Complete service video of a 1978 Zebco Omega 33. This was the crown jewel of the Zebco Line at the time. 12:05 how to repair the line brake and glue the big o-ring back together.
God bless you sir and thank you i found this reel in my garage and instead of buying a new one i thought i would try to fix this one up your tutorial was perfect for me i still might buy a new one later but for now my old omega will work just fine
Thanks much for your video. I wanted to restore my Mom's fishing reel and pass it on to the younger generation but wanted to have it in good working order first. Your video is awesome. You disassemble as much as possible and provide great detail. With this, I can clean and lube the reel and pass the reel, and pole, to her great grandkids. I'm not sure I could have done it without your video. I might add, yours is the only video available that I could find. Rare treat indeed. Thanks again.
thanks. I still just feel like a novice compared to some of the Zebco Collectors. I have learned a lot over the years though on how to service and repair them. I love Zebco reels!
@@jasonrunyon2663 I am converting more fishermen all the time to Zebcos, particularly the 33 and Omegas. Even my old dad enjoyed the Omega ZO2 pro. He also enjoyed using them for fishing for Steelhead this fall. My fishing buddy who was a casting reel only guy, started using them and won't go back. More fishing time, less bird nests = more fish.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I agree. I am looking forward to getting that omega z03. I just haven't had time due to checking on my Dad and my own health issues. Although, Lord willing this coming week Im getting it as well as that Berkeley lightning rod I had mentioned before. I'm really looking forward to it!!
Very nice! I have never had a Omega 181 to work on or use, but I believe you are right. They are very similar, if not the same. I think they were renamed to not confuse with the regular 33.
Yes they are! I am going to get a rod for this one just to put it on. I would like to find what rod it came on as a combo and use it from time to time. The handle on mine has chrome flaking off. They typically sell for $45 or more on ebay for ones in really good shape.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I got mine for $25 and it looked like it got used for 1 season and then put away in a drawer for 43 years. I bought it from an estate sale on eBay.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I've got mine on a Shakespeare 6' medium heavy 98% graphite pistol grip rod from 1988. It's the oldest rod I could find for it and it is an awesome combo.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Recently went through all the buildings on my family estate. Gathered a 5gal bucket of Zebco reels together to referb and pass down. Hopefully can find some parts around. Did find an old Zebco 66 in great condition. Have been using your videos for reference, Thanks again.
Keep looking on Ebay. I got this one for less than $20. It needed some work, but it was worth it. It isn't the best example of this model as far as a collector would be looking for since it has scratches and the handle chrome is coming off. But it is a working reel that will do well against the strongest bass, pike or walleye.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I will definitely be looking. I'm always on there looking for fishing equipment and CB gear. I definitely like the reel's all metal construction. I would be willing to pay more for a real if they would start making them like this again. Keep up the great work and art of restoring and servicing these old reels.
You probably dont care but if you guys are stoned like me atm you can watch all of the latest movies on instaflixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks =)
The handle on my Zebco Omega 33 screws on. It has a fairly aggressive thread on each side to interchange. Mine is missing, if you have a spare, I'll be happy to pay you for it.
At around the 8:20 point you remove the keeper, brass washer and bearing from the pinion shaft. I'm working one right now and I am thinking I might skip this step as I think I can clean this area off very well and re-oil the bearing without taking it off of the shaft. There should be existing lube under the bearing plus the bearing and shaft seem to be stainless so I'm not overly concerned about corrosion between the inner bearing surface and the shaft. Do you see any drawbacks to this approach? I'm sort of reluctant to disassemble this area is unnecessary due to the possibility of breaking the keeper, damaging the brass washer or losing one or more of these small parts.
Hey Klink370, Not at all. Your approach is perfect. If the reel is basically clean on the inside and the lube is in good shape, there is no need to do a complete break down. Take as much of the old grease out and put a thin layer on the gear. Put a drop of oil on the bearings and bushings and you are good for the next fishing season. Thanks for commenting!
Just found a Black 33 Spinner. Brass gears throughout no anti reverse. But, the spinner cone is White Ceramic with a Brass Nipple. Any ideas what model and year this is?
I really enjoyed this one Matthew! Do you think build quality and parts were better back then, or do you think today’s reels are better? In my opinion, I do think today’s plastics are better.
Zebco used the very best plastics at the time and the very best parts for this Omega 33. Other lower end reels, not so much. It was their best reel of the year and most expensive. In the 60s and 70s they used Delrin. After that they used Lexan (polycarbonate). Some are carbon fiber reinforced. As plastics got better Zebco used the best. I am not really sure they are any better now, but they are newer. Some of the parts in this Omega 33 are better than the parts used in the best Zebco today. This would be the equivalent of a Zebco Omega ZO3 or Zebco Bullet. Adjusted for inflation this would have cost more than the modern Omega or Bullet. I was amazed at just the spool. Stainless steel with a brass bushing.
I just saw your post on FB. The two reels are very similar. However, see my Zebco Omega One video. Here is the link. ua-cam.com/video/lzP6Esb9xhM/v-deo.html
So far I like it. Penn has been making reel grease for years. So it must be good stuff. I will know more when I service it after it is on there for 6-12 months.
God bless you sir and thank you i found this reel in my garage and instead of buying a new one i thought i would try to fix this one up
your tutorial was perfect for me i still might buy a new one later but for now my old omega will work just fine
Well done. The old omega is nice, however the new Omega is amazing
Thank you for taking time to post your videos. I have found them very helpful.
You are welcome. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing!! Watching this videos is so helpful!!
You are so welcome!
Thanks much for your video. I wanted to restore my Mom's fishing reel and pass it on to the younger generation but wanted to have it in good working order first. Your video is awesome. You disassemble as much as possible and provide great detail. With this, I can clean and lube the reel and pass the reel, and pole, to her great grandkids. I'm not sure I could have done it without your video. I might add, yours is the only video available that I could find. Rare treat indeed.
Thanks again.
You are welcome. Thanks for commenting
those old omegas are gem good video mat
Thanks.
You have so much knowledge about zebco reels, that it amazes me!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!!!!!
thanks. I still just feel like a novice compared to some of the Zebco Collectors. I have learned a lot over the years though on how to service and repair them. I love Zebco reels!
@@OutFishing13Matthew So do I. I get laughed at because I enjoy fishing with them, but they work like a charm!!!
@@jasonrunyon2663 I am converting more fishermen all the time to Zebcos, particularly the 33 and Omegas. Even my old dad enjoyed the Omega ZO2 pro. He also enjoyed using them for fishing for Steelhead this fall. My fishing buddy who was a casting reel only guy, started using them and won't go back. More fishing time, less bird nests = more fish.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I agree. I am looking forward to getting that omega z03. I just haven't had time due to checking on my Dad and my own health issues. Although, Lord willing this coming week Im getting it as well as that Berkeley lightning rod I had mentioned before. I'm really looking forward to it!!
@@jasonrunyon2663 have fun!
picked up an omega 181 today for a $1.00 hardly used, I think its simler to this 33 you repaired on this video. Thanks for the info for going thur it.
Very nice! I have never had a Omega 181 to work on or use, but I believe you are right. They are very similar, if not the same. I think they were renamed to not confuse with the regular 33.
The 33XBL was first, then changed to the Omega 33 and then changed again to the Omega 181.
Great Job Matthew!!
thank you. So pleased you liked it.
I've got one of those Omega 33's from 1978 too.Those are excellent reels and It's in excellent condition too. 👍🏻😎
Yes they are! I am going to get a rod for this one just to put it on. I would like to find what rod it came on as a combo and use it from time to time. The handle on mine has chrome flaking off. They typically sell for $45 or more on ebay for ones in really good shape.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I got mine for $25 and it looked like it got used for 1 season and then put away in a drawer for 43 years. I bought it from an estate sale on eBay.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I've got mine on a Shakespeare 6' medium heavy 98% graphite pistol grip rod from 1988. It's the oldest rod I could find for it and it is an awesome combo.
Thank You for the information!
My brass gear had damage from the anti reverse, was able to fix that. Broke the tiny clip during reassembly though..lol
That tiny clip can be a pain. I lost mine and had to find another. I think I had to modify one.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Recently went through all the buildings on my family estate. Gathered a 5gal bucket of Zebco reels together to referb and pass down.
Hopefully can find some parts around.
Did find an old Zebco 66 in great condition. Have been using your videos for reference, Thanks again.
@@zTerrordactyl Awesome! Sounds like fun. Remember to put new line on them and take them fishing!
Very nice work on that reel.
Thanks. Looking forward to getting out and catching something with it.
Matthew, thoroughly enjoy your repair/maintenance videos!. Thanks for posting.
You are welcome. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Awesome job! I wish I had this heavy duty machine in my Zebco arsenal.
Keep looking on Ebay. I got this one for less than $20. It needed some work, but it was worth it. It isn't the best example of this model as far as a collector would be looking for since it has scratches and the handle chrome is coming off. But it is a working reel that will do well against the strongest bass, pike or walleye.
@@OutFishing13Matthew I will definitely be looking. I'm always on there looking for fishing equipment and CB gear. I definitely like the reel's all metal construction.
I would be willing to pay more for a real if they would start making them like this again.
Keep up the great work and art of restoring and servicing these old reels.
@@djcartwright424 Thank you. I will keep at it. This one sure has stood the test of time for sure!
You probably dont care but if you guys are stoned like me atm you can watch all of the latest movies on instaflixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks =)
@Ibrahim Malcolm definitely, I have been using InstaFlixxer for since november myself :D
The handle on my Zebco Omega 33 screws on. It has a fairly aggressive thread on each side to interchange. Mine is missing, if you have a spare, I'll be happy to pay you for it.
I don't have a spare. I suggest you post something on this facebook page to find out. facebook.com/groups/387880111984612
At around the 8:20 point you remove the keeper, brass washer and bearing from the pinion shaft. I'm working one right now and I am thinking I might skip this step as I think I can clean this area off very well and re-oil the bearing without taking it off of the shaft. There should be existing lube under the bearing plus the bearing and shaft seem to be stainless so I'm not overly concerned about corrosion between the inner bearing surface and the shaft. Do you see any drawbacks to this approach? I'm sort of reluctant to disassemble this area is unnecessary due to the possibility of breaking the keeper, damaging the brass washer or losing one or more of these small parts.
Hey Klink370, Not at all. Your approach is perfect. If the reel is basically clean on the inside and the lube is in good shape, there is no need to do a complete break down. Take as much of the old grease out and put a thin layer on the gear. Put a drop of oil on the bearings and bushings and you are good for the next fishing season. Thanks for commenting!
Just found a Black 33 Spinner. Brass gears throughout no anti reverse. But, the spinner cone is White Ceramic with a Brass Nipple. Any ideas what model and year this is?
@@natturner4009 sounds like an early 1960s
I really enjoyed this one Matthew! Do you think build quality and parts were better back then, or do you think today’s reels are better? In my opinion, I do think today’s plastics are better.
Zebco used the very best plastics at the time and the very best parts for this Omega 33. Other lower end reels, not so much. It was their best reel of the year and most expensive. In the 60s and 70s they used Delrin. After that they used Lexan (polycarbonate). Some are carbon fiber reinforced. As plastics got better Zebco used the best. I am not really sure they are any better now, but they are newer. Some of the parts in this Omega 33 are better than the parts used in the best Zebco today. This would be the equivalent of a Zebco Omega ZO3 or Zebco Bullet. Adjusted for inflation this would have cost more than the modern Omega or Bullet. I was amazed at just the spool. Stainless steel with a brass bushing.
The older ones are massively better built than todays Chinese junk
Thanks. Can you reccomend some reference books or manuals with exploded views of reels?
Sorry, I dont know of any reel books. Maybe some of the other viewers could chime in?
try a place where they have books library
That looks like a very well built reel. which do you think is better? this one or the omega one? both seem great
I think the Omega 33 is a better reel. It has more bearings and I like the drag system better. Perhaps it is just my preference though.
Do you ever sale reconditioned vintage spin cast reels? Dana Peterson
I don't have very many. What are you looking for?
Hi Matthew,
looks like a mean Machine is that a workhorse,Ed
should be a good one, Ed. Looking forward to mounting it to a pole and using it.
Is this the same gears and internals a the Zebco One
I just saw your post on FB. The two reels are very similar. However, see my Zebco Omega One video. Here is the link. ua-cam.com/video/lzP6Esb9xhM/v-deo.html
What you think about that Grease??
So far I like it. Penn has been making reel grease for years. So it must be good stuff. I will know more when I service it after it is on there for 6-12 months.
@@OutFishing13Matthew yes Matthew let me know how it stands up.