1960s Ambassadeur Upgrade!

[Josh Smith]

Here are some pics of what I do with my old Ambassadeur reels.  I still fish them extensively; they serve as my slow reels with about 23IPT retrieve.  I love to tinker with these!


Left side of the reel


Under the cap


The bearing that replaced the bushing; the right side is similar.


Lightened worm gear drive cog


Left side of the stainless frame


Polished worm gear


The removed levelwind assembly showing the polish and the bearings which replace the plastic bushings


Left side plate


Left side, handle and screw removed


Polished drag spring washers; two for increased drag range adjustment


Crank bearing which replaces the stock crank bushing.  It cleans up slop and makes things smoother overall.


Fast gears, drag washer and crank bearing stack on the driveshaft


Fast gears, drag washer, crank bearing, driveshaft, disassembled.  Carbontex drag clutches.

Fun stuff!

Regards,

Josh

[foakes]

Very well done, Josh --

Making a bullet-proof 50 YO reel -- even better!

Best,

Fred

[Alto Mare]

I always wanted to play with one and finally opened one up not long ago. I must say, they are awesome reels, I really like the way they're put together.
They must have been well ahead of everyone else during their time.
Thanks for sharing.
Sal

[Shark Hunter]

Excellent Work Josh!
Now stop drilling holes in the table.

[handi2]

Great job Josh. My workbench also has drill holes..!

4x10x4 bearings correct?

Those are some great reels.

[Josh Smith]

Great job Josh. My workbench also has drill holes..!

4x10x4 bearings correct?

Those are some great reels.

Hello,

8x13x4 for the crank, and for the spool on this older type of Ambassadeur, 3x10x4.

The stock 5000 or 5500 spool won't work.  You'll have to turn it down or do it the easy way and use a 5000c or 5500c spool! 

Regards,

Josh

[Josh Smith]

Forgot a pic!



All that spins has bearings in this reel.

I do retain the spool bushings in a couple other reels.  Love the oil film effect!

Josh