You’re working on one of my all time favorites this time! I have a 704Z that has a gold spool and a handle with a gold shank and T shaped rubberized knob. I bought mine back in the 1970s along with a 706Z. These Z reels are iconic classics and make outstanding surf spinning reels. I have 2 of the smaller Z reels including a beautiful 722Z that I totally restored. I don’t have any Penn spinning reels newer than these Z reels. These Z reels were some of the reels that old timers used to pack with grease to make them relatively waterproof. This 704Z is not very different from the 704 greenies that came before them. I personally think these black and gold Penn Z reels are extremely beautiful reels. If taken care of they will last for generations.
Great video Dennis on how you opened up the 704z and you knew right away what the problem was before you took the side plate off. I know how to do it but at one point I didn't when the anti reverse dog and spring came off and it took me a bit to figure it out. I thought that would have been a good part of the video to show but maybe you have a new video out showing how to re install them as a service video you nailed it thank you as always for your videos
I spray my brush with WD40 after I’ve soaked the gear and parts for a while. After this process they look completely new. The reissued 704Z and 706Z that came out in 2013 do not have the band on the rotor. The earlier ones have the band. Also the earliest ones had the black torpedo handle and the black spools. I’m nort at all sure that this is a 1995 version of this reel. I could be all wrong about this. I bought my 706Z and 704Z back in the 1970s and they had the gold spool and the banded rotor. I’ve lost count of how many seized or almost seized vintage reels I’ve brought back to great operation. You’ve taught me this!
My 704 is used for jetty fishing. Propping the rod butt and reel between basalt rocks on the jet ties has left my reel a cosmetic disaster though it is mechanically excellent. It's one of a very few reels I'd refinish but it could be handed off to a younger fishing partner who appreciates the rugged patina.
Dennis, I just replaced the ball bearing in my 704Z reels. I have three, one of which is the earlier version like this one. I had to do a major restoration on this one as it is the most heavily used of 704Z I have. You can always tell the earlier version of the 704Z by the black spool and the hard plastic torpedo handle. My other two 704Z reels are the later version with the gold spool and rubberized T handle. Both versions have the band on the rotor with line capacities, etc. Only the 2012-13 more recent production of these reels like this and the 708Z do not have that band on the rotor. Other than that missing band these later reels are identical to the early ones and were also made in Philadelphia. I’d love to have another 706Z but I’ll never afford one of those again. They have gone out os sight. Almost ever time I work on a 704Z or 704 Greenie that AR dog likes to fly out and I have to reset that spring. I’ve learned about putting the handle back on as soon as I can so the main gear will keep that from happening. These will always be a favorite of mine. - Chris
Yikes, that grease looks disgusting. I recently purchased a Vintage Daiwa 7350RL reel and it was full of old grease. Some of it was dried to the point that it looked like dirt ! I cleaned it up using your advice and re-lubricated it and now it works nicely. I'm hoping to catch some fish on it this summer. Thank you Dennis for your helpful videos.
I have a old daiwa reel that has similar gear box, huge pinion gear and the main gear riding on top. It is not very common, what is the benefit of it compare to modem reel that has main gear bitting into the pinion at the 90 degree angle. Nice video, thanks
Yes - there were to dominant designs at the time. A spiral pinion gear and a system that uses the crosswind gear. The benefit is that one moving part is eliminated and and should be smoother. The downside is the stress on the reel at the top and bottom of the stroke. Dennis
I went to service a reel of mine and found that the Penn reel grease that I have in a tub seams a little dry. Would you recommend ordering a new tub or is there anything I could do to rejuvenate it? It hasn't been exposed to extreme temperatures. Have you come across this before?
You’re working on one of my all time favorites this time! I have a 704Z that has a gold spool and a handle with a gold shank and T shaped rubberized knob. I bought mine back in the 1970s along with a 706Z. These Z reels are iconic classics and make outstanding surf spinning reels. I have 2 of the smaller Z reels including a beautiful 722Z that I totally restored. I don’t have any Penn spinning reels newer than these Z reels. These Z reels were some of the reels that old timers used to pack with grease to make them relatively waterproof. This 704Z is not very different from the 704 greenies that came before them. I personally think these black and gold Penn Z reels are extremely beautiful reels. If taken care of they will last for generations.
I thought of you when I was doing this reel. - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle I guess you know me well by now.
Great video Dennis on how you opened up the 704z and you knew right away what the problem was before you took the side plate off. I know how to do it but at one point I didn't when the anti reverse dog and spring came off and it took me a bit to figure it out. I thought that would have been a good part of the video to show but maybe you have a new video out showing how to re install them as a service video you nailed it thank you as always for your videos
Thanks
I spray my brush with WD40 after I’ve soaked the gear and parts for a while. After this process they look completely new. The reissued 704Z and 706Z that came out in 2013 do not have the band on the rotor. The earlier ones have the band. Also the earliest ones had the black torpedo handle and the black spools. I’m nort at all sure that this is a 1995 version of this reel. I could be all wrong about this. I bought my 706Z and 704Z back in the 1970s and they had the gold spool and the banded rotor. I’ve lost count of how many seized or almost seized vintage reels I’ve brought back to great operation. You’ve taught me this!
I will check again. The box was definitely 1995 style and not the older version
Top notch again Dennis 👏👍
Thank you -Dennis
Great video. I have a 704 Greenie to work on and this will be a good reference. Thanks Dennis.
Yes - the internals are the same - best wishes - Dennis
My 704 is used for jetty fishing. Propping the rod butt and reel between basalt rocks on the jet ties has left my reel a cosmetic disaster though it is mechanically excellent. It's one of a very few reels I'd refinish but it could be handed off to a younger fishing partner who appreciates the rugged patina.
I leave the reels "aged". The stories they could tell if they could talk. I am a patina guy all the way. Thanks - Dennis
Very nice oldie but very goodie Penn reel. Thanks Dennis. Happy New Year.
Happy new year to you as well. Best wishes - Dennis
Dennis, I just replaced the ball bearing in my 704Z reels. I have three, one of which is the earlier version like this one. I had to do a major restoration on this one as it is the most heavily used of 704Z I have. You can always tell the earlier version of the 704Z by the black spool and the hard plastic torpedo handle. My other two 704Z reels are the later version with the gold spool and rubberized T handle. Both versions have the band on the rotor with line capacities, etc. Only the 2012-13 more recent production of these reels like this and the 708Z do not have that band on the rotor. Other than that missing band these later reels are identical to the early ones and were also made in Philadelphia. I’d love to have another 706Z but I’ll never afford one of those again. They have gone out os sight. Almost ever time I work on a 704Z or 704 Greenie that AR dog likes to fly out and I have to reset that spring. I’ve learned about putting the handle back on as soon as I can so the main gear will keep that from happening. These will always be a favorite of mine. - Chris
Sounds like you have enough of these to take the family fishing - So go do that! Best wishes - Dennis
Yikes, that grease looks disgusting. I recently purchased a Vintage Daiwa 7350RL reel and it was full of old grease. Some of it was dried to the point that it looked like dirt ! I cleaned it up using your advice and re-lubricated it and now it works nicely. I'm hoping to catch some fish on it this summer. Thank you Dennis for your helpful videos.
Thanks for sharing. I just did a Daiwa 7850RL and will be positing it soon. Best wishes - Dennis
I have a old daiwa reel that has similar gear box, huge pinion gear and the main gear riding on top. It is not very common, what is the benefit of it compare to modem reel that has main gear bitting into the pinion at the 90 degree angle. Nice video, thanks
Yes - there were to dominant designs at the time. A spiral pinion gear and a system that uses the crosswind gear. The benefit is that one moving part is eliminated and and should be smoother. The downside is the stress on the reel at the top and bottom of the stroke. Dennis
Nice
Thanks. Best wishes - Dennis
I went to service a reel of mine and found that the Penn reel grease that I have in a tub seams a little dry. Would you recommend ordering a new tub or is there anything I could do to rejuvenate it? It hasn't been exposed to extreme temperatures. Have you come across this before?
I would go ahead and order new. I am not sure why the grease has deteriorated, but I would not trust it going forward.
Thanks for asking
Dennis
Dennis the 704 reels came out in 1964 do you have any idea how much they sold for I tried to research it I can't find the cost of them back then
I don't know, but I would estimate at around $20, which was a lot back in the day
Oh yeah! Definitely needs a cleaning.
Yes it does! As you know Joyce, these old reel clean up nicely. HNY - Dennis