Today, I finally made a foray into my loft to find the remains of my fishing gear that wasn't stolen in a burglary all those years ago and which had not been used for around 35 years. Now we're talking ME and I don't know about others but, I must be the worst hoarder of rubbish ever! I'm terrible for it!

I'm one of those who never throw things away and always think things will come in handy at some time in the future so, it was no easy task to root through everything but after nearly an hour, low and behold, I found my old trout bag and surprise surprise, I discovered that I actually had TWO Hardy Perfect fly reels and not just one as I thought. One is a 3 &5/8 and a smaller 3 &1/8. There was also the bonus of a 4" Wheatly fly box with the extra interior leaf packed with a full range of flies that I had tied all those years ago.

Although they're called Hardy Perfect, the reels are far from perfect in condition!
There is a small amout of surface oxidation ( but not a disaster) and hardly any paint left due to fair wear and tear but, they do seem to work well!
The larger of the two reels should only need a good clean and lubrication to get it back in full order, the same should apply to the smaller one but, having pulled it apart, I have noticed that the spring and ratchet that is adjusted by the 'tension' screw, is missing! The other side assembly is still there so it can still be used as is but realistically, it needs them replacing to get it back into full working order.

The question is:
Can I get the spares ( spring and ratchet) direct from Hardy or do I have to go through a dealer to obtain them?

Also, have any of you guys done any restorations on the finish of Hardy reels? Once I have them cleaned, removed any oxidation, and serviced them, they will obviously need protection to their surfaces or they will corrode again, especially as they will be exposed to the air and probably copious amounts of water. The models are from the beginning of the 1960's and is the classic dull gunmetal grey in colour.
Any suggestions for a good hardwearing finish that looks similar to the original?
Your comments welcomed!

Tony

Tony, have a word with enigma309, Brian on here, he is an authority on old Hardy reels and offers a cleaning and restoration service I think, if need be.
Otherwise he will put you on the right track for spares etc.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Thanks very much for taking the time to help! I'll follow that up.
I've just spent last 45 minutes in my loft trying to find my two boxes of fly tying kit.
I've found one but not the other with vices etc and now have had to vacate it in a hurry as there are a few wasps up there and they keep going for me! Luckily I have some wasp spray but it sure doesn't do my lungs any good either LOL

Tony