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

[Woodbilly]

More pictures

[John Milford]

Even though I'm unlikely to ever own an Altex, of any number or mark, I’ve been following this project (and others) with fascination Steven.

I've done a few little reel jobs of the most rudimentary kind - and whenever I have, I'm always left with the impression that they must have assembled by someone with super-human eyesight and at least one extra hand!

Your skills, patience and bravery are awe inspiring!

[Woodbilly]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement!
I love doing this and that definitely helps, my fly tying magnifying glass stand is my favorite tool Lol

This definitely makes me appreciate Edward Broadfoot. These guys were masters! Still shocked this reel is so technical and 90 years old.

1935! Think about that. Crazy for a leisure instrument to be so advanced.

[Woodbilly]

No new progress, but here's a few more pictures that I didn't post in my last photo dump of flier to body install.


Peace!

[Wallys-Cast]

I think all the most expensive things were better made back then. Wages for skilled labour were a lot less in those days of course but there was pride in workmanship back then which is rarely seen these days.
Most top quality reels, guns, tools and vehicles were better built than todays designer named, robot built, expensive items.
Hardy changed the design of the Altex with the MKVI, using plastic parts for ease of construction. No reason to do it other than cost cutting and a big mistake in my mind.

Wal.

[Woodbilly]

I think all the most expensive things were better made back then. Wages for skilled labour were a lot less in those days of course but there was pride in workmanship back then which is rarely seen these days.
Most top quality reels, guns, tools and vehicles were better built than todays designer named, robot built, expensive items.
Hardy changed the design of the Altex with the MKVI, using plastic parts for ease of construction. No reason to do it other than cost cutting and a big mistake in my mind.

Wal.

Agree
Here's one of my other sicknesses....

I'm 3rd caretaker of this original time capsule.
1963 Lincoln Continental sedan

430 V8 factory A/C, factory cruise control, factory am/fm radio, power windows, locks, trunk, seats

A 5600 lb. Tank.

The Altex is a breeze to work on compared to the Lincoln.

[Rockape]

I think all the most expensive things were better made back then. Wages for skilled labour were a lot less in those days of course but there was pride in workmanship back then which is rarely seen these days.
Most top quality reels, guns, tools and vehicles were better built than todays designer named, robot built, expensive items.
Hardy changed the design of the Altex with the MKVI, using plastic parts for ease of construction. No reason to do it other than cost cutting and a big mistake in my mind.

Wal.

Agree
Here's one of my other sicknesses....

I'm 3rd caretaker of this original time capsule.
1963 Lincoln Continental sedan

Built like a tank.

Wow!!! That's all I can say......

[Woodbilly]

Hey, all.

Slow bite, but beautiful day on the lake,, today. After some crappie fishing and meat grilling, I decided to work on the Altex some more.

Tackling getting the handle, non rotating shaft, drive gear, and rest of internals installed and wrapped up.
I didn't rivet pin the handle, as I've got a factory correct handle coming.

Coming along nicely, but still tedious.
I worked on all screw heads and tried my best to tidy them by filing the worst ones and polishing all and other brightwork up, but this old girl has some scars that can't be fixed. That's OK by me, as we all have scars that tell our story.

I also included some pics of my micro push button oiler and the lubrication grease, I use.
The oil is just standard sewing machine oil I put into the oiler and for my parts that use grease, instead, I used faucet valve grease. It will not dry out, harden, gum up, and is waterproof. I use these 2 on all my resto's. Never had issue.

Well, getting closer and the mechanical bail works perfectly every time now. Going to get the external badges, oil port covers, and brass check carrier back on next and my undamaged handle should be here soon, to finish it up.
I'll post up a Facebook link for a video of the finished reel in action, when it's complete.

Peace!!

[Woodbilly]

More pictures

[Woodbilly]

My lubrication

Push button micro oiler and faucet valve grease