Hardy Altex no.1 mk IV mechanical bail/ complete teardown and restore

[Woodbilly]

Just looking at all those bits ... makes me dizzy.
As someone who is not naturally mechanically minded - I can take the screw top off a bottle, then forget which way it should go back on again - it is wonder to me that all those pieces can go back together to make a functioning reel.
Some people would say that when they look at the parts, there is only one way they can logically go back together.

Even when I take the various washers and springs off to remove the spool of my Altex No.2, I have to lay out the parts in sequence on the bench top. And even then I have been known to replace them upside down.

I would be interested to know whether you rely on instinct / experience alone, or whether you make sketches or take photographs, when you are taking a reel apart and reassembling it?

Another vote for leaving the base metal surface finish as it is!
Is that what is known as 'Spitfire' colour, or is Spitfire colour usually an applied finish?

I think it was referred to as, "leaded", as far as the finish, but really have no idea.

I take photos, if items require certain orientation for reassembly, but other than that, memory.

My Swiss made 1954 Benora Standard 2 speed was far more difficult, even though it didn't require special tools.
The push button gear change assembly has many micro parts that have to be disassembled in a certain order to prevent breakage of parts. Ask me how I know. Lol

[RBTraditional]

Crikey…that’s a degree in engineering territory.. I think I’ll leave my two 3’s and a 2 well alone… I’d only bugger them up!

[Woodbilly]

Crikey…that’s a degree in engineering territory.. I think I’ll leave my two 3’s and a 2 well alone… I’d only bugger them up!

Only one way to learn! The way i look at it, the Ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic by engineers.
Hands on is best learning tool there is regardless of experience.

[Banksy]

Crikey…that’s a degree in engineering territory.. I think I’ll leave my two 3’s and a 2 well alone… I’d only bugger them up!

Only one way to learn! The way i look at it, the Ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic by engineers.
Hands on is best learning tool there is regardless of experience.

And it's certainly safer than shipbuilding, if you get it wrong.

[Woodbilly]

Haha! Most certainly.

[Nigel Rainton]

My Altex no. 2 was assembled for me from 'new, old stock' spare parts and has only been used a couple of times. It's too special to get muddy :-)

[Jeremy Croxall]

"Tear down?"
One does not "tear" down a Hardy
One disassembles, inspects and replaces or repairs defective components, lubricates as required and reassembles.
Welcome to the TFF sir

[Woodbilly]

"Tear down?"
One does not "tear" down a Hardy
One disassembles, inspects and replaces or repairs defective components, lubricates as required and reassembles.
Welcome to the TFF sir

Haha. Yes, sir.

...and eats Grey Poupon on crackers with salmon, while doing it.
My bad.

[Jeremy Croxall]

"Tear down?"
One does not "tear" down a Hardy
One disassembles, inspects and replaces or repairs defective components, lubricates as required and reassembles.
Welcome to the TFF sir

Haha. Yes, sir.

...and eats Grey Poupon on crackers with salmon, while doing it.
My bad.

...and a glass of Mersault if someone else is paying for it

[Cat]

Jeremy, I simply assumed all TFF chaps sipped a flute of Louis Roederer whilst inspecting an Altex, well, that or a mug of builders brew with 7 sugars!