Tricking out an Ambassadeur 5000

[carrothead]

I see on ebay that they have spool bearings for sale for like 3 bucks.  (I believe they go under the spool tension and brake adjustment knobs) Is this the only place I can add bearings without major modifications?  Also, what else adds performance and smoothness?

Thanks!

[BobP]

Hmm... $3 spool bearings on Ebay.  Problem is, you can't tell the precision level of most bearings just from looking at them.  Not sure I'd trust'em to be even as good as the originals.  Me, I'd buy some ABEC7 bearings from a reputable service shop for around $8 each.  Talk to them about bearings to replace the bushings on the levelwind system (if possible).  Truth be told, there are only so many things you can do to soup up a large frame reel with a heavy spool.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Beware of counterfeit bearings. We have many Boca bearings on sale right now. A super tune service starts at $28 plus parts and includes a complete cleaning/lube plus fine polishing of critical friction points and drag surfaces, replacement bearings and carbontex drag washers. BassResource.com members get 10% off.

[Javelin200]

Take a gander here. I followed these instructions on 3 of my Abu's, and it made a huge difference.

http://super-tuning.home.mindspring.com/i1a.html

[oldschoolbasser]

I've tricked-out quite a few of my older Ambassadeurs.I go full out with all the bearing up-grades,and Carbontex drag washers.It really makes a big difference in the reels performance,plus the satisfaction of knowing I did it myself.This reel has a total of10 bearings(1 idler gear,2 worm gear,1drive shaft,2 spool,and 4 handle bearings)This is probably the smoothest reel I've ever put together,and it feels like butter!

[Steve1357]

What year 5000 and how much money you want to spend?

Some have only bushings, some have both, some have only bearings. Some will have the bushings/bearings in the left side and right side plates, newer ones will have them in the spool.

That will also tell you what size of bearings to get, 4x10x4 or 3x10x4. At first guess, if they are in the spool, they are 4x10x4, if they are brass bushings in the side plates, they should be 3x10x4. I'd measure to make sure.

vxb.com has 10 qty for $15, search for kit210 and kit677.

I'd recommend cleaning the grease out of the bearings and lubricate with oil.

Bearings can also be had in a new handle, and also a new level wind assembly, but I didn't want to "invest" that much. Two bearings was more than enough for me, I couldn't see putting a new handle on the reel costing more than the reel, but it will make it smoother.

I find replacing the spool support bushings with new bearings lubed with a light weight oil, will have you freewheeling more than you need, wearing your shims out on the spool tension adjustments. You don't want to get it too hot on a cast, just to end up cranking it down...

Have fun is the main thing, pick you up a few more of the same year model 5000s off of eBay, start you a collection to experiment with, everyone needs more than one...

Btw, how far can you go?

http://www.tackletour.net/TTForums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=46940&start=0