I Bought a Box of Crusty Zebco Reels. Was it worth it?! Part 1 of 2. 

That black Zebco 202 was from the 1960s. I remember buying a couple of new ones on sale for $2 each back then.

I’m glad you’re here Matthew! I’m cleaning up some of my Dad’s and Grandpa’s old Zebcos. Thanks for putting these videos together!

I'm new to cleaning and maintenance myself. I've learned a lot from the videos, very helpful. However, as I was cleaning my vintage 33, a small metal plate fell out. I searched videos for hours...to no avail. Upon putting it back together I realized it had something to do with the drag. Noone ever mentioned this little plate which fits into a slit in the drag peg on the spool shaft. ( not sure those are part names🤔) I finally figured it out through lots of trial and error, but wow. Maybe this will save someone the headache it caused me.

The third reel (202) is the first version that Zebco made in that model. It is scarce and has some value to reel collectors. Not sure what that value would be currently.

I had a 202 just like the black one that I used as a kid in the 60s. I remember taking it apart to clean it. I probably used the wrong oil.

Matthew, you had mentioned to comment on what year we think the all black 202 you have was made. From the markings, it was made for 1971.

Thanks for the video! I have been getting some good tips from you while I sort out and clean my father-in-laws old reels. I have 2 black 202s like you have there, any idea where to find a handle with the white knobs? I’m missing one. Keep up the good work!

i enjoyed your video.....thank you sir......

Matt, Ed hear i got those Bearings you spoke of thanks I hope you get this thanks Ed R

I have 3 zebco pro staff 888 that I am going to service; I one of them I notice the thing you mention at mark 10.04 the line break is missing or broken. What does that do and does that mean the reel in ruined. What should I do? This reels are probably from the late 80’s early 90’s if I was guessing.

I bought several from an estate sale. If I cleaned and lubricated them, what could I realistically sell them for?

Do you have any ebay listings for parts? I need a back cover for an old Zebco 606. It's black metal, probably aluminum. The anti-reverse works great on this reel and I hate to throw it away.

hey i have a different zebco 202 authentic where the drag is right next to the handleon the reel have you made a video on one like that or no.

404 is an over size 202 basically

I found a 404 in some of my dad’s stuff very similar to the black and silver “1st 404” you take apart. When I tried it out it seemed to work except the anti-reverse. I figured it was just gummed up like mine had gotten, but it turned out the edge was worn on the little catch piece. Well, I decided what the heck and took it apart and used a needle file and filed it back to a sharp corner and it fixed it! Then I put it back together and it wouldn’t cast. I hadn’t noticed that the spring for the lever on the spinner cap was missing, so it won’t hold open to cast. Don’t know if I lost it (don’t know how I could have) or it was already missing. But I need to either make a spring or run across one somewhere. Have you ever had to make a new spring? BTW, I tried to look for your video on servicing the 404 but I don’t see it. (Note: I also found a black 202 like that on an old rod. I’m pretty sure it was my grandmother’s. I’ve got it cleaned up, lubed and working like a charm thanks to your videos! Only thing now is to find a new rod that will tighten down on that metal foot. They aren’t made to do that anymore.)