Ambassadeur Project Help

[Tywithay]

I bought this old Ambassadeur new almost 20 years ago. It has been sitting the past few, because somewhere along the line, I lost the two little brake blocks on the spool. It is now pretty wild, unless you're casting a lot of weight. I've decided that I want to spice it up a bit, if possible, because it seems like a pretty rare reel (almost impossible to find any information on it), and I don't have anything better to do. I know for sure I want to get a new spool. I'd like to possibly change the handle and drag star, if anything else will fit. They don't really make 5500 C4 reels, but this is a special edition. I managed to do some digging and find out it uses the same spool as the 5600C4 Elite, so I can order that one if need be. I was kind of hoping a more modern spool might be compatible. I am also hoping a longer, more modern, handle will work. The little 80mm with crappy plastic knobs just doesn't cut it after using the stuff of today. 

 

If anyone can help a brother out, it'd be much appreciated. Even if you can't help, but know any information about this particular reel, that'd be neat. I have only found one other photo on the google and it didn't supply any new information.

[MN Fisher]

There's a break-apart diagram on Mike's - he may also have the parts needed for direct replacement

Diagram - https://www.mikesreelrepair.com/content/schematics/Ambassadeur_BTC5500C4_0800_Schematic.pdf

Parts - https://www.mikesreelrepair.com/reel-parts/abu-garcia-parts/

 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

These  where made for kmart when they sponsored BASS does this have the side plate also with the bass insignia?? This reel can be moddified to your hearts  desire ...japantackle.com hedgehogstudios.com

[Tywithay]

14 minutes ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

These  where made for kmart when they sponsored BASS does this have the side plate also with the bass insignia?? This reel can be moddified to your hearts  desire ...japantackle.com hedgehogstudios.com

It does have the insignia. I did buy the reel from kmart. Think I used money I got for my 16th birthday, or something like that. 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I have a similar one in black

Bought mine in 94

If i remeber correctly  it was a combo with a berkly rod which is long gone im thinking  it was 59.99

These same reels new in 2018 are 130$ back in those days you could buy a abu 49.99 then they kept goin up 10 bucka each yr same design and all .very versitale realiable reels that can go the distance and hold there own with any reel made today 

[Tywithay]

52 minutes ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

I have a similar one in black

Bought mine in 94

If i remeber correctly  it was a combo with a berkly rod which is long gone im thinking  it was 59.99

These same reels new in 2018 are 130$ back in those days you could buy a abu 49.99 then they kept goin up 10 bucka each yr same design and all .very versitale realiable reels that can go the distance and hold there own with any reel made today 

I paid over $100 for mine. Think it was like $119.99. I distinctly remember it, because my mom wanted to kill me for spending that much on a fishing reel. Good thing she doesn't see my receipts from the rods and reels I have in the garage right now...

[JHB]

Abu will sell you parts for that on there web site.  The very bottom there is a link for spare parts.

[Tywithay]

2 hours ago, JHB said:

Abu will sell you parts for that on there web site.  The very bottom there is a link for spare parts.

I can buy replacement parts cheaper from other sites, but I don't want replacements. I want to find compatible aftermarket parts. 

[MN Fisher]

1 hour ago, Tywithay said:

but I don't want replacements. I want to find compatible aftermarket parts. 

With a reel that old, good luck on finding anything besides replacement parts. Upgrades are few and far between for anything over 5 years old far as I found. Even replacements are hard to get, took me 2-weeks searching before I found a replacement handle for my 30+ year old Cardinal 562.

[WRB]

Most anglers take the weights out and rely on spool end tension and a trained thumb to effectively cast the round Ambassaduer reels. I am sure the replacement brakes are easy to find.

Tom

[tholmes]

Take a look at http://hookless.com/. Jerry has a lot of parts for customizing those older Ambassadeurs.

The 2BB worm gear and idler/cog wheel are some of my favorites. He also has an assortment of handles.

 

Tom

[Maxximus Redneckus]

4 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

With a reel that old, good luck on finding anything besides replacement parts. Upgrades are few and far between for anything over 5 years old far as I found. Even replacements are hard to get, took me 2-weeks searching before I found a replacement handle for my 30+ year old Cardinal 562.

Round abus have many many parts still available original and modified a very strong following worldwide 

E bay has many old stock new or original parts between e bay and abu websites i could build whole reels all sizes ..in 30 mins 7 diff sizes

[JustJames]

1 hour ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

Round abus have many many parts still available original and modified a very strong following worldwide 

E bay has many old stock new or original parts between e bay and abu websites i could build whole reels all sizes ..in 30 mins 7 diff sizes

And the good thing is most of the part are interchangeable. 5000 and 6000 series got the same side plate only one wider than other. I've never seen shallow spool for Abu 5000 series, but I'm out of ABU world for quite awhile. I think the new bent from 6500 c3 might fit your reel. There are also power handle for Abu that should fit your reel just fine. You can also add line clicker but you have to buy new side plate that come with it. These all in my opinion worth upgrading for your reel.

Mine 5000 series also BPS special come with thumb bar release and line clicker already, I only swapped handle with my 6500c3.

[WRB]

1 hour ago, JustJames said:

And the good thing is most of the part are interchangeable. 5000 and 6000 series got the same side plate only one wider than other. I've never seen shallow spool for Abu 5000 series, but I'm out of ABU world for quite awhile. I think the new bent from 6500 c3 might fit your reel. There are also power handle for Abu that should fit your reel just fine. You can also add line clicker but you have to buy new side plate that come with it. These all in my opinion worth upgrading for your reel.

Mine 5000 series also BPS special come with thumb bar release and line clicker already, I only swapped handle with my 6500c3.

Narrow spool 5000C is 4500C.

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

If you don't like that handle, then you would absolutely hate the one on my 5001C.  Best I can tell from the picture mine is even smaller.  Nor am I a fan of the small plastic knobs.  I am going to check into some of the places listed in this thread to see if I can't find a more pleasing....and longer....handle.

[oldschoolbasser]

Since this is an Ultra Cast reel,you can replace the star drag wheel with an offset one, and add a swept handle too.  Lightweight line guide,dual bearing cog wheel, and worm gear can also be added. Avail also has a lightweight spool,but I'm not sure if it will fit this reel. You can contact Avail for fitment info. Carbontex drag washers,and better bearings would also be a good upgrade.