got a present of this reel back from america, smashing reel and i hope 2 use it for casting but it has a level wind!! does any1 have any advice on how i could take it off was told just 2 cut it off with a mini saw, apart from that do i have to open the hole reel up!??
The safest way is to buy a new ct cage...in the long run it could work out the cheapest way also.....you may even find a buyer for the L/W cage to help offset the cost.
To answer your question though...yes you need to take both side plates off and remove the spool before you start cutting and filing...warning...one slip and you have a nasty mark on the chrome...even if you use masking tape...best left to the likes of Peter Coogan in the UK.
2 Min job for someone in the know with a dremmel, as kieth has said if you want it converted one of the lads can do it easily im sure. You will need to buy a conversion bar for it to replace the levelwind bar, there about £10 on ebay or i can give you a few contacts as could the lads to get one from england.