Modify Your Old Pflueger1494
Modify Your Old Pflueger 1494
by Doug Macnair
[IMG2="left"]http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/photos/files/4/reel.jpg[/IMG2] Like I've said, the old (or new) Pflueger 1494, et al., is likely to be around long after I'm gone. I think I still have two 1494s, both rigged, and one 1498 with a hole hacked in the back wall like Lefty suggested back in the days when he used the reel for blue water work. Some of you were not even around in those days.
For those of you who still have one or two of these reels, did you know that for a slight cost, modifications can be made that (1) counter-balance the spool, (2) improve the drag mechanism, and/or (3) change out the reel foot for a more universal fit.
I ran into these third party product years ago and outfitted my Pfluegers before the products were gone ... Now, I am pleased to inform you that they are back.
Simply go the http://codella.com, the to accessories and you will find the following products:
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One-Pfoot is Back!
The One-Pfoot Story. One-Pfoot reintroduces its complete line of replacement parts for Pflueger Medalist reels, still America's most popular line of fly reels. In 1988, when first introduced, the One-Pfoot replacement foot for Pflueger Medalist reels, met a growing need to adapt the simple but rugged Medalist to the reel seats being crafted for high end fly rods. More importantly, there was a need for this venerable reel to fit the older bamboo classics of yesteryear. At that time, many customers requested rod restorers to reconfigure the reel seats on their fly rods so that it would accommodate their favorite Medalist reel. It was obvious that a simple reel foot conversion would be a much easier and less costly remedy. When first offered to the fly fishing market, the One-Pfoot conversion kit became an instant hit with Pflueger Medalist owners.
After a long hiatus, there is an even greater demand for this unique but elegantly designed reel foot. Today, more than ever, with the upsurge of custom rod makers and custom reel seat designers the need and the urgency was clear to warrant reintroduction of this highly sought after product.
So, dig out Dad's and Granddad's old Pflueger reels, recondition and up-grade them with One-Pfoot products, and enjoy fishing a great American Classic!
Pflueger Medalist Spool Latch Cover
At last! Here's a quality machined replacement spool latch cover for all those cracked, warped, or lost ivory plastic originals. This cap is an exact replica of the early aluminum Medalist spool covers. Carefully machined and milled to exact tolerances, this spool cover will give your treasured Medalist Pflueger a sparkle. $24.95
And Check out the nifty HAT PINS available below!
Pflueger Medalist Spool Latch Cover Hat Pin
Proclaim your love of Pflueger Medalists to the world with this unique and distinctive hat pin! $24.95
One-Pfoot
Here's the product that started it all - the Pflueger Medalist replacement reel foot! One-Pfoot components are made from the highest grade aluminum (T6061 Grade) and stainless steel (303) to insure that the One-Pfoot will last as long as Granddad's favorite Medalist. Available in two
One-Pfoot 1: for 1492, 1494, 1495, 1496 model reels.
One-Pfoot 2: for 1492-1/2, 1494-1/2, 1495-1/2, 1498 model reels. Either Size: $19.95
Hard Coat Drag Plate
The One-Pfoot drag plate is made of T6061 aluminum with a sapphire hard coat applied to it. This hard coat not only builds up on all surfaces, but actually penetrates into the aluminum substrate to form a long lasting durable finish to this most vital part. With 8 indents on both sides, it is reversible for left and right hand retrieve. The aluminum drag plate makes the perfect replacement part for that tired worn out nylon drag. $19.95
A-2 Drag Plate
The "piece de resistance" for all you Pfluegerphiles. We are now manufacturing a limited quantity of drag plates made of A-2 tool steel that have been hardened to rugged 62 Rc (Rockwell). This beautiful piece has that "old time" look and feel that is very reminiscent of the older original Medalist ratchets. As with our other drag plate, 8 indents on both sides make the A-2 fully reversible for left and right hand retrieve. $24.95
Stainless Counterbalance - Large Diameter* This little product originated with Herman Voss, a brilliant reel designer from Florida. He had been making these counterbalances in his small shop during the 60's and 70's. Our conversations with him back then led us to develop our own improved version of this functional all stainless steel part. These finely machined beauties will dress up any Pflueger Medalist! This counterbalance is most generally adapted to the more modern (1960's and onward Medalist) that have 0.250 diameter spool holes. These finely machined beauties will dress up any PfluegerMedalist! $14.95
Stainless Counterbalance - Small Diameter* These small diameter counterbalances are made especially for those older Medalists that have the 0.220 diameter spool holes. Over the past year we have had a number of customers tell us that our standard 0.250 diameter hole counterbalance, which fits many of the later model Medalists, did not fit well on the older 1300, 1400 and 2000 series reels. This little “gem” of an add-on is just the answer. The all stainless counterbalance and stainless backing screw have been highly polished to eliminate any burrs that might interfere with line control and smooth line running. They come with a hex head wrench and are easy to install. They will add beauty to any vintage Pflueger Medalist without detracting from its value. $14.95
Nickel Silver Counterbalances - Large Diameter*- LOW PROFILE. Bright or Oxidized Finish. This little product originated with Herman Voss, a brilliant reel designer from Florida. He had been making these counterbalances in his small shop during the 60's and 70's. Our conversations with him back then led us to develop our own improved version of this functional, low profile, all Nickel Silver part. This counterbalance is most generally adapted to the more modern (1960's and onward Medalist) that have 0.250 diameter spool holes. They come with a hex head wrench and are easy to install. These finely machined beauties will dress up any Pflueger Medalist! Specify BRIGHT or OXIDIZED Finish. $14.95
*A note to counterbalance buyers: When ordering please specify the spool hole diameter of your Pflueger Medalist. If you are unsure of the hole diameter (the outer hole opposite the handle) of your Medalist reel, here is a quick little test that will help you determine which counterbalance is right for your reel.
If you can drive a #2 pencil eraser into the hole with a little force you probably have the 0.250 diameter hole spool and would order the large diameter counterbalance. If the eraser looks like there is no chance of going through the spool hole you will probably need the small 0.220 diameter counterbalance for your Medalist. If you are still unsure please feel free to contact us.
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As Clint said, "For a few dollars more," you can make your Pflueger a winner.
Doug