Rebuild an old Shimano Bantam??

[JBehr]

I would like to rebuild/upgrade this old reel that I have had for many years. I bought it used from a friend so I'm not sure how old, but I would guess close to 20 yrs old. I'm mostly interested in new/more bearings and a better drag system. Any ideas on where to order parts or have the work done? I live near Louisville, but do not mind to ship or drive if necessary. Thanks.

Joe

[BASSENATOR]

Go to lakeforktackle.com all they service is Shamino reels. They also have a dvd on reel maintanance. Jim

[BASSENATOR]

Sorry that was lakeforktacklerepair.com

[Gus]

It is my understanding that the pinion gear for the Shimano Bantam is no longer available. I have one Bantam that is fully functional that I still use. I have another that I use for spare parts as it not longer has a pinion gear. These two reels are almost 30 years old!

[Chris_Carlyle]

Are they Bantam 100s? Those are cool reels, I learned to fish with those reels, I had a couple and my Dad still has 2 or three. Look on Ebay, I see them for sale pretty regularly for good prices. Does yours still have the original wood nobs on the crank handle?

[Gus]

I do have the original wood handle for one of them.

[bassmanic1]

The Shimano Bantam Mag is one of the great older reels out there . I have personaly used them since 1984 - I learned to use a baitcaster with one . I current have 3 and use one on a Kistler rod for spinnerbaits . I believe they only have 1 main bearing and the rest are bushings . They are fairly easy to clean and grease and if you want to improve on it I would replace the dogear that stops the reel from backreeling { try calling Bass Pro Shops for a replacement } clean and re-grease all gears . Bass Pro might have replacment drag washers also . Make sure they stay dry ! The only reel I have found that works better is the Shimano Chonarch SF - it will cast as far or farther than the Bantam . For the best action watch eBay for someone listing a brand new one that has been stored , it will be pricey but worth it .
Tight lines !:)