.

Well, to my untrained eye, they look like they have some history, but not too bad overall. Definetly keepers!

My 2 cents, I completely understand the value of things from the past, some value them, some don't, I have stuff that my GF asks me why I keep, I tell her it's a material (physical) connection to the past, that she understands, those things evoke memories and that's their real value.

Glad you have them now,

As far as talking to the family member about it, I wouldn't,   the chance that the conversation leaves you feeling better than before you had it seems slim to me, but that's just my opinion.

Fix them up and fish'em, my guess is that's the best way to settle those feelings, and honor the good memories of your Dad.

Even the pitted parts can be replated if you want to go that far.

Hey Vic, I have a Jigmaster 500 around the same year as that one in great condition. its yours bro!! heres some pics

Before you use anything destructive to remove the rust, PLEASE try Evapo-Rust. 

http://www.evapo-rust.com/

I swear by this stuff to remove rust without harming anything in the process. 

Here is a motorcycle rear brake arm that was sitting for 20 years outside before and after soaking the parts in Evapo Rust.  The only abrasive I used was a toothbrush and some 0000 steel wool (4-ought)
You can pick it up from any auto supply store like AutoZone for under $20.

There are lots of fine threads and adjusters in this brake arm that were rusted solid.  After soaking, they unthreaded by hand.

you got a deal!

In my photos, those parts, the threaded rod, the cable adjusters with the knurls, the cotter pins, the springs; nothing but Evapo Rust.  I did spray on a dry chain wax to keep the parts from rusting again, but on the reel, I'd recommend a good quality wax finish to protect it from weather for the external parts and a good reel lube on everything else. 

Or you can just do what I did, and put those reels in a place of honor on your "fishing shelf", patina and all.  It reminds me of all the time my Dad and I spent on the water, him ingraining in me the fishing lifestyle that I embraced as I became a man.  My dad never placed a priority on reel maintenance like I do, but that's part of the lessons that he has imparted on me.  Every time I see them, which is every time I go to grab reels for maintenance, it remind me of everything he's taught me.

-Allen

You might even be able to get the parts cleaned up & re-plated.

Sorry Vic. Family can totally suck. In time you won't be as angry.
Salvage what you have and savor that.

first cleaning..metal was green and is pitted pretty bad ,everything seem to move ok after some oil

first reel Penn Jigmaster 500 S
second reel Penn Del Mar #285

I got a Delmar 285, and a some spare side plates you can have.  That is a sloooow retrieve like 2:1

that 500 has so much out there, I know I have parts for it.  Hell I still fish a 500 with Bakelite side plates.

Relating, hardly worth it unless you got a friend in the business. It would be cheaper to find reel and take it apart to restore your reel.  Or buy the parts from Pennparts.com

Scott would have what you need.

Give me a mailing address, and I can send the reel and parts your way.