What Do These Ambassadeur Numbers Mean?

[Josh Smith]

Hi Folks,

 

I can replace the bearings in the '60s and '75 Ambassadeur 5000s I have.  I only need to grab a couple spools and turn the axles down, which is not a big deal at all, and fit Black Max bearings.  The measurements needed are 10mm in diameter and 4mm in thickness.  I end up in trouble with the axle diameter as it's right at 3.15mm.

 

Anyway, I was looking at spare parts, here: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/search_result.php?q=ambassadeur%205000

 

See all those numbers in parentheses?  Are those foot dates/serial numbers in which there was a change?  That's my guess but I'd like to be sure.

 

Thanks!

 

Josh

[oldschoolbasser]

Thats the year that the reel was produced. 760102 means it was produced in January of 1976,and was the 2nd production. Look at the 1st 2 numbers on your reel foot,and that will tell you what year it was made. A lot of guys make the mistake of trying to add bearings to the 5000 Series reels. But the spool shaft diameter is odd sized, and somewhere in between 3x10x4 and 4x10x4, so the bearings are either too big or too small.

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

 

I wasn't sure if those were the actual serial numbers on Abu's website, or if they were dates/serial numbers indicative of changes in the model.

 

The bearings will work, but I'll have to fit them.  I went all over that reel with a dial calipers. 

 

I actually have two.  The one that will be worked on will become a bearing model, while the other will retain is bushings.  I love the feel of casting with the spool riding on a fluid film like oil between an engine's crankshaft and rod bearings.

 

On the other hand, I really like the feel of bearings when reeling.

 

I have another idea that I might use down the line as far as a hybrid goes.

 

Both reels will be 4.7:1, up from 3.6:1.  I'd really like to go 5.3:1 on one of these, but I'm already getting 22IPT and the 4.7:1 fits my style. 

 

My biggest problem has been a lack of measurements.  I finally found a website that posts the measurements of most parts, anyway, but not the diameters of the ring and pinion sets.

 

I have an idea about that, using 6000 gears.  I doubt I'll have the room but I might just make it.

 

I got doing what I do for a living because I'm part mad scientist.  These two reels I'll keep, but I do think I'll modify others to help folks start fishing.  For example, I won an Abu Garcia 3000 from eBay.  I went through it and cleaned it up.  It's a cheaper version of the 5000 with a few expedient design changes, looks like, but besides faded plastic sideplates it's a solid reel.  It might be one to modify a bit to help a new fisherman.

 

I'm just sort of putting my ideas down here. 

 

I do appreciate your response.

 

Regards,

 

Josh

[Maxximus Redneckus]

All the gears are the same size , the only diff is the teeth angle and amount of teeth.i swap out gears from a 4600 with 3.8 ratio into a 6500 and the 6500 gears to the 4600 the only time you will have prob maybe is with graphite framed abus switchin to metal .theres a slight side plate diff