sir......
You are most welcome
The third reel (202) is the first version that Zebco made in that model. It is scarce and has some value to reel collectors. Not sure what that value would be currently.
It all depends on condition and the particular version. I have seen 202s that are in top NIB condition that are rare, sell for $200+. Others of the same vintage around $5-10. The one I cleaned up is the plain version and in good shape, but it doesn't have a box or paperwork. It might be worth $10-15 even though it is scarce.
Matt,
Ed hear i got those Bearings you spoke of thanks I hope you get this thanks Ed R
You're welcome
Matthew, you had mentioned to comment on what year we think the all black 202 you have was made. From the markings, it was made for 1971.
thanks
Thanks for the video! I have been getting some good tips from you while I sort out and clean my father-in-laws old reels. I have 2 black 202s like you have there, any idea where to find a handle with the white knobs? I’m missing one. Keep up the good work!
Try eBay
Ebay is great. Also, check the Facebook group, Zebco Shop and Swap. Hit some flee markets and garage sales.
I bought several from an estate sale. If I cleaned and lubricated them, what could I realistically sell them for?
It all depends what model and the condition. Join the Zebco Shop and Swap on Facebook and post some photos. You can also get a good idea of a price by looking at eBay.
I have 3 zebco pro staff 888 that I am going to service; I one of them I notice the thing you mention at mark 10.04 the line break is missing or broken. What does that do and does that mean the reel in ruined. What should I do? This reels are probably from the late 80’s early 90’s if I was guessing.
The line brake (or line entrapment mechanism) traps the fishing line between the inside of the cap and the spinner cone so you can cast it. Sometimes they dry up get brittle and break apart. Often they can be repaired with a fat rubber o-ring and epoxy it onto the spinner code. Send me a PM on the About section with a photo of the reel with the cap off.
Do you have any ebay listings for parts? I need a back cover for an old Zebco 606. It's black metal, probably aluminum. The anti-reverse works great on this reel and I hate to throw it away.
Sorry, I don't have parts listed. I suggest trying the Facebook page, Zebco Shop and Swap.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Thanks!
hey i have a different zebco 202 authentic where the drag is right next to the handleon the reel have you made a video on one like that or no.
No I haven't. I dont have a 202 with the drag on the handle.
404 is an over size 202 basically
that is true. You can spool it with larger pound test.
I found a 404 in some of my dad’s stuff very similar to the black and silver “1st 404” you take apart. When I tried it out it seemed to work except the anti-reverse. I figured it was just gummed up like mine had gotten, but it turned out the edge was worn on the little catch piece. Well, I decided what the heck and took it apart and used a needle file and filed it back to a sharp corner and it fixed it! Then I put it back together and it wouldn’t cast. I hadn’t noticed that the spring for the lever on the spinner cap was missing, so it won’t hold open to cast. Don’t know if I lost it (don’t know how I could have) or it was already missing. But I need to either make a spring or run across one somewhere.
Have you ever had to make a new spring?
BTW, I tried to look for your video on servicing the 404 but I don’t see it.
(Note: I also found a black 202 like that on an old rod. I’m pretty sure it was my grandmother’s. I’ve got it cleaned up, lubed and working like a charm thanks to your videos! Only thing now is to find a new rod that will tighten down on that metal foot. They aren’t made to do that anymore.)
I have made a new spring before. Try using a spring from a ball point pen. I lost the 404 service video, so I will have to redo that one soon. But the 404 and 202 are very similar. Use a little piece of an old inner tube between the reel seat and metal foot to get your 202 reel tight on your rod. Thanks for posting. Good to hear those old reels getting back into service!
@@OutFishing13Matthew ok, thanks! Good idea on the inner tube.
I was mainly looking for the 404 video because my comment would have been more relevant there. I’ve had several reels from different eras apart since I tried the first one a few weeks ago, and I’ve kind of seen how they are all alike and all different.
Re: the spring, there’s also a couple of little springs in a vertical piano (thus my name) I can use or I even thought of a used guitar string. But I was concerned about which wire might rust in there - would it need to be stainless steel spring wire? And I know those will rust if they aren’t protected from the elements. I thought about buying another junked 404 somewhere, but then I’d want to just try to get it working, too.
@@tannertuner Stainless wire would be best if you can find something very thin.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I thought so. Thanks again!