usually plenty on gumtree .. I've just refurbished all my 651's now (all 5 of them .. the number seems to grow) .. brand news brakes and springs all round. If you dont have any luck I have a few friends that have them and don't use them .. let me know and I can ask for you. 

 Hi Crezz

I have an Alvey 651c5 in my collection in good nick.only used beach fishing floating out a balloon.$100 (700m 15kg low stretch mono)

0429203822.dawesville or balcatta each week pick up

Also got a rod to suit Su 400 ozflex wa made $100 as new

 I picked up an original Snyder 7177 with deep spool 651 for $120 .. pristine condition externally. Brake pads were a little corroded and the rubber washer stiff but that is to be expected for a reel that age.. 

Thanks guys, chasing the E5 specifically for the  solid handles on the spool. 

 Solid handles ??? please explain .. 

 are you talking about the handles moulded into the spool? They can be a point of failure if you drop it .. better to go with the stainless mounting on spindle 651 C5

 I'm not overly familiar with Alveys however a large chain tackle store had some ones in stock today. I would have taken a closer look however there was no service for about 10 minutes at the reel counter. For the first time ever they actually had a pretty good range of decent reels too.

 I'm not overly familiar with Alveys however a large chain tackle store had some ones in stock today. I would have taken a closer look however there was no service for about 10 minutes at the reel counter. For the first time ever they actually had a pretty good range of decent reels too.

Timbo2410 the handles are directly screwed to the spool rather than to a stainless handle 

 yep they can be a weak spot if there is an impact on the handle ie. it can damage the spool ... each to their own but i much prefer the stainless plate with handle attached .. never had one fail but if a spool were to become unuasable .. then it's either try and repair the spool or replace the reel. Is their a specific reason you want it? ie do you expect it to be stronger or perform differently? 

Want it to be able to hold on to the handle as resistance ol decent fish  

 ?? i can assure you that what your saying is NOT necessary nor is it wise. Suddenly jerking the line when onto a "decent" fish by putting your hand on the handles affectively locks the spool on that model and is not going to work in your favour. I've seen people dead winch in 30kg spanish mackeral up a cliff with a locked up Alvey. If your having to use your hand to have an affective brake then there is a problem with your brake washers ... like i said above, I've just replaced all of mine and I dont care what Im hooked up to or likely to hook up to and I have fine adjustement as well .. it's not going anywhere unless terminal tackle fails. If it were me I'd go a 651 deep spool c5 and your all set .. replace the brake washers and check the springs .. load it with line and your good to go .. BTW have you ever put your hand accidentally on an alvey spool whilst it's spinning ... it will give you a wakeup that's for sure :-)