The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

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So....You've bought a lovely old reel in it's original but damaged box.Do you leave the box 'as is' or repair it ??? It won't fix itself so here's what I do.If the box is misshapen I use a plant sprayer to lightly dampen the cardboard and then with it teased back into shape let it dry.Any tears in the box are repaired with PVA glue which dries clear.I then apply a generous coat of PVA to both halves of the box that stiffens the cardboard and gives it a slight sheen.The reel shaped insert is invariably crushed or damaged so it gets the same treatment with the addition of lolly sticks and balsa wood to support the weight of the reel,in this instance a Centaure 600.Dare I say,my cardboard repair skills are not quite up there with theoretical physics but it keeps me occupied AND gives my Buy It Now finger a bit of time off.....TTFN

Nice work Russ, and some cool ideas.
Coincidentally, I just rebuilt an early Intrepid Sea Streak display box that was absolutely in pieces; not a perfect restoration, but it now looks right and functions as it should.
No need to spray that one with water, but just the suggestion I needed for future reference, cheers!

Rockape wrote: ↑Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:01 pm Nice work Russ, and some cool ideas.
Coincidentally, I just rebuilt an early Intrepid Sea Streak display box that was absolutely in pieces; not a perfect restoration, but it now looks right and functions as it should.
No need to spray that one with water, but just the suggestion I needed for future reference, cheers!

Cardboard restoration can be an absolute thrill.What dynamic and enthralling lives we lead !!!

Well done Russell. The newly crowned "Cardboard King".

That a lovely job. Once I’m moved and my boxes are out of storage, I will have to try your method. For applying PVA to coat the cardboard, do you water it down or use neat?

Cheers,

Phil

Duckett wrote: ↑Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:47 pm That a lovely job. Once I’m moved and my boxes are out of storage, I will have to try your method. For applying PVA to coat the cardboard, do you water it down or use neat?

Cheers,

Phil

Hi Phil,No I use undiluted PVA (because I've got a gallon of the stuff) and quite a generous coating.I do one side at a time and let it dry face up so no drips.With a bit of warmth it dries in 30 minutes.I don't know if you noticed the bottom the box,I put little rubber feet on it to prevent the PVA from getting scraped.I really really need to get a proper hobby.

Russell Howard Brown wrote: ↑Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:51 pm

Duckett wrote: ↑Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:47 pm That a lovely job. Once I’m moved and my boxes are out of storage, I will have to try your method. For applying PVA to coat the cardboard, do you water it down or use neat?

Cheers,

Phil

I really really need to get a proper hobby.

Well, you certainly aren't alone in your hobby, so that may be a comforting thought? We all get a buzz when fellow enthusiasts appreceate our efforts. Your posts and pm's have cheered me up no end.

I get raised eyebrows (not in a good way..lol!) from friends and family, over my reel collecting and restoration work, but when it all comes together, it gives me a huge sense of achievement = makes me happy = job done!
Thankfully my wife has seen the joy it has given me, and so she supports me with it all (well, when serious money isn't invloved anyway).