Product Description
MITCHELL 81553 BODY – Mitchell 498 Series Housing
The Mitchell 81553 Body is the primary structural chassis for the legendary Mitchell 498 heavy-duty saltwater spinning reel. As the central housing for the largest reel in the classic Mitchell lineup, this part is precision-engineered to provide a rigid platform for the high-torque gear train and oversized oscillation system. Replacing a worn or corroded housing with a genuine 81553 body ensures that your internal components remain perfectly aligned, preventing gear binding and maintaining the legendary pulling power required for surf and offshore angling.
Product Specifications & Compatibility
The 81553 body is designed specifically for the heavy-duty "skirted spool" series. It features reinforced mounting points for the anti-reverse system, the drive gear assembly, and the high-capacity spool shaft support.
This part fits the following Mitchell models:
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Mitchell 498 (Standard Heavy Saltwater)
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Mitchell 498AP
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Mitchell 498PRO
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Mitchell 498 Puma
Technical Note: For a comprehensive view of the internal gear seating and the anti-reverse dog assembly within this housing, please refer to the digital PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Cross-Reference & Alternate Part Numbers
Standardized part numbers for the Mitchell 498/499 series often appear in pairs to differentiate between winding orientations and production eras. When sourcing this component, refer to the following identification:
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Primary Part Number: 81553
Maintenance & Performance Optimization
Because the 498 is frequently used in extreme saltwater environments, the internal cavity of the 81553 body must be properly sealed and lubricated to prevent corrosion and mechanical wear.
We highly recommend Deuthlon Lubricants for all professional Mitchell 498 maintenance:
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Deuthlon Power Gear Grease: Apply a generous layer to the internal gear tracks and the main bearing seat within the body to create a superior waterproof barrier and ensure ultra-smooth gear mesh.
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Deuthlon Reel Orchid Oil: Apply to the external handle entry threads and the anti-reverse lever pivot to maintain smooth mechanical response and prevent salt-seizing in marine conditions.
Key Features
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Industrial Strength Casting: Reinforced at high-stress points to manage the torque of large-game saltwater fish.
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Direct OEM Fit: Guaranteed compatibility with original Mitchell 498 side plates, rotors, and internal gearing.
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Marine-Grade Protection: Factory-finished with a durable coating designed to resist oxidation and pitting from salt spray.
