Lews BB1NGH

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool BB1NGH

The Lew’s BB1NGH is a high-performance relic from the era when Lew Childre and Shimano redefined the baitcaster. This "Narrow Graphite High-Speed" model was a premium offering, blending the rigidity of an aluminum frame with the weight-saving properties of graphite-reinforced sideplates. The "N" signifies the narrow spool—prized for reducing line friction and increasing pitching accuracy—while the "H" denotes the high-speed brass gear set.

If your BB1NGH feels "clunky" or the handle backs up like a faulty transmission, it is almost certainly due to original lubricants that have spent the last thirty years turning into a substance resembling dried sap. This guide will walk you through a professional-grade restoration.

Tools and Supplies

• Tools: 10mm nut driver, precision Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, and a pair of fine-point tweezers (for those tiny, carpet-dwelling springs).

• Cleaning: 90% Isopropyl alcohol and a stiff toothbrush.

• Lubrication: High-quality synthetic reel grease and a low-viscosity racing oil.

• Organization: Use a white towel or magnetic tray. These vintage reels have "clicker" pins that are notoriously good at disappearing.

Step 1: External Teardown (Right-Handed)

1. Handle Assembly: Remove the screw from the handle nut retainer. Use your 10mm driver to remove the handle nut (Counter-Clockwise to loosen). Remove the handle and the star drag.

2. Star Drag Stack: Beneath the star, remove the Belleville Washers (the bowed spring washers).

   The Golden Rule: For the drag to function, these must be reinstalled in an opposing orientation (). If you stack them nested ((, you will have zero drag adjustment range and the reel will feel "locked."

3. Side Plate Access: On the BB1NGH, the palm-side plate is secured by three screws. Remove them and pull the plate away.

Step 2: The Narrow Spool and Centrifugal Brakes

1. Extract the Spool: Because this is the Narrow (N) model, the spool is slim. Pull it out straight and steady; the long spool shaft is high-quality steel but can be bent if extracted at an awkward angle.

2. Brake Weights: This reel uses a classic 2-pin centrifugal brake system.

   • Inspection: Check the two plastic collars (weights) on the spool shaft. If they are cracked or missing, the reel will be almost impossible to cast without an immediate birdsnest.

   • The Hub: Clean the metal friction ring inside the side plate with alcohol.

   • The Silence Fix: If the reel "screeches" during a cast, the ring is bone-dry. Wipe a microscopic film of oil onto the ring with a cotton swab to dampen the vibration.

Step 3: Accessing the "G-Series" Internals

1. Gear Side Plate: Remove the three housing screws. Note that the BB1NGH uses graphite sideplates; do not over-tighten these screws upon reassembly, or you risk cracking the screw bosses in the plate.

2. The Main Gear: You will find a Heavy-Duty Solid Brass Main Gear.

   • Deep Cleaning: Scrub the gear teeth with alcohol and a toothbrush. You must remove all fossilized grease from the "valleys" of the teeth.

   • The Drag: This reel uses a multi-disc drag system. These vintage washers are best run completely dry. If they are soaked in oil, the drag will "stutter" or fail to lock down.

3. The Anti-Reverse "Dog": This model utilizes a mechanical anti-reverse pawl (the dog).

   • Critical Warning: Apply one drop of oil to the pawl. Never grease this part. Grease causes the pawl to "float" or stick, which results in the handle spinning backward when you try to set the hook.

Step 4: Lubrication and Reassembly

1. Gears: Apply a moderate coat of synthetic grease to the teeth of the main gear and pinion gear. You don't need to pack the entire gearbox—just ensure the teeth are well-coated.

2. Bearings: Flush the vintage bearings with alcohol, dry them, and apply one drop of thin oil. If they remain noisy, they are likely pitted and should be replaced with standard 3x10x4mm bearings.

3. Worm Gear (Level Wind): This is the most exposed part of the reel. Clean it thoroughly and apply a light coat of grease. If the line stacks to one side, check the Pawl (the tooth inside the line guide) for wear.

BB1NGH Technical Summary

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Handle "Back-Slap": If the handle moves backward before stopping, the mechanical dog is gummed up with old grease. Flush it with alcohol and re-oil.

• Vibration on Retrieve: This is common on high-speed brass gears. Ensure the Pinion Yoke Springs are seated correctly. If one spring is weaker than the other, the gears won't mesh perfectly.

• Loss of Free-Spool: On the narrow spool, check the Tension Knob Shim. If the copper shim inside the knob has a deep pit from the spool shaft, flip the shim over or replace it to restore the "centering" of the spool.