Panamic Repairs
From IBS_FAQ
This article is under construction. The logical flow of the instructions may be incorrect or steps may not be required...
The Panamic fish pole is easy to maintain and keep in first class working order. Handling noise can be caused by wear to the internal end stops of a section of the pole. Such wear can be adjusted out or the end stops replaced if very worn. The thimbles and locking bushes are also replaceable.
Tools
To carry out the maintenance detailed below the following are required:
- Lithium Grease EP No.2
- 20cs viscosity silicone fluid
- 3/16" Allen key
- Small tommy bar or screwdriver
Adjusting or Replacing Endstops
 | 1. Undo knurled thimble on each section and remove from mating section. Remove rubber bung from handle section.
NOTE: Rubber bungs on Panamic poles 53-5801 & 53-5802 unscrew. All other poles have pull off bungs. |
 | 2. Remove end stops from the bottom of each section; to do this insert a small tommy bar (or suitable screwdriver) through the cross holes and unscrew. Once the end stops have been removed; slide the knurled thimble, split bush and small shoulder bush to the top end of the pole to prevent them sliding off the end.
NOTE: If the poles are old the end stops can seize in the inserts and they will then need to be machined out prior to new end stops being fitted. This is an operation that is best carried out by Panamic. |
3. Skip this step if you are replacing the end stops.
Remove the grub screws from the bottom of each end stop using a 3/16” Allen key. Put a small amount of grease on the thread of each grub screw and screw back into the end stop about half of its length, leaving the rest for adjustment.
4. Starting with the tip section replace the end stop. Tighten by hand then insert a small tommy bar (or suitable screwdriver) through the cross holes and tighten as much as possible.
5. Spray a small amount of silicone fluid over tip section and slide into the mating section. Put a small amount of grease on the threaded end of mating section and screw together with the thimble. Lock up then undo a quarter turn.
 | 6. Using a 3/16” Allen key, tighten grub screw by a quarter turn at a time; test the sliding action with the mating section between each quarter turn until a nice smooth sliding action is achieved through out the length of the tube.
NOTE: Do not make the sliding action too stiff as it will stiffen up more once the rubber bung is replaced. |
7. Continue by reassembling the next consecutive section and following steps 4 to 6, until the whole pole has been reassembled.
8. Replace rubber bung; check again that the action is smooth for each section. Once the bung has been replaced air resistance should be felt during the sliding action.
9. If a section feels tight or gritty; remove, wipe clean and re-adjust the grub screw in end stop.
Replacing Thimbles and Bush Sets
| | 1. Undo knurled thimble on each section and remove from mating section. Remove rubber bung from handle section.
NOTE: Rubber bungs on Panamic poles 53-5801 and 53-5802 unscrew. All other poles have pull off bungs. |
| | 2. Remove end stops from the bottom of each section; to do this insert small tommy bar (or suitable screwdriver) through the cross holes and unscrew.
NOTE: If the poles are old the end stops can seize in the inserts and they will then need to be machined out prior to the new end stops being fitted. This is an operation that is best carried out by Panamic. |
 | 3. The thimble, split bush and small shoulder bush will slide straight off the section. The large shoulder bush will need prising out the top of thimble with a small screwdriver.
NOTE: Keep each set of removed bushes together with mating thimble as something to compare with new bushes or thimble so parts are fitted to correct sections. |
 | 4. To replace large shoulder bush press into top end of thimble. |
 | 5. Manipulate bush so that the raised shoulder sits on the thread inside the thimble.
Remember to do this for all the thimbles that are having the bush sets replaced. |
 | 6. Slide the thimble onto the correct carbon fibre section then slide on the correct split bush and small shoulder bush. The parts fit nicely together with little play and no forcing. |
7. Starting with the tip section replace the end stop. Tighten by hand then insert a small tommy bar (or suitable screwdriver) through the cross holes and tighten as much as possible.
8. Spray a small amount of silicone fluid over tip section and slide into the mating section. Put a small amount of grease on the threaded end of mating section and screw together with the thimble. Lock up then undo a quarter turn.
| | 9. Using a 3/16” Allen key, tighten grub screw by a quarter turn at a time; test the sliding action with the mating section between each quarter turn until a nice smooth sliding action is achieved through out the length of the tube.
NOTE: If end stops have not had much wear they may not need adjusting. NOTE: Do not make the sliding action too stiff as it will stiffen up more once rubber bung is replaced. |
10. Continue reassembling by following steps 6 to 9 for the next consecutive section, until the whole pole has been reassembled.
11. Replace rubber bung; check again that the action is smooth for each section. Once the bung has been replaced air resistance should be felt during the sliding action.
12. If a section feels tight or gritty; remove, wipe clean and re-adjust the grub screw in end stop.
