710z project

[atun]

Hi all,

 

So I picked up a 710z in pretty good shape as a project this winter, and besides cleaning and lubing, this is the plan so far:

 

-704/706 pancake handle
-Mitchell 306/406 manual pickup
-712 gear and pinion for higher gear ratio

 

What else can I do to this reel?  

Drag upgrades?
Bearings upgrades?
New drag knob?
Power knob (although I like the pancake knob)

 

I've searched the forum for ideas and tips (what a resource!), but is there anything I'm missing?

 

Long term, I may drill the rotor cup and spool and strip, sand, and polish it "Penn Staal" style, but that's a project for a future winter. 

 

Thanks all
 

[Fishit 2]

I would not change the gears, I prefer the lower gears which equals more pulling power. It’s quick enough, if you want to burn a plug get a new bait caster with higher gearing 

[handi2]

There is only one bearing. 3/8x7/8x9/32 They get full of corrosion easily. Pack it with marine grease. It will not slowly down the reel.

[mark d]

I have a 710z with all the mods you mentioned. Great reel. I prefer the faster retrieve as well. I drilled out the slotted area on the rotor. Homemade manual pickup though. Some of the guys here create works of art.

 

Good luck

[Fishit 2]

I also did the manual conversion using a Mitchell 406 pickup, I converted all my Z series reels to manual pickup except for the 714 and 716

[Bluefishmaster]

Pics? I am working on a 710 greenie Pennstaal that's balding because it got paint loss. I am saving money and looking for the 306/406 manual pickup. If I can find it then that will be great, but if not, my only option is cut the bail.  I may paint it later.

[msrief]

On 1/31/2023 at 2:50 PM, atun said:

Hi all,

 

So I picked up a 710z in pretty good shape as a project this winter, and besides cleaning and lubing, this is the plan so far:

 

-704/706 pancake handle
-Mitchell 306/406 manual pickup
-712 gear and pinion for higher gear ratio

 

What else can I do to this reel?  

Drag upgrades?
Bearings upgrades?
New drag knob?
Power knob (although I like the pancake knob)

 

I've searched the forum for ideas and tips (what a resource!), but is there anything I'm missing?

 

Long term, I may drill the rotor cup and spool and strip, sand, and polish it "Penn Staal" style, but that's a project for a future winter. 

 

Thanks all
 

Might want to use Penn drag knob 52-550G??  I use a 704 handle with a Mitchell 486 knob.  Use the 710Z aluminum spools instead of the 710 green plastic spool.

Edited March 14 by msrief
additions

[JAL]

 

9 hours ago, Bluefishmaster said:

Pics? I am working on a 710 greenie Pennstaal that's balding because it got paint loss. I am saving money and looking for the 306/406 manual pickup. If I can find it then that will be great, but if not, my only option is cut the bail.  I may paint it later.

Are the 306/406 manual pick ups still available?

[7 Rivers]

5 hours ago, JAL said:

 

Are the 306/406 manual pick ups still available?

Auction site.